Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – Level 5

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Courses Code

PW5APSTA

Study method

Part Time

Location(s)

Work based

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Is this course for you?

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship provides a clear progression pathway for staff who are eager to advance their careers beyond Level 5 or wish to broaden their knowledge and skills in order to offer even more effective support to pupils while continuing in their current role.

This apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals to support learners across a variety of educational settings, including primary, secondary, special schools, and further education institutions. Specialist teaching assistants work with students of all ages, often with a focus on special educational needs (SEND) and social and emotional well-being. The role involves planning, implementing, and adapting learning activities while incorporating research and reflective practice to ensure the best outcomes for students.

A key aspect of the apprenticeship is the development of strong relationships with learners, families, and other professionals, contributing to the creation of inclusive and supportive learning environments. Specialist teaching assistants are responsible for supporting both individual and group learning, ensuring student safety, and assisting with assessment and evaluation processes. In addition, they may be called upon to train and support colleagues within their specialist area, enhancing the overall quality of education provided in the institution.
Required qualifications

You need to hold Level 2 qualifications in maths and English before starting the apprenticeship.

You should have experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or equivalent role.
What skills will I develop?

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship equips individuals with advanced skills and knowledge to support learners with diverse educational needs. This apprenticeship focuses on enhancing expertise in areas such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), child development, and behaviour management. Apprentices will gain a deep understanding of various learning styles, enabling them to tailor their support to individual students. They will also develop proficiency in implementing personalized learning plans, working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals, and fostering inclusive environments. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the development of strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, preparing apprentices to take on more responsibility within educational settings and effectively advocate for the needs of students. Ultimately, this apprenticeship provides a comprehensive foundation for those looking to specialise in supporting children with complex needs, making a significant impact on their educational journey.
Careers

After completing a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, you will be well-equipped to take on a variety of roles in educational settings. The Level 5 qualification is a higher-level apprenticeship that focuses on developing more advanced skills for supporting teaching and learning in schools or other educational institutions. Here are some potential career paths you can consider:
- Specialist Teaching Assistant (Higher-Level TA)
- Inclusion Coordinator/Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
- Learning Support Mentor
- Education Welfare Officer
- Behaviour Support Specialist
- Training/Coaching Roles
- Teaching Assistant in Alternative Provisions
- Learning Support Specialist for Online Education
- Progression to Teacher Training
Work experience

As an apprentice you will work alongside your studies.
Other important information

The apprenticeship is 24 months with an additional 3 months to complete your end point assessment. The end point assessment comprises of an observation with Q&A and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.

Is this course for you?

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship provides a clear progression pathway for staff who are eager to advance their careers beyond Level 5 or wish to broaden their knowledge and skills in order to offer even more effective support to pupils while continuing in their current role.

This apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals to support learners across a variety of educational settings, including primary, secondary, special schools, and further education institutions. Specialist teaching assistants work with students of all ages, often with a focus on special educational needs (SEND) and social and emotional well-being. The role involves planning, implementing, and adapting learning activities while incorporating research and reflective practice to ensure the best outcomes for students.

A key aspect of the apprenticeship is the development of strong relationships with learners, families, and other professionals, contributing to the creation of inclusive and supportive learning environments. Specialist teaching assistants are responsible for supporting both individual and group learning, ensuring student safety, and assisting with assessment and evaluation processes. In addition, they may be called upon to train and support colleagues within their specialist area, enhancing the overall quality of education provided in the institution.
Required qualifications

You need to hold Level 2 qualifications in maths and English before starting the apprenticeship.

You should have experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or equivalent role.
What skills will I develop?

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship equips individuals with advanced skills and knowledge to support learners with diverse educational needs. This apprenticeship focuses on enhancing expertise in areas such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), child development, and behaviour management. Apprentices will gain a deep understanding of various learning styles, enabling them to tailor their support to individual students. They will also develop proficiency in implementing personalized learning plans, working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals, and fostering inclusive environments. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the development of strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, preparing apprentices to take on more responsibility within educational settings and effectively advocate for the needs of students. Ultimately, this apprenticeship provides a comprehensive foundation for those looking to specialise in supporting children with complex needs, making a significant impact on their educational journey.
Careers
After completing a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, you will be well-equipped to take on a variety of roles in educational settings. The Level 5 qualification is a higher-level apprenticeship that focuses on developing more advanced skills for supporting teaching and learning in schools or other educational institutions. Here are some potential career paths you can consider:
- Specialist Teaching Assistant (Higher-Level TA)
- Inclusion Coordinator/Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
- Learning Support Mentor
- Education Welfare Officer
- Behaviour Support Specialist
- Training/Coaching Roles
- Teaching Assistant in Alternative Provisions
- Learning Support Specialist for Online Education
- Progression to Teacher Training
Work experience

As an apprentice you will work alongside your studies.
Other important information

The apprenticeship is 24 months with an additional 3 months to complete your end point assessment. The end point assessment comprises of an observation with Q&A and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.

Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – Level 5

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

Other important information

Apprenticeship enquirie form