Level 5 ST1414 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Course Overview
Support learners. Inspire progress. Make a lasting difference.
Specialist Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping learners achieve their full potential across a range of educational settings, including primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, alternative provision, colleges, sixth forms and other learning environments.
Working alongside teachers and other professionals, Specialist Teaching Assistants provide expert support to learners of all ages. They help plan, deliver and adapt learning activities, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed, thrive and feel included within their educational community.
As a specialist practitioner, you will build strong relationships with learners, families, colleagues and external agencies, working collaboratively to improve outcomes and remove barriers to learning. You will develop advanced skills, draw on current research and contribute to the assessment, support and development of learners within your area of expertise.
Specialist Pathways
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will specialise in one of the following areas:
SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant
Support learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by helping to implement effective support strategies, promote inclusion and enable learners to make meaningful progress.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant
Support learners' social, emotional and mental wellbeing, helping them develop resilience, confidence and positive relationships that enhance their learning experience.
Curriculum Provision Specialist Teaching Assistant
Provide specialist support within a curriculum area or intervention programme, such as early reading, mathematics, forest school provision, English as an Additional Language (EAL), music education or other specialist subjects.
What You Will Study
The Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship will equip you with the advanced knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support learners effectively and make a positive impact within education settings.
Knowledge
You will develop an understanding of:
- Education, safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection requirements.
- Equality, diversity, inclusion and creating sustainable learning environments.
- Child development, learning theories and evidence-based practice.
- Curriculum planning, teaching strategies and assessment methods.
- Identifying and overcoming barriers to learning.
- Supporting learner voice, wellbeing and positive behaviour.
- Working effectively with families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Reflective practice, coaching, mentoring and professional development.
- The use of digital technologies to enhance learning.
- Specialist knowledge in one of the following areas:
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Curriculum Provision and Specialist Interventions
Skills
You will learn how to: - Create safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments.
- Build positive relationships with learners, families and colleagues.
- Plan, deliver and adapt learning activities to meet individual needs.
- Assess learner progress and use assessment findings to inform future learning.
- Provide effective feedback and report on learner development.
- Support the wellbeing, progress and achievement of learners.
- Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals.
- Apply research and reflective practice to improve outcomes.
- Use technology safely and effectively to support learning.
- Mentor, coach and support the development of others.
- Advocate for learners and promote their needs within educational settings.
Professional Behaviours
As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will demonstrate:
- Professionalism, integrity and ethical practice.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Respect, empathy and a learner-centred approach.
- Resilience, adaptability and a positive attitude.
- A willingness to learn, reflect and continuously improve.
- High aspirations for learners and a commitment to helping them succeed.
The Outcome
By the end of the apprenticeship, you will be a confident, reflective and skilled practitioner, capable of providing specialist support that helps learners overcome barriers, achieve their potential and thrive within education.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will receive regular support and guidance from your dedicated assessor. You will attend online progress reviews, feedback sessions and planning meetings every five weeks, providing an opportunity to review your development, celebrate achievements and set goals for the next stage of your learning.
Your assessor will also carry out workplace observations to assess your practical skills and support you in demonstrating your knowledge, behaviours and professional competence in a real working environment.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will be responsible for completing off-the-job training hours, which are designed to enhance your knowledge, skills and behaviours. These activities may include taught sessions, research, reflective practice, training courses, project work and other learning opportunities that take place within your paid working hours but outside of your normal day-to-day duties.
Together, these activities will help you build the evidence needed to successfully achieve your apprenticeship and progress in your career.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be supported by your assessor and will build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and behaviours. Assessment methods may include:
- Assessor observations in the workplace
- Written assignments and learning tasks
- Work products and evidence gathered from your day-to-day role
- Witness testimonies from colleagues and managers
- Reflective accounts and professional discussions
Apprenticeship Assessment
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an Apprenticeship Assessment to showcase the skills and knowledge you have developed. This typically includes: - A final observation of your professional practice
- A question-and-answer session to explore your knowledge and decision-making
- A professional discussion, supported by your portfolio of evidence
This provides an opportunity to demonstrate your competence, professionalism and readiness to work confidently as a Specialist Teaching Assistant.
English and Maths GCSE A*-C or 4-9
Please contact the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team on 01924 789469 or email apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
The Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in education. Successful apprentices may progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant status, teacher training, higher education qualifications or specialist roles in areas such as SEND, inclusion, pastoral support and learner wellbeing. The qualification also supports progression into leadership and management roles, enabling you to further develop your expertise and influence positive outcomes for learners.