Level 5 Assistant SENCO Apprenticeship
Designed to support the strategic vision of the SENCO, this programme equips aspiring or current Assistant SENCOs with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to deliver high-quality, inclusive support for pupils with SEND.
Introducing the Level 5 Assistant SENCO Apprenticeship
Looking to get involved in SEND management and make a significant impact in your school’s SEND team?
You’ll develop a deep understanding of national policies and legislation, learn how to support your school’s improvement plan, and gain the skills to deliver effective projects, directly putting into operation your SENCO’s strategic vision.
By completing this programme, you will be well-prepared to grow in the Assistant SENCO role, helping to create a positive and inclusive learning environment and enabling all pupils to receive the support they need to thrive.
This apprenticeship programme will be delivered by our sister company, Educational and Sporting Futures (ESF), an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ apprenticeship provider.
The course is co-designed by SEND experts from Real Training and ESF and can be fully funded using the Apprenticeship Levy.
For more details please see our information about
Upon completion, you will receive a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship.
Why study an Assistant SENCO Apprenticeship?
Those who embark on Assistant SENCO apprenticeship programme will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the legal and inclusive foundations of SEND. You’ll explore key legislation, laws and guidance, and learn how to develop and implement personalised support plans for pupils with SEND, including considering the effective allocation of resources.
- Effectively align SEND strategies with broader school improvement plans and implement a SEND project to deliver meaningful and sustainable change.
- Enhance your team management skills, including coaching and mentoring, conflict resolution and effective strategies for communication, collaboration and problem-solving.
- Gain the skills and confidence to support your SENCO in making data-driven decisions including monitoring and evaluation of activities and interventions for pupils with SEND.
- Learn to effectively collaborate with your SENCO, teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies to document progress and ensure the individual needs of pupils with SEND are effectively met.
- Receive expert guidance from SEN professionals in order to develop specialised expertise in SEND, enhancing your professional profile and career prospects.
Join our upcoming information session
Have the opportunity to find out more about this apprenticeship and ask questions.
Monday 12 May | 3.30 – 4.15pm
How does this training build on existing Assistant SENCO training and experience?
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.
Apprenticeships are a great way to build on the skills and knowledge you already have, while also gaining practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting. They offer a unique blend of theoretical learning and on-the-job training, allowing you to apply what you learn on the programme to your everyday work.
This approach not only reinforces your understanding of key concepts but also helps you develop the practical competencies that are essential for success in your chosen field. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to upskill and advance, this apprenticeship provides the perfect next step.
Who is the Assistant SENCO training programme for?
This programme is ideal for:
New or experienced Assistant SENCOs:
Individuals currently in the role who want to further develop their skills and knowledge.
Aspiring Assistant SENCOs:
Those who are passionate about supporting students with special educational needs and aspire to a career in this field, including experienced Teaching Assistants, HLTAs and other school support staff.
If you are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students with SEN, this programme will provide you with the expertise and support you need to succeed.
About the role of an Assistant SENCO
Trained Specialist Teaching Assistants are valued members of the school team. They will provide teachers and other colleagues with key support. The role is not designed to replace teachers or SENCOs but rather deliver additional support for these roles. Specialist TAs will only deliver specified work if:
- They are assisting or supporting the work of a qualified teacher or ‘nominated’ teacher in the school
- They are receiving supervision from a qualified teacher or ‘nominated’ teacher in line with the arrangements made by the headteacher
- The headteacher is satisfied that they have the skills, experience and expertise
How is the course assessed?
You will have termly progress reviews in which you’ll celebrate your growth and successes and discuss challenges you have been facing. These will be scheduled with your Mentor and Apprenticeship Coach at a time that is convenient for you.
The final progress review is combined with a Gateway Review. Once you have completed this, you’ll then undertake the End-Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA for this programme involves:
- Written project report (4,000 words).
- Presentation with questions and answers (60 minutes). The presentation should cover an analysis of the internal and external factors that impacted the choice of project, a critical evaluation of the project activity, justifying the reason for the project and detail of the impact the project has had since it was completed.
You will need to pass both components. The results from these assessments are then combined to form your overall apprenticeship grade (fail, pass, merit or distinction).
Programme overview
Key areas of focus include:
- Activities to deeply learn about and understand your organisation and how well it operates
- Understanding the developing inclusion and SEND landscape and identifying areas for development inline with your SENCO’s vision.
- Planning to manage and lead change (SEND Project Scope and Planning)
- Leading and managing change – bringing the team with you
- Collaboratively evaluating impact
Information for employers
Enhanced inclusion, SEND support and outcomes:
With a skilled member of the team supporting the SENCO, your school can provide more comprehensive and effective inclusion services and SEND support, ultimately leading to enhanced learning and wellbeing for all students with special educational needs.
Greater efficiency and support for the SENCO:
By developing strong organisational, administrative and team leadership skills, Assistant SENCOs can streamline processes and take responsibility for key activities, freeing up the SENCO’s time for strategic leadership and complex case management.
Improved collaboration:
Create stronger teamwork within your SEND department, across the school, and with external partners and parents through enhanced communication and collaborative practices. This will ensure a unified and comprehensive approach to student needs.
Positive school culture:
Future-ready workforce:
How is the course delivered?
The programme runs for 15 months during which you will participate in a variety of activities:
- Asynchronous 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 workshops – mandatory monthly workshops led by SEND experts, plus follow-up discussions and opportunities to share good practice
- You’ll also receive exclusive invitations to our series of SEND Masterclasses.
What are SEND Masterclasses?
All apprentices studying with Educational and Sporting Futures receive invitations to attend a series of SEND Masterclasses. These virtual masterclasses will develop your knowledge and understanding of supporting pupils with send. Topics include:
- Dyslexia & practical tips to support pupils
- Trauma
- Communication needs
- Autism Spectrum Conditions
- Behaviour and barriers to learning – including mental health
- Understanding and supporting learners with sensory and visual needs
- Challenges related to accessing maths
- Supporting and understanding attachment disorder
- Executive functioning and concentration difficulties (including ADHD)
- Speech and language delay
Attendance at the masterclasses is optional, and recordings will be made available if you’re unable to attend the live sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Assistant SENCO Apprenticeship for?
This programme is ideal for:
New or experienced Assistant SENCOs:
Individuals currently in the role who want to further develop their skills and knowledge.
Aspiring Assistant SENCOs:
Those who are passionate about supporting students with special educational needs and aspire to a career in this field, including experienced Teaching Assistants, HLTAs and other school support staff.
If you are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students with SEN, this programme will provide you with the expertise and support you need to succeed.
Eligibility and entry requirements
- Have experience working with SEN in a school, care and/or educational setting. This could be as a Teaching Assistant, HLTA, Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or equivalent role for at least a year (full-time equivalent).
- You must have lived in England for the last three years and have the right to work in 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.
- You will need to declare you have achieved a minimum of GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 (Grade C) or above, or hold an equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills qualification.
This level of English proficiency is required as the apprenticeship is equivalent in academic standard to a foundation degree.
Please note: This programme is open to delegates in England only.
Employer support and responsibilities
- Employers must agree to appoint a workplace mentor to attend the termly progress reviews.
- Employers need to agree to enrol staff as an apprentice.
- Agree to regular release to attend online workshops
Progression pathways and further study
- If you hold QTS, you might like to work towards being the named SENCO in your setting. To achieve this, you would need to study the NPQ SENCO within your first 3 years in the role.
- You might like to further enhance your skills and knowledge by studying courses that will help you develop specialist skills.
- Interested in Educational Testing? You might like to consider Real Training’s Assistant Test User course (ATU) or Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET).
- Working in a Secondary setting and interested in Access Arrangements? You could go on to study Real Training’s Access Arrangements Coordination course (AACoord), or if eligible, their Certificate of Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A)
- Looking to develop your knowledge of specific areas within SEND? Browse Real Training’s full range of modules on their postgraduate programmes, covering topics such as Autism, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs plus many more!
Fully fund the Level 5 Assistant SENCO using your Apprenticeship Levy
If your employer (school, nursery, MAT, or local authority) is an apprenticeship-levy paying employer (i.e. they have a wage bill in excess of £3m) then 100% of the apprenticeship is paid for from the employer’s levy pot. You will need to gain approval to access your employer’s levy and we advise that you discuss details with your business manager / financial director prior to registration.
If your employer does not pay the Apprenticeship Levy then the Government will fund 95% of the apprenticeship and your employer will need to commit to paying 5% of the fee, which is £450. We can look to support your school or nursery to reclaim this £450 via a process known as Levy Transfer.
When does the course start?
Our first course start date: 11 June 2025
Please register as soon as possible if you are looking to join this cohort.
Following June, we will be running a cohort in October 2025.
How to apply:
Please click Apply now to complete our short application form.
- You will then receive an email with your login details for ESF Learn, where you will continue your application. Please note, you will need to work with your Manager / school to complete some sections of the application
- If you have any questions prior to applying, please get in touch with us.
Express your interest
If you would like further information on the Assistant SENCO programme, please contact us
by email, phone or complete your interest via the link below.
Educational and Sporting Futures Training is delighted to work with Real Group, leading provider of training in educational testing and professional assessment to co-design this new apprenticeship standard.
Educational and Sporting Futures
Business Technology Centre
Bessemer Drive
SG1 2DX
Telephone: 01784 222300
