Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

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Our friendly, knowledgeable team are ready to chat

Call us: 01784 222 300

Email us: info@esfapprenticeships.co.uk

Upskill team

GET IN TOUCH

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For delegates

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What will I gain?

Specialisms

Programme content

How will I learn?

Dates

Eligibility

FAQs

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A new progression pathway that opens up opportunities for Teaching Assistants to advance their career and improve student outcomes.

The Level 5 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is ideal for teaching assistants who have at least one year’s experience in the role.

Be part of the growing number of TAs deepening their skills and knowledge to lead more whole-class activities and broaden their knowledge of both “roaming” support and targeted interventions, under supervision of their classroom teacher or SENCO.

All of our tutors are fully qualified teachers and are passionate about helping teaching assistants develop their careers.

Download the brochure

Funding for this apprenticeship

£0

Cost to delegate

£12,000

Funding band for this apprenticeship

QUALIFICATION

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

STUDY STYLE

Self-paced online. Live online workshops.
In-person or virtual termly progress reviews

DURATION

17 months

HLTA STATUS

HLTA status (optional add-on)

SEND MASTERCLASSES

Learn from SEND experts and extend your knowledge

ASSESSMENT

Written portfolio and practical observations. Work based project and professional discussion

Apply now

What will I gain from this apprenticeship?

Specialist training in SEND, Social and Emotional wellbeing, literacy or SLCN with training and support from experienced professionals and coaches
A deep understanding of policies, practices, and procedures relevant to your role
Specialist knowledge, critical understanding and practical teaching skills to plan, implement, evaluate and adapt activities to advance learning, for example, scaffolding
The ability to collaborate more effectively with colleagues and other professionals, and support the development of effective practices in team members, for example through mentoring and coaching
A clear route for career progression, whether you want to advance as a HLTA or go on to become a teacher

Carefully crafted by the experts

This apprenticeship has been co-designed by SEND, literacy, SEMH and communications experts.

Ofsted outstanding apprenticeship delivery from ESF Apprenticeships. All of our tutors are former teachers or SLT members.

SEND expertise from Real Training. This includes ELSA training if you choose the social and emotional wellbeing specialism.

Delegates on the language and literacy specialism can also gain a Level 3 qualification with Elklan, a leading provider of training in speech, language and communication needs.

Specialisms

The SEND specialism

By gaining expertise in supporting and advancing the learning of students with SEND, you’ll ensure full compliance with SEND regulations and implement best practices for inclusive education. You’ll also gain the skills to confidently address diverse learning needs, provide individualised support for students, foster a supportive environment and provide capacity for early identification and intervention for SEND.

Enhanced knowledge of SEND policies and procedures: Gain a deep understanding of national and local SEND policies, practices, processes, and procedures
Improved understanding of SEND: Understand the theoretical background of a range of SEND, such as autism, attachment and trauma, and dyslexia
Early identification and assessment skills: Develop skills in the early identification and assessment of SEND, using appropriate tools and techniques
Deliver effective support for learners with SEND: Learn how to adapt provision and practices to effectively support learners with SEND and promote their learning and development
Creation of an inclusive learning environment: Implement strategies to create an inclusive learning environment where every learner, including those with SEND, can thrive

[Including ELSA status]

If you choose the Social and Emotional Well-being specialism, you will train under an educational psychologist to become a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). ELSAs play an invaluable role helping children identify, manage and express their emotions.

ELSAs work with children either individually or in small groups, and can help with a range of mental health issues, including, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, loss and bereavement, friendship issues and dealing with conflict. They receive specialised training from Educational Psychologists (EPs) and benefit from ongoing supervision, ensuring they provide high-quality support.

Release time:

Five full days of online training are required to undertake this specialism. Training will be provided by an educational psychologist.
Plus one compulsory in-person learning day at a venue in London.
In addition, there will be regular group supervision sessions for you to attend with your ELSA coach and other ELSAs on the programme, which will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, reinforce and reflect on your learning and understand how to embed best practice.

The ELSA curriculum covers:

What is Emotional Literacy and how do we improve it?
Building resilience
Emotional regulation, including anger management and cognitive behavioural techniques
Social and friendship skills
Loss, bereavement and family break-up
Therapeutic stories and social stories
Active listening and reflective conversations
Neurodiversity and emotions

NOTE: In order for you to remain an ELSA once the programme has concluded, you will need to continue attending supervision sessions. This is sometimes offered through your Local Authority or other organisations. A package will be available to continue your supervision sessions with Real Group, for those who are interested. Find out more

For more information about the benefits ELSAs bring to schools, read our blog.

What if I’m already working as an ELSA? Don’t worry you can still join the programme, read more about the benefits of this strand for existing ELSAs in our FAQs.

The Literacy Curriculum Provision specialism

Learn how to plan, prepare, deliver and evaluate learning and assessment activities and interventions to support individual, small group and whole class literacy learning.

In your role as a literacy specialist, you will develop and implement effective literacy lessons and interventions tailored to student needs. You’ll enhance understanding of literacy assessment and its integration into lesson planning, proactively identifying and supporting students with early signs of literacy-related difficulties.

You’ll also gain the skills to monitor and evaluate the impact of literacy interventions and lessons through informal assessment. Your final strand of the programme content will be focussed on specialist literacy knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Enhanced knowledge of literacy policies and procedures: Gain a deep understanding of national and local literacy curriculum policies, practices, processes, and procedures
Improved understanding of literacy acquisition and progression: Develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations of literacy acquisition and progression
Effective use of literacy assessment tools: Acquire skills in selecting and using appropriate literacy assessment tools to inform teaching and learning
Skill development in using assessment tools to advance literacy learning: Demonstrate skills in using assessment tools within literacy to advance learning
Understanding of the impact of literacy on learners: Understand the impact of literacy on learners’ overall development and academic success
Ability to implement effective literacy strategies: Gain the ability to implement effective strategies and interventions to promote literacy skills

Please note this is part of the curriculum pathway.

[Including Elklan’s Level 3 qualification in Speech & Language Support for 5-11s]

Learn how to identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs. Further your knowledge and understanding so you can collaborate effectively with Speech and Language Therapists in your role as a specialist TA.

In your role as a Language and Literacy specialist in a primary setting you’ll gain the skills to develop and implement effective literacy lessons and interventions tailored to student needs. You’ll also proactively identify and support students with early signs of literacy-related difficulties and evaluate the impact of literacy interventions.

In addition, you’ll be able to help identify children and young people aged 5-11 years old with speech, language and communication needs.

This specialism integrates key elements of Elklan’s highly respected training, focusing on areas such as:

Identifying needs: Identifying children and young people with speech, language and communication needs
Implementing effective universal strategies: Supporting children with diverse SLCN and targeted and/or specialist strategies under the guidance of a speech and language therapist for children with a higher level of needs, including those with developmental language disorder, autism, and speech sound disorders.
Be able to develop 5-11-year-old children’s vocabulary learning skills through practice adjustments and the use of different strategies
Talking to parents: Becoming more confident in talking to parents about a child or young person’s speech, language and communication
Sharing a common language: Being able to share a common language with their local Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) service and so understand what they are being asked to do in order to provide effective support.
Understanding your role: Understanding the importance of your role in developing children and young people’s communication

Release Time:
You’ll attend one live session per month run by an accredited Elklan tutor, for up to ten months of the apprenticeship. In addition, you’ll also attend one live session per month run by your apprenticeship tutor throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.

On completion, you will achieve Elklan’s Level 3 qualification in Speech and Language Support for 5-11s equipping you with the practical tools and knowledge to make a real impact in the classroom.

Please note this is part of the curriculum pathway.

Core programme content

As schools continue to navigate complex educational landscapes, having highly skilled teaching assistants who are equipped to handle SEND, emotional well-being, and curriculum-specific needs will be essential.

1. Regulation & guidance

Understand the essential regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to your educational settings
Learn how to maintain the health, safety, and well-being of all learners, with a focus on safeguarding and data protection
Reflect on the importance of understanding and implementing statutory and non-statutory guidance, promoting a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone

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2. Advancing Learning

Understand the theories of learning and child development, and how they apply to individual learners
Gain insights on different teaching and assessment methods, and how to use them effectively to advance learning
Learn how to identify and overcome barriers to learning, and create an inclusive learning environment
Develop skills in planning, implementing and adapting activities that promote learning and development

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3. Planning and Assessment

Develop a deep understanding of the principles and purposes of assessment, including formative, summative, and individual needs-based assessments
Learn how to effectively plan and implement assessment strategies to monitor learner progress and inform future teaching
Gain skills in analysing and interpreting assessment data to identify individual learning needs and adjust instructional approaches accordingly
Enhance your ability to provide constructive feedback to learners, fostering their growth and development
Understand the importance of record-keeping and reporting assessment outcomes to relevant stakeholders

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4. Professionalism

Understand the importance of professionalism, ethical behaviour, and maintaining confidentiality
Develop skills in resilience, adaptability, self-reflection and continuous professional development
Learn strategies for managing workload and maintaining well-being, recognising the importance of personal capacity
Embrace feedback and constructive criticism, showing a willingness to learn and grow as a practitioner
Model ethical, fair, consistent, and impartial behaviours, valuing inclusion, equity, equality, and diversity

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5. Communication

Develop effective communication skills to interact with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders
Learn how to adapt communication styles to suit different audiences and situations
Understand the importance of active listening and responding appropriately
Enhance your ability to provide clear and constructive feedback
Gain skills in using various communication methods, including verbal, written, and non-verbal communication

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SEND Masterclasses

Exclusive invitations to interactive sessions led by an expert in SEND and inclusion.

Benefit from high-impact sessions for schools and nurseries. You’ll be brought up to date in various aspects of SEND and mental health by leading speech and language therapists, dyslexia assessors, educational psychologists, autism specialists and a range of other experts.

Held every six weeks during term time (attendance optional)
2-3 hours presentation and interaction
Your chance to ask the expert!
Downloadable resources
Recordings available on-demand

Explore our SEND Masterclasses

How will I learn?

The programme runs for 18 months during which time participants will study through a variety of means including:

Online learning – study flexibly at a time and place that suits you
Self-directed project work – apply new knowledge and skills through practical projects and research in your setting. Build a portfolio of evidence that will help embed your learning and allow you to have a positive impact from the very start
Live online tutor sessions – monthly 2 hour sessions led by an experienced teacher, plus follow-up discussions and opportunities to share good practice with other teaching assistants
Regular progress reviews – with your ESF apprenticeship coach and your mentor to set targets and celebrate successes

NOTE: Mode of study and release time differs slightly if you choose the Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialism or Language and Literacy specialism – please see information on each specialisms in the drop-down above.

Full programme dates will be announced prior to the start of the programme and are available in advance upon request.

Eligibility

You should have experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or equivalent role for at least a year (full-time equivalent).
If you have completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship and are supported by your headteacher you may progress directly to a Level 5 Apprenticeship.
You must have lived in England for the last three years and have the right to work in the the UK.
You must be employed at least 16 hours a week and spend at least 50% of your working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.
Grade C / 4 or higher at GCSE English* You will need to provide evidence of having achieved a Grade 4 or above at GCSE English and maths. If you don’t have these qualifications, you can be supported through our Functional Skills programme.
*This level of English proficiency is required as the apprenticeship corresponds to a foundation degree level. Please note: This programme is open to delegates in England only.

Course start dates

2026 dates

January and April 2026: Now open for applications.

Please note: Spaces are only secured once all forms are submitted and funding has been approved.

Pick your date – apply now

Learner FAQs

Who is the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for individuals who support the education of individual learners or groups of learners, working under the supervision of a qualified teacher. It is suitable for those with the following roles (or equivalent):

Teaching Assistant (TA)
Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Classroom Assistant (CA)
Education Assistant (EA)
Classroom Welfare Assistant (CWA)

Participants may come from a wide variety of educational settings including early years settings, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, alternative provision and further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges.

How does this training build on existing Teaching Assistant training and experience?

It is not a requirement that you have undertaken any previous Teaching Assistant qualifications.

Whether you have completed our Level 3 Teaching Assistant with SEND training or another Teaching Assistant qualification, this Level 5 programme has been developed to build on skills and knowledge gained from previous qualifications as well as practical experience in your setting.

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to upskill and advance, this apprenticeship provides the perfect next step.

What is the release time required?

We have developed a blended teaching and learning model which works for busy TAs, teachers and school leaders.

Scheduled release time: 2-3 hours every month for live online learning with an experienced teacher.

NOTE: If you choose to study on the Social and Emotional well-being specialist pathway, or Language and Literacy specialism release time is slightly different – see specialism information higher up this page for details.

Full programme dates will be announced prior to the start of the programme and are available in advance upon request.

Flexible release time:

You will have access to our self-paced online learning platform full of resources, activities, research and ideas.
You will also complete practical projects that can be carried out in a classroom environment and will be of direct benefit to your pupils and your school.
You will also need to have release time for regular progress reviews with your ESF tutor and school mentor to set new targets and celebrate success. These are short sessions that will take place every 12 weeks (as a minimum).
Our SEND Masterclasses are 2-3 hour live online sessions held every six weeks during term time. Attendance is optional and recordings are also available.

Can HLTA status be attained?

All specialisms offer apprentices the option to gain HLTA status.

The knowledge, skills and behaviours on this apprenticeship match closely to the HLTA standards. There will not be any additional learning to complete for those choosing to take advantage of this opportunity to gain HLTA status.

You would need to:

Demonstrate the ability to deliver to a full class when a teacher is not present and need to complete an additional assessment at the end of your apprenticeship.
Submit your portfolio of evidence completed as part of the apprenticeship.
Submit the report you receive as part of End Point Assessment Feedback.

There would be a small additional cost (in the region of £350).

Are ELSA and Elklan qualifications available with all specialisms?

Unfortunately, not. If you would like to achieve ELSA status, you will need to choose the Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialism. If you would like to achieve Elklan’s Level 3 qualification for 5-11s, you will need to choose the Language and Literacy specialism.

I am already an ELSA, can I still join the Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialism?

If you are already a trained ELSA, but wish to continue developing your practical skills in social and emotional well-being, don’t worry – you can still join the programme and choose this specialism.

ELSA training is a core part of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialism. This means all participants will need to attend the ELSA sessions. If you’re already qualified as an ELSA, you’ll have the opportunity to refresh your knowledge and practice your skills, whilst developing new expertise offered by the apprenticeship curriculum.

What could I go on to study next?

The Level 5 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship offers a progression pathway for those looking to become a teacher and gain their QTS via the teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA), the new route to become a qualified teacher.

All you need to know before you apply!

What our apprentices say

“Without ESF I would not be where I am now”

“When I started, out of school at 16, I wasn’t sure what to do at all. Without ESF, I would not be where I am now as a PE instructor eight years later. The tutors on my Level 3, Level 4 (and now my Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant) cannot do enough for you.”

Luke Weston

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentice

“Incredible support went beyond the apprenticeship requirements”

“The support I’ve had from ESF Apprenticeships has been absolutely incredible – a truly inspiring and uplifting team. Made such a big difference to my TA career, my pupils and my self belief. With ESF, you feel like you’re learning beyond the apprenticeship requirement.”

Natasha Smith

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentice

“Gained knowledge and confidence to implement the right strategies”

“What’s different about the Specialist Teaching Assistant course is how deep the knowledge goes. I have developed a deeper understanding of SEN and can implement the knowledge and skills straight into the working environment. This course has really given me the confidence to be sure that what I’m doing in the classroom is the right thing for the pupils.”

Jess Dale

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentice

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Study this apprenticeship with us

Complete our short online form and we’ll be in touch with information and application instructions.

Express your interest

Plan to study! Next course start dates: January and April 2026

Benefits

Course content

Levy funding

Employer commitments & FAQs

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Enable your teaching assistants to specialise in an area of need while helping them develop their career

Benefit from the combined expertise of our Ofsted outstanding apprenticeship delivery, alongside knowledge from Educational Psychologists and other SEND leaders at mental health experts at Real Training.

Our tutors are passionate about helping every TA be the best they can be.