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Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Supporting learners with additional needs
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is aimed at experienced teaching assistants and education support professionals who are ready to develop a higher level of specialist knowledge and take greater responsibility for supporting learners.
Specialist Teaching Assistants can work across primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, further education and other education settings.
The apprenticeship offers three specialist pathways: SEND, Social and Emotional Well-being, and Curriculum Provision, allowing apprentices to develop expertise relevant to their role and the needs of their learners
Designed for employers looking to develop specialist support within their teams and individuals wanting to build their skills and expertise in inclusive education.
Topics, units and assessments
Supporting career development and business success
As part of this apprenticeship, learners will develop knowledge and skills in:
1
Safeguarding
Create safe and supportive learning environments and apply effective safeguarding practices.
2
Curriculum Planning
Support curriculum delivery through effective pedagogy, planning and learning activities.
3
Assessment and Progress
Support assessment and monitor learner progress, development and outcomes.
4
Inclusion and Support
Promote equity and inclusion while responding to the individual needs of learners.
5
Professional Practice
Develop reflective practice, professional behaviours and continued professional development.
6
Communication and Collaboration
Build positive relationships and work collaboratively to support learners and improve outcomes.
Customised training available
Flexible delivery to suit your business or schedule
Career progression
Career progression that drives personal growth and business success
SENDCo / SENCO
An apprentice specialising in SEND could work towards a SENDCo role, taking greater responsibility for coordinating SEND provision across a school. The role focuses on ensuring learners with additional needs receive appropriate support and working collaboratively with staff, families and external professionals.
Pastoral or Inclusion Lead
This would be particularly relevant for someone completing the social and emotional wellbeing pathway. They could progress into a role leading approaches to inclusion, learner wellbeing, behaviour and removing barriers that may prevent pupils from engaging successfully in education. The Level 5 standard specifically develops specialist practice in social and emotional wellbeing and inclusion.
Specialist Curriculum or Intervention Lead
An apprentice could progress into a role leading a particular area of curriculum support or intervention, such as literacy, numeracy, EAL, forest school or another specialist area. This builds directly on the curriculum provision pathway within the Level 5 apprenticeship.
Qualified Teacher
For those wishing to move into teaching, progression into teacher training could be a longer-term career route. Their Level 5 experience of curriculum, pedagogy, planning, assessment, inclusion and learner support provides relevant experience on which to build, although they would need to meet the entry requirements for their chosen teacher-training route.
My apprenticeship has also boosted my confidence and opened up new opportunities for career advancement.
Payal, Apprentice.
How training works
Designed to minimise disruption while supporting real-world learning
Off the job training is a critical and important element; it must deliver new skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can include:
Teaching of theory via blended delivery methods
Practical training
Work shadowing
Supported learning and time spent writing any assignments/questions.
Apprenticeship solutions for employers
Invest in your workforce
Whether you're recruiting new staff, developing existing employees or exploring apprenticeship opportunities for your organisation, discover our Early Years and Education apprenticeship programmes.
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