We’ve just launched our new Level 5 Speech, Language and Communications Leadership Apprenticeship enhancing our portfolio of specialist SEND programmes.
The programme includes training from Elklan-trained tutors and includes the Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP) Award from OCN London.
We’ve been able to bring together speech and language expertise and combine our apprenticeship delivery to create a pathway for school staff to develop advanced knowledge and leadership capabilities in supporting speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
Our first cohort, launching in November 2025, is open exclusively to those working in primary school settings.
Designed for Teaching Assistants and other school support professionals, this programme is ideal for anyone with existing speech, language or communication training that is looking to develop into a Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP), a role focused on driving impactful, inclusive communication practices across the school.
Programme Benefits
Participants will gain:
- The ability to liaise effectively with SENCOs, parents, and local SLCN and Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) services
- Enhanced leadership and team management skills, including coaching and mentoring colleagues to improve SLCN support
- Deepened understanding to identify and respond to SLCN, implementing effective interventions
- Confidence in using data to monitor, evaluate, and inform practice for pupils with SLCN
- Skills to align SLCN strategies with wider school improvement plans and lead sustainable change projects
- Confidence to support or lead referrals to SaLT and SLCN services for diagnostic and clinical assessments
- The opportunity to champion inclusive communication practices across the school
- A nationally recognised Higher Level Speech and Language Practitioner qualification from OCN London
Upon completion, apprentices will gain Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship and Higher Level Communications Practitioner (HLCP) Award from OCN London.
To apply, we’re looking for TAs who meet the following criteria:
- Have at least one year’s experience working in a primary school setting
- Hold Elklan’s Level 3 qualification in Speech and Language Support for 5-11s, or Speech and Language UK’s Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication
- Have support from the setting’s Headteacher/Manager and SENCO
- Declare they have achieved a minimum of GCSE English at Grade 4 (Grade C) or above, or hold an equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills qualification
- Have lived in England for the last three years and have the right to work in the the UK
- Be employed at least 16 hours a week and spend at least 50% of working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship
Explore our Speech, Language and Communications Leadership Programme
Get in touch and explore how we can support your school to upskill new or current support staff.
Call us: 01784 222300
Email: info@esfapprenticeships.co.uk
For further information on our specialist apprenticeships for the education sector:
Apprenticeships for Schools, Nurseries and MATS – ESF Apprenticeships