Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5
Support the education of learners by specialising in one of three key areas:
✅SEND
✅Social and emotional well-being
✅Curriculum provision
Deadline Extension: Sunday 20th July - Secure your spot for the Autumn Cohort.
 Free for Learners. Funding via Apprenticeship Levy |
 Specialist TeachingAssistant Level 5 |
 Blended learning |
 One-to-one teaching |
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Price for this programme: £12,000 £0
This course is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy Fund
What is the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5?
The Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5 is a 18-month long apprenticeship that prepares individuals to support learners across various educational settings, including primary, secondary, special schools, and further education institutions.
Specialist teaching assistants work with students of all ages, often focusing on special educational needs (SEND), social and emotional well-being, or specific curriculum areas like EAL, forest schools, or music education. The role involves planning, implementing, and adapting learning activities, while drawing on research and reflective practice.
Specialist teaching assistants build relationships with learners, families, and professionals, contributing to the development of inclusive, supportive learning environments. They are responsible for supporting both individual and group learning, ensuring student safety, and assisting with assessment and evaluation processes. Additionally, they may train and support colleagues in their specialist area..
Specialist teaching assistants choose from three main pathways:
- SEND – Supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Social and Emotional Well-being – Focusing on mental health and emotional support.
- Curriculum Provision – Specialising in subject-specific interventions such as early reading or maths, forest school, or EAL.
Specialist teaching assistants work under the supervision of qualified teachers but may take on additional responsibilities depending on the setting.
How is this programme delivered?
The programme spans 18 months, during which you will engage in a range of activities alongside your employment:
- Interactive online learning
- One-to-one support with your apprenticeship tutor
- Independent learning through online learning materials
- Employer/mentor reviews throughout the whole programme
- End Point Assessments at the end of the programme which will demonstrate your knowledge
Watch the recording of our latest webinar here:
FAQs
Who is eligible for this apprenticeship?
Learners must:
- Have held a residency in the UK for the last three years
- Have the right to work and study in the UK
What are the specialisms offered?
The apprenticeship includes SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), social and emotional well-being, and curriculum provision. Each specialism has tailored group sessions to support targeted development.
What are the progression routes after this apprenticeship?
Pathways include moving towards HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) status or considering a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship if teaching is a goal.
What are the employer responsibilities for this apprenticeship?
Employers need to provide six hours of off-the-job training per week, offer a mentor, and facilitate the apprentice’s monthly virtual sessions and overall development.
How is the programme funded?
It’s fully funded for those working in local authority schools or those paying into the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support.
More questions?
Check out our collated list of over 20 questions answered!
More FAQs
What will I learn on the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5?
Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship equips experienced teaching assistants with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) needed to excel in supporting students with diverse needs.
Designed to help you specialise in areas such as SEND, behaviour management, and inclusive education, this programme offers a structured pathway to deepen your expertise while continuing to work in your current role. Below are the key KSBs you will develop throughout the apprenticeship:
SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant
SEND Specialist Teaching Assistants focus on supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. They are adept at implementing SEND policies, identifying specific needs early, and adapting educational practices to ensure inclusive learning environments. Their role is pivotal in advocating for and advancing the educational experiences of learners with SEND.
Social and Emotional Well-being Specialist Teaching Assistant
Specialists in Social and Emotional Well-being are dedicated to fostering environments that support the mental health and emotional resilience of learners. They implement relevant policies, identify students requiring additional support, and apply targeted strategies to enhance well-being, thereby facilitating better learning outcomes.
Curriculum Provision Specialist Teaching Assistant
Curriculum Provision Specialists concentrate on enhancing learning in specific subject areas or educational approaches, such as early reading, mathematics, or forest school programs. They tailor instructional strategies and assessments to the curriculum, advocate for their specialty, and collaborate with colleagues to enrich the educational experience.
Meet the Team
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