Structure, certificates and assessment - Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5

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