Specialist Teaching Assistant
- Level 5
- Ofqual Regulated
- 18 Month Programme
- 3 Month EPA Period
- Remote Delivery
- Bi-Weekly Online Sessions
- Industry Specialist Tutor
Course Summary
Purpose
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship equips individuals to provide advanced support within specialist areas such as special educational needs and disability (SEND), social and emotional wellbeing, and targeted curriculum provision including EAL, forest schools, subject-based interventions or music education. It develops the skills to support inclusive learning, enhance learner progress and contribute to specialist provision within educational settings.
Course Overview
The programme focuses on specialist strategies, inclusive practice, adapting learning approaches and supporting individual development. Apprentices gain practical experience while building the confidence and professional skills needed to work effectively as specialist teaching assistants within schools and learning environments.
Key Features
- Builds strong understanding of SEND policy, processes, and procedure
- Supports social–emotional well-being and specialist curriculum provision to advance learner progress
- Builds strong collaboration with teachers, SENCOs, and external support agencies
- Enhances targeted interventions through effective communication, guidance, and learner-focused practice
Who is it for?
This apprenticeship is suited to individuals supporting specialist provision within education settings. Typical job titles include:
- SEND Teaching Assistant
- Subject Intervention Assistant
- EAL Support Assistant
- Forest School Assistant
Benefits for Learners
Learners build the knowledge and practical ability to deliver high-quality specialist support, preparing them for senior TA positions or focused roles in SEND, wellbeing or curriculum intervention.
Benefits for Employers
Employers benefit from professionals who can support complex learner needs, contribute to effective interventions, and work collaboratively with staff and agencies to improve overall learner achievement.
Entry Requirements
- 18 or over and not in full-time education
- Employed in a relevant role
- Be working a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Have the right to work in the UK
Functional Skills
All apprentices are required to have a minimum of Level 2 in English and Maths.
If you already hold GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher in these subjects, you will not need to complete any additional qualifications. If you have not yet achieved these grades, you will be supported to work towards Functional Skills in English and/or Maths as part of your apprenticeship.
Learning is built into your apprenticeship and our team will provide the guidance and resources you need to achieve the required level.
Career Progression
Every apprenticeship at Educationwise is designed with clear next steps in mind. Learners can progress from entry-level roles through to specialist and managerial positions, depending on their chosen pathway.
You can view the full progression routes for this programme in our Career Progression PDF, which highlights how each qualification links to further development opportunities.
Curriculum
| Module | Months | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1–2 | Learning Launch |
| 2 | 3–4 | Promoting Positive Values and Understanding Support Frameworks |
| 3 | 5–6 | Planning and Delivering Targeted Learning Activities |
| 4 | 7–8 | Assessing Learning and Evaluating Impact |
| 5 | 9–10 | Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement |
| 6 | 11–12 | Supporting Inclusive Practices and Learner Wellbeing |
| 7 | 13-14 | Managing Resources and Advocating for Specialist Support |
| 8 | 15–16 | Reflective Practice and Leadership Development |
| 9 | 17–18 | Leading Specialist Support Across the Learning Environment |
Assessment
Once learners reach Gateway, their portfolio and progress are reviewed by the employer and training provider. If ready, they enter the End-Point Assessment over three months, including a 2-hour work-based observation with at least 6 questions and a 60-minute professional discussion with at least 10 questions, supported by their portfolio. Successful learners achieve the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, a nationally recognised qualification in specialist education support.
Funding For Employers
Levy
- If your organisation has an annual wage bill of over £3 million, you will pay the apprenticeship levy (0.5% of your payroll).
- Levy funds are collected through your HMRC account and can be used to cover the full cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.
- Funds expire after 24 months if not used.
Non-Levy
- If your organisation has a wage bill of under £3 million, you will only contribute 5% of the training costs for each apprentice.
- The government funds the remaining 95%.
- For employers with fewer than 50 staff, apprentices aged 16–18 (or 19–24 with an Education, Health & Care Plan) are 100% government funded.
Additional Information
- Employers may also be eligible for incentive payments for hiring younger apprentices.
- Our team will guide you through the process of setting up a digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account and securing funding.
Apprenticeship Guide PDF
Access this downloadable PDF for a detailed overview of the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, covering what you’ll study, how the programme is delivered, assessment requirements, key skills developed and how to get started.
Expression of Interest
Contact Us
- info@education-wise.org
- 01173 790 450
- Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM