Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5 - Education and Early Years

Course description

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, designed for experienced TAs who are ready to take the next step in their professional development.

This apprenticeship prepares you to take on specialist responsibilities within a school or education setting. You will support teaching, deliver targeted interventions, work with individuals and small groups, and contribute to curriculum planning. You’ll also help improve learner progress, wellbeing and inclusion while supporting teachers and wider staff.

How the apprenticeship works

Learn through real work in a school combined with structured off-the-job training.
Build a portfolio showing the knowledge, skills and behaviours you meet in practice.
You will need regular contact with a qualified teacher or mentor throughout.

Structure, certificates and assessment

This new programme not only builds on existing skills but also allows staff to develop expertise in specialist areas by choosing from tailored pathways, such as:

SEND – supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities.
Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEMH) – helping pupils build resilience and manage mental health challenges.
Curriculum Interventions – designing and delivering targeted support in areas like early reading, maths or EAL.

What you will do

Support pupils’ learning through planned activities and interventions.
Deliver structured group and one-to-one support under teacher guidance.
Help adapt resources and learning activities to meet individual needs.
Provide specialist support in areas such as SEND, behaviour, literacy or numeracy.
Monitor and record pupil progress, feeding information back to teachers.
Promote positive behaviour, wellbeing and pupil engagement.
Contribute to planning, assessment and evaluation of learning activities.
Work collaboratively with teachers, parents and external professionals.

What you will learn

Child development and learning theory relevant to different age groups.
The curriculum, lesson planning and how learning is sequenced.
SEND, inclusion, behaviour support and meeting individual needs.
Safeguarding, wellbeing and responsibilities in education settings.
Assessment principles, recording progress and using information to support learning.
Working with teachers, families and external agencies.
Strategies for interventions in literacy, numeracy or specialist support areas.

Modules you will study

The Professional Specialist Teaching Assistant
Safeguarding and Inclusive Practice
Understanding Pedagogy and Curriculum
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Collaborative Working
Understanding Needs
Inclusive Support Strategies
Working with Others
Supporting Progress
Empowering the Learner
Leadership and Mentoring
Supporting Holistic Development

This apprenticeship could be a great fit to Teaching Assistants who:

Have substantial classroom experience and want to progress in their careers.
Are already supporting pupils with additional or complex needs, or running small group interventions.
Would like to specialise and take on more advanced or leadership-focused responsibilities.

How you are assessed

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme uses a range of assessment methods designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical application within educational settings. Assessments are structured to support the development of advanced professional practice and critical reflection aligned with the responsibilities of a Specialist Teaching Assistant.

The End Point assessment is made up of two assessment methods:

Assessment method 1: Observation with questioning
Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Benefits

Why choose this apprenticeship?

Gain a recognised Level 4 qualification while working in education.
Build specialist skills in SEND, behaviour, literacy, numeracy or targeted support.
Increase your independence and responsibility within the classroom.
Develop strong communication, assessment and intervention skills.
Ideal route toward senior TA, HLTA or further teaching qualifications.

After completing this apprenticeship, you may progress into:

Specialist or Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles.
SEND support positions or pastoral learning support.
Level 5 teaching pathways or learning & skills roles and apprenticeships.
Further qualifications in education, teaching support or specialist intervention.

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of GCSE Grades 4/C, or Level 2 Functional Skills, in maths and English.
You will also need to be employed in a trade/industry related to the apprenticeship.

Fees and funding

Employers: The cost of the apprenticeship will normally be in line with the funding band £12,000.
Apprentices: Fees will be paid by your employer with government funded support or through the apprenticeship levy.

Contact us

Apprenticeship Hub

Email: apprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
Phone: 01332 593092