Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5

Overview of apprenticeship

Specialist teaching assistants support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the social and emotional well-being, of learners, or within another area of specialist curriculum provision such as forest schools, EAL, subject-based interventions or music education. 

This occupation is found in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges, and a range of other education settings such as music hubs. Specialist teaching assistants will work alongside colleagues to inspire learners to progress and achieve well. Specialist teaching assistants work across all age ranges, supporting a range of learners. In the Early Years, specialisms are achieved through continuing professional development opportunities subsequent to staff achieving a recognised qualification which enables them to work in a setting in accordance with the Early Years qualification requirements and standards. Specialist teaching assistants may support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the social and emotional well-being, of learners, or within another area of specialist curriculum provision such as forest schools, EAL, subject-based interventions or music education. 

The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the education of learners by providing specialist support. Specialist teaching assistants plan, implement, and adapt activities in order to advance learning. They draw on research to develop a critical understanding of their specialist area. They establish relationships with learners, families, other professionals and external agencies to support the education of the learners they work with. They contribute to developing a sense of inclusion and belonging for the benefit of the learners within the communities that they serve. They draw on their specialism to contribute to the evaluation of learning and assessment activities, sustainability in their educational context. Specialist teaching assistants both reflect on their own practices and support the training and development of others within their specialist area. They will specialise in one of three options:

• SEND specialist teaching assistants support the implementation of SEND policy, processes, and procedure. They will advance learning for those learners with SEND.
• Social and emotional well-being specialist teaching assistants support the implementation of policy, processes, and procedure in this area. They will focus on learners' social and emotional well-being, to advance learning.
• Curriculum provision specialist teaching assistants provide support for learners and advance learning in a specialist curriculum or subject area of expertise. This may include, but is not limited to, supporting with advancing learning through early reading or early maths interventions, supporting a specific subject area or forest school provision, or supporting provision for learners with English as an additional language (EAL).

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with learners and teachers, or others acting in a supervisory capacity. They may work with other education professionals such as SENCO's, and external agencies such as early help, social services, or agencies that provide specialised support in the area of specialist provision. 

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting the education of individuals or groups of learners, often identified by their supervisor. They must ensure the safety of the learners in their care. They may have responsibility for supporting the work of colleagues. Within settings where they are undertaking specified work, they will be working under the supervision of a qualified teacher.

Delivery Plan and Assessment

All Apprentices must spend 20% of their time on programme completing Off-The-Job training, this includes workshops, project assignments, independent study, internal training, and any shadow shifts. Apprentices will be supported by 1:1 meetings in the workplace by their dedicated Programme Tutor. Additional learning resources and information will be made available online to ensure a fully blended learning experience. Apprentices may be required to attend sessions at a WSC location, or in their workplace.

Learners will be required to complete an End Point Assessment at the end of their learning.

Where will this course take me?

Typical roles include:

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• Specialist Learning Support
• Learning Mentor
• Specialist Mentor
• Specialist Education Support
• Learning Mentor
• SEND Teaching Assistant
• Social and Emotional Wellbeing Assistant.

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

Your wage is decided by your employer however must meet the National Minimum Wage regulations https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates. 

Entry requirements

Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience.

An enhanced DBS is also required for work with children. The application process is conducted by the employer before you start the role.

Apprentices without English and Maths at Level 2 must achieve these in line with the apprenticeship funding rules prior to taking their End Point Assessment.

Qualifications

On completion of the apprenticeship, you will have achieved:

• Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Standard.
• Skills for Success - This module is designed by West Suffolk College to ensure you have all the personal skills and behaviours to succeed in the workplace.
• Any required Functional Skills in English or maths.

How is this funded?

Learners

Apprentices are not required to contribute financially towards Apprenticeship training.

Employers

If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more, you will pay into an apprenticeship levy. This levy is then used to pay for the training element of the apprenticeship course.  The total figure for the Apprenticeship is negotiated before enrolment and once confirmed will be taken in monthly payments from your account directly to us or paid to us via invoice should additional fees be required.

If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of under £3 million, the Government will fund 95% of the training fee meaning you will be required to contribute 5%.  You may be required to contribute additional fees which we will invoice the company for.  The additional fees will be made known and negotiated prior to the Apprentice enrolment.

There are additional incentives available if you are a small employer (under 50) and if you train/recruit a 16-18 year old or 19-24 year old with an Education Health and Care Plan.

Contact us on 01284 716235 or apprenticeships@wsc.ac.uk for further details of costs and how Apprenticeships are funded.

Try out our apprenticeship levy calculator here

I'm interested. What should I do now?

You apply for an Apprenticeship in the same way you would apply for a job: find an apprenticeship vacancy, send in your CV or complete an application. We can help you with applications and give you interview advice. Please view the following page on our website to see our latest Apprenticeship vacancies.

Apprenticeship Vacancies: https://www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/apprenticeships/vacancies

Alternatively, you can look on the GOV.UK website to see what other Apprenticeships vacancies may be available: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch

Employers - Please contact us to speak with a member of the Apprenticeship Team for more information and to organise a face-to-face visit.

Days & times

Please contact us for dates and further information