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.

Course Content

The course will cover 15 main areas of learning including:

Wellbeing and resilience and study skills

Reflective practice and professional development

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Safeguarding

Health and safety

Curriculum

The learning environment

Child development and how children learn

Theories of learning

Pedagogy

Supporting individual learning needs

Learning resources and technology

There are 3 specialisms:

SEND

Social and emotional wellbeing

Curriculum provision

Delivery plan

The course will be delivered via Self-study which will be then discussed at monthly seminars

and further support will then be given at one to one sessions.

Assessment plan

A portfolio of evidence will be built over the duration of the course, you will then be assessed

by an independent third party assessor during an observation with questions and professional

discussion.

Duration

18-20 months

Cost: £12000 covered by apprenticeship funding.

FAQ’s

What are the progression routes?

For apprentices following the SEND specialism: Specialist school roles.

Social and emotional wellbeing: Pastoral support, SEMH specialist TA

Curriculum provision: Cover supervisors, Maths specialist teaching assistant.

What previous learning do I need?

It would be advantageous to have completed a level 3 or 4 qualification, however, you can

start this qualification without these previous qualifications if you have 3 years of experience

in your role and are working directly within a role that meets the specialism requirements.

What job role requirements are there?

You could be in any number of roles including:

Academic mentor, drama teaching assistant, higher level teaching assistant, learning mentor,

music educator, SEND teaching assistant, social and emotional well-being teaching assistant.

You must be employed in your role and have the support of your employer to complete the

course.

What is the employers role?

The employer will need to agree to give you off the job training hours, provide you with a

mentor, give regular feedback and guidance, attend reviews every 3 months.

You only need to do functional skills if you are under 19 or if your employer requires it.