Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

This new Level 5 apprenticeship standard is intended for existing Teaching Assistants, Learning Mentors, Pastoral Workers and Intervention Support Staff working in schools, colleges, alternative and/or specialist providers to help them enhance their skills, professional behaviours and knowledge, and develop an area of specialism. 

The course will enhance apprentices’ skills in planning, implementing and adapting activities to advance learning and support learner wellbeing by encouraging Teaching Assistants to draw on research and develop a critical understanding of their specialist area. 

Using a hybrid approach, the course will be delivered via a combination of online and in-person taught sessions at Derby College Group’s state-of-the-art Roundhouse Campus, along with research projects, workplace activities and placement observations. 

The broad purpose of the Specialist Teaching Assistant occupation is to support the education of learners by providing specialist support and establishing relationships with learners, families, other professionals and external agencies. They contribute to developing a sense of inclusion and belonging for the benefit of the learners within the communities that they serve.

What are the benefits?

• Develop wide-ranging skills and personal qualities to improve your career prospects within the education sector
• Develop expertise in specialist areas such as Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, SEMH, or curriculum interventions
• Learn how to implement evidence-informed practice
• Enhance your confidence and leadership within your setting
• Demonstrate your commitment to continuing your professional development
• Gain a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification
• Receive support from experienced teachers and assessors, delivered through a flexible blend of online and face-to-face learning
• Look forward to a brighter future: most apprentices stay in employment and two thirds continue their career with the same employer.

You must be aged 19 or over and have evidence of:

• Usually at least a grade C/4 in GCSE English and Maths in line with employer/apprenticeship requirements
• Employment and experience in a teaching assistant/learning or pastoral support role – part time or full time – within a school or provider setting, along with a recognised Level 3 qualification
• The full support of your head teacher/line manager – a letter confirming this will be required at interview stage
• Significant experience in working with a range of children and young people in an educational setting and in your area of specialism
• Confidence in using standard IT equipment
• Ability to work at Level 5

You will develop knowledge, skills and professional behaviours holistically during this course, and use your experience and employment to practise what you learn.  Your work alongside children, young people or adults is critical in enabling you to apply theory to practice.  Additionally, you will work towards the Level 5 standard thematically, studying the following core and specialist units:

Core units:

• Enabling environments
• Learner Voice
• Curriculum
• Pedagogical approaches
• Continuing professional development
• Health, safety and safeguarding
• Effective partnership working
• Child development

Specialist pathways:

• Supporting SEND
• Social and emotional wellbeing support
• Curriculum specialist

A Level 5 qualification requires you to engage in academic reading and writing and to adopt Harvard referencing systems.  We will support you to develop or refresh your academic writing skills during this course.

This course will be delivered through a flexible blend of online and face-to-face learning.

Personal electronic device, ideally a laptop.

A range of assessment methods is used, including group presentations; group tasks; academic posters; written tasks; professional discussions; assessment of skills during observations of your practice in your workplace; reflective practice; research projects; and professional and personal development plans.  

The assessment methods used are designed for you to experience what your learners may experience, and will build your academic skills, communication and confidence.

Once you have completed the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard, you can:

• Progress in your current job role
• Develop a career in teaching
• Work towards further Higher Education courses

If teaching in the FE sector, you can progress to the:

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (14+)
• Level 5 Certificate in Education (14+)
• Level 7 PGCE (14+)

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk