Teaching Assistant

This apprenticeship is for those individuals working in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, and further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges. The delivery plan has been particularly designed to support those working with learners with special educational needs and disabilities and learners with social, emotional, and mental health vulnerabilities. Teaching Assistants work across all age ranges, supporting all learners. They support the class teacher to enhance learners’ progress and development either in groups or individually. Teaching Assistants ensure that learners understand their work, know their learning objectives, and display positive learning behaviours to make progress. They deliver individual and small group teaching and apply a range of strategies to support learners of different abilities under the professional direction and supervision of a qualified teacher.

To support the learner in developing the required underpinning knowledge for their apprenticeship, a minimum of 348 hours of Off-the-job training must be undertaken throughout the practical period of the apprenticeship and during the learner's usual working hours - not in their own time.

During off-the-job training, the learner will develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) related to their job role and sector. This is achieved in various ways, such as online and face-to-face 1-1 and group sessions, work shadowing, self-study, assignments and online learning.

What is covered on the course?

The learner will be expected to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to be competent in the following duties of a Teaching Assistant, outlined below:

Duty 1

Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisation and promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance of all learners in line with school policies, including by challenging stereotyped views, bullying or harassment.

Duty 2

Implement safeguarding policies and safe practice, including online safety, in line with legislation, policies, and procedures including maintaining confidentiality.

Duty 3

Work in partnership and liaise with other professionals (such as the teaching staff, SENDCo, or external advisors) and parents/carers to support all learners’ learning.

Duty 4

Reflect on their own practice and identify appropriate professional development opportunities with the support of colleagues.

Duty 5

Understand the specific needs of learners and use strategies to support all learners to achieve their learning goals.

Duty 6

Promote engagement and teach learning behaviours to support the development of independent learners.

Duty 7

Establish positive relationships with learners and promote positive behaviours, consistently applying the school’s behaviour policy.

Duty 8

Support the social, emotional, mental health, wellbeing and personal care of all learners in line with organisational policy and procedures.

Duty 9

Deliver individual and small group teaching within clearly defined/planned parameters in partnership with the teacher and other professionals.

Duty 10

Contribute to assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording, and reporting of learner outcomes and participation as agreed with the teacher.

Duty 11

Support the development of a stimulating and safe learning environment by contributing to the selection and preparation of teaching resources that meet the diverse needs and interests of learners.

Duty 12

Support or lead enrichment activities for example visits, out of school activities and in school clubs.

The individual will also work towards Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, if applicable.