The Trusted Home of TA Training for Over 20 Years

 

 

Developing skilled teaching assistants through focused training and real-world experience

Best Practice Network has worked with teaching assistants (TAs) to develop their skills for more than 20 years. From the Level 3 and Level 5 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships and their various specialisms to the Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status (HLTA) programme, we have courses for teaching assistants of all experience levels and working in all phases of education.

For teaching assistants with undergraduate degrees who are looking to become qualified teachers, we have the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship which is a salaried pathway to QTS which is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

Take a look at our courses below or get in touch to see how we can support you in your career as a teaching assistant.




 

 

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships - Level 3

These apprenticeships develop key skills for supporting learners in educational settings. Apprentices are trained in classroom assistance, behaviour management, and providing learning support. Furthermore, trainees can chose to specialise in key areas such as SEND and wellbeing.

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3
  • No previous qualifications needed
  • For current Teaching Assistants
    & aspiring Teaching Assistants
  • 15-18 month programme
  • No fees for trainees - funded through the Apprenticeship Levy

Find out more

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with SEND Level 3
  • A specialist SEND version of our popular Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
  • Equips learners to play an effective role in supporting students with SEND


Find out more

 

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships - Level 5

These apprenticeships are delivered at Level 5 and are therefore suitable for teaching assistants with a little bit more experience

Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - Level 5
  • For experienced teaching assistants
  • 18-month programme
  • Choose to specialise in SEND, Social and Emotional Wellbeing or Curriculum Provision
  • No fees for trainees - funded through the Apprenticeship Levy

Find out more

Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship - Level 5
  • 18 month programme
  • Delivered with qualified speech and language therapists from Speech and Language Link
  • Monthly coaching sessions plus online learning
  • No fees for learners, funded through the Apprenticeship Levy
Find out more

 

Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship

The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is an alternative to traditional university-based teacher training. It is perfect for teaching assistants as they can train to teach in their school while earning a salary and without incurring any fees.


  • For experienced teaching assistants with a degree and the support of their school to achieve QTS
  • No fees for trainees with funding coming through the Apprenticeship Levy
  • Earn a salary while training to teach
  • Bursaries available to support trainees and host schools
Find out more

 

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status is achieved by completing this two-day preparation course designed to support teaching assistants in demonstrating that they meet the 33 National HLTA Standards.


  • For TAs with some experience of leading whole-class learning
  • Two full preparation days
  • Delivered online or Face-to-Face
  • A recognised progression route for TAs
Find out more

 

About Our Apprenticeships

Best Practice Network is one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in England. For the vast majority of schools in England, apprenticeships can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. For maintained schools, the Apprenticeship Levy account holder is their LA and for academies the account holder will be their MAT. Please contact us if you need any support related to Apprenticeship Levy funding.

We have tutors across England who lead our programmes and visit learners every 6 weeks to review progress and support the learner through the programme.

Our programmes are taught through monthly online webinars, online resources, online coursework, as well as apprenticeship tutor visits. We also ask apprentices to keep an online journal to reflect on their studies and how this impacts their practice.

Our apprenticeships are work-based training programmes where up to 20% of the learners working week is spent on development and training.

 At the end of the coursework, we have an external company to perform an End Point Assessment.

 

Why schools choose Best Practice Network

What our apprentices say

“I scored my experience a 10 because it has genuinely been incredible from start to finish. The support from Best Practice Network has been consistent, thoughtful and motivating. Anne-Marie, in particular, has been exceptionally helpful and inspiring. Her guidance is clear and encouraging, and she always makes the learning feel achievable and purposeful.

The virtual classroom teachers are equally fantastic. The sessions are engaging, well structured and relevant to real practice, and I always come away feeling more confident and motivated to apply what I’ve learned in my role. There is a strong sense that the staff genuinely care about learners and want everyone to succeed.

Overall, the course has exceeded my expectations and has had a meaningful impact on both my professional confidence and my day to day practice.”

TA Apprentice Apprenticeship learner voice