This course is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy Fund
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship builds the knowledge, skills and behaviours to support teachers and improve pupil progress. Blended online learning, tutor visits and off the job training cover whole class support, safeguarding and assessment, with optional specialist pathways and progression to HLTA.
Residency in the UK for the last three years
The right to work and study in the UK
Want to specialise your apprenticeship in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
If you want to make a real difference for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (SEND specialism) is designed for you. You’ll gain the confidence, skills and knowledge to help every pupil feel included, stay focused and achieve their goals.
You won’t pay anything. Your apprenticeship is fully funded through the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme.
Free for you – the full £7,000 cost is covered.
Always funded – whether your school pays into the levy or not, your place is covered through government support or levy transfer.
Extra support for you – if you’re 16–18, or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, your school also receives an extra £1,000 to support your apprenticeship.
What this means for you: You can apply with confidence knowing cost will never be a barrier. Your training is fully funded so you can focus on building your skills and progressing in your career.
The Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of online study, monthly webinars and regular tutor visits, with coursework submitted to an e-portfolio. Learners receive structured teaching, six-weekly reviews and ongoing support, leading to a final End Point Assessment after 15–18 months.
Half termly tutor on site visits with observations and professional discussions in the school workplace
An extensive curriculum with 17 Knowledge, 16 Skills and 6 Behaviours
Reviews every six weeks with the Tutor and Head Teacher or Line Manager, remote or face to face
Reflective CPD online journal or blog
One to one teaching sessions with a dedicated Tutor
Group webinars and online catch ups
HLTA competencies and career development
Individual learning plans
Having delivered HLTA for 21 years, we asked schools what an ideal Teaching Assistant programme should include. The clear message was for deeper specialism. Our programme lets each learner tailor their learning to the needs of their classroom.
Learners must select and complete one specialism while on programme.
You can choose more than one after discussing this with your employer and tutor so it does not affect core course requirements.
You will gain a certificate for every specialism successfully completed.
Specialisms become available six months after your apprenticeship start date.
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Build expertise across SLCN, SEMH, dyslexia and ASD to provide strong, practical support for learners with SEND.
Apply effective nursery and reception practice so children get the best start, aligned with EYFS principles.
Support pupils at different stages of English acquisition and from varied backgrounds with targeted strategies.
Build a deeper understanding of behaviour and use approaches that help learners succeed in the classroom.
Strengthen formative assessment. Check prior knowledge, address misconceptions, monitor learning during and after lessons, and give effective feedback.
As well as ensuring full competency as a Teaching Assistant, this standard builds a platform for progression into roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher and Teacher.
Gain knowledge, skills and behaviours to make impact in your school.
Finish with a personalised Individual Learning Plan to support career development.
Post EPA, successful learners can apply for fast track HLTA assessment with Best Practice Network.
Lead learning, support assessment and take on increased classroom responsibility.
Broaden your role with planning and delivery alongside class teachers.
Progress to initial teacher training routes supported by your plan and experience.
Best Practice Network has a national footprint in HLTA status and strong teacher training connections, so you will get expert guidance to plan your next steps.
Learn More about Fast Track to HLTA
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