The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard, a progression pathway that opens up new opportunities for Teaching Assistants to advance their careers.
Earlier this month, the new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship was approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education (iFATE). This innovative Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship will enhance the skills and professional development of support staff, while playing a pivotal role in improving student outcomes across the country.
In addition to covering a set of core knowledge, skills and behaviours for the role, apprentices will choose from three distinct specialisms:
- SEND
- Social and Emotional Well-being
- Specialist curriculum provision
By using the Apprenticeship Levy to fund this programme, schools will be able to develop a wide range of expertise within their teaching assistant workforce, providing additional capacity to support the increasing number of pupils with additional needs.
Addressing Sector Challenges
The approval of the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship standard comes at a crucial time. Schools and education providers are facing widespread challenges with recruitment, retention, managing stretched budgets and the delivery of high-quality support for children with special educational needs.
The Specialist Teaching Assistant standard also promises to improve the quality of support for students who need it the most, ensuring they receive the specialised care and attention, crucial to their development.
Jo Pountney, Director (Educational and Sporting Futures) and Dr. Siobhan Mellor, Director (Real Group) played significant roles in the development of the Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship standard as part of the Trailblazer group. They were able to apply their experience in education and the delivery of apprenticeships to ensure the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship not only addresses the needs of teaching assistants but also aligns with the demands of the education sector.
Jo Pountney, Director commented
“For the first time, teaching assistants who have completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship now have a clear, structured progression route. The new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard, which will take between 16-24 months to complete, offers teaching assistants the opportunity to specialise in key areas, expanding their knowledge and skills to provide even greater support to students and schools.”
We are excited to develop our programmes using the new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard and will share more information about this shortly. In the meantime, if you’d be interested in staying up to date with developments, please:
Visit our website page to register your for the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant interest.