Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5

Overview

The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the education of learners by providing specialist support. Specialist teaching assistants plan, implement, and adapt activities in order to advance learning. They draw on research to develop a critical understanding of their specialist area. They establish relationships with learners, families, other professionals and external agencies to support the education of the learners they work with. They contribute to developing a sense of inclusion and belonging for the benefit of the learners within the communities that they serve. They draw on their specialism to contribute to the evaluation of learning and assessment activities, sustainability in their educational context. Specialist teaching assistants both reflect on their own practices and support the training and development of others within their specialist area.

This Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is for SEND specialist teaching assistants who support the implementation of SEND policy, processes, and procedure. They will advance learning for those learners with SEND.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with learners and teachers, or others acting in a supervisory capacity. They may work with other education professionals such as SENCO's, and external agencies such as early help, social services, or agencies that provide specialised support in the area of specialist provision.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting the education of individuals or groups of learners, often identified by their supervisor. They must ensure the safety of the learners in their care. They may have responsibility for supporting the work of colleagues. Within settings where they are undertaking specified work, they will be working under the supervision of a qualified teacher.

What is covered on the course?

The apprentice will follow the SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant standard, and will be supported to enable them to evidence the required knowledge, skills and behaviours across the following core themes:

Regulation and Guidance
Advancing Learning
Planning and Assessment
Professionalism
Communication

Key info

Course duration

18 months with up to 3 months Assessment.

Funding Options

Levy employers: £12,000
Non-levy employers: £600

Entry requirements

The apprentice must be at least 16 years old and will be required to undertake a DBS check. They must also be employed and typically be working at least 30 hours per week and not less than 16 hours. We anticipate take up of the level 5 to be by those educational assistants with a good existing knowledge of the SEND role in education and with opportunity for supervisory responsibility. They will hold Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.

Apprenticeship Assessment Period

Observation with questions
A professional discussion, underpinned by a showcase portfolio

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will be awarded the following:

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard with SEND specialism

Beginning the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The constant support from my mentors has been more than I could have asked for. Having now completed my apprenticeship I feel I have gained an incredible amount of experience and knowledge over the 18 months. I couldn't recommend the course any more!

Jack Bell Teaching Assistant Apprentice

I have been fortunate to complete my apprenticeship with Aspiration Training, and throughout the entire journey they have been nothing but supportive. They place equal importance on both the academic side of the apprenticeship and the wellbeing of their learners, which has made a real difference to my experience. Any time I have needed guidance, encouragement, or reassurance, they have been approachable and ready to help. What stands out most is their genuine willingness to go above and beyond, not only to ensure success during the apprenticeship but also to support future studies and career progression. This level of commitment has given me confidence, motivation, and a strong foundation for the next steps in my learning journey.

Isabella Perrin Teaching Assistant Learner

What happens after my apprenticeship?

At Aspiration Training, we provide every learner with a career pathway. This is a plan with clear, practical steps our learners can take to achieve the career of their dreams.

Our career pathways show typical routes through the various stages of learning, the knowledge and skills that will be learnt along the way and the career options that may be available as a result.

Career Progression is available across a number of levels, meaning, with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.

Explore the pathways below to find out more about the typical job titles associated with each career.

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