Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
A new progression pathway that opens up opportunities for Teaching Assistants to advance their career and improve student outcomes across the country.
The course is being co-designed by SEND and SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) and literacy experts from Real Training, Dyslexia Action Training and ESF and will be able to be fully funded using the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy. For more details please see our information about funding.
Introducing the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant pathway
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 invaluable.
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant offers a progression pathway for staff who are ambitious to progress their career beyond Level 5 or are looking to expand their knowledge and skills to provide even greater support to pupils while continuing in their role.
Staff who undertake the Specialist Teaching Assistant pathway will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to provide specialist support to pupils and in addition will cover a set of core competencies, such as overcoming barriers to learning, planning and assessment, communication, and professionalism.
You can choose from four specialist options:
SEND specialist:
Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialist:
Literacy specialist:
Learn how to plan, prepare, deliver and evaluate learning and assessment activities and interventions to support individual, small group and whole class literacy learning.
PE, Health and Wellbeing specialist:
Learn how to plan, prepare and deliver Physical Education to support small group and whole class health and wellbeing. You will also develop the skills to lead extra curricular provision that offers pupils extended opportunities to be physically active.
Why study the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship?
- Specialist training in SEND, Social and Emotional wellbeing, Literacy or PE, Health and Wellbeing curriculum provision 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
- Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) status, if studying on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing pathway
- HLTA status (optional)
Programme overview of the Specialist Teaching Assistant
Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentices will benefit from a diverse programme, spread over five core themes with the additional opportunity to learn about a chosen specialism from month four onwards.
1. Regulation and 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
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
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
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
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
Apprentices will then progress to study content on their chosen specialism, alongside the remaining five core themes.
Choosing your specialism
When registering for the apprenticeship programme, participants will be asked for their preferred specialist pathway. To ensure that this pathway is the best fit for you and your setting. You won’t need to confirm your specialism until a few months into the programme.
This allows you to focus on overarching aspects of your role as a specialist TA first, with the opportunity to experience ‘taster’ content of the three specialisms, before confirming your chosen pathway during a progress review near the end of month 3 on the programme.
Please note: If you are already working as a qualified ELSA, you will still be able to choose the Social and emotional well-being pathway to further strengthen and deepen your knowledge and practical skills in this important area.
Explore specialism benefits:
SEND specialism benefits
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
Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialism (including ELSA Qualification)
- By becoming a trained ELSA, you’ll be able to identify and address social and emotional needs, guide students in managing their emotions and building positive relationships in order to foster student wellbeing and create a positive and supportive school community. Building on the core programme content, if you choose the Social and Emotional Well-being specialism, you will become a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA).
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- Enhanced knowledge of social and emotional well-being policies and procedures: Gain a deep understanding of national and local policies, practices, processes, and procedures related to social and emotional well-being
- Improved understanding of the theoretical background of social and emotional well-being: Understand the theoretical background of supporting social and emotional well-being in educational contexts
- Knowledge of approaches to promoting social and emotional well-being: Learn the principles and approaches to promoting social and emotional well-being in educational contexts
- Skill development in using tools to promote social and emotional well-being: Develop skills in using appropriate tools to promote social and emotional well-being and advance learning
- Understanding of the impact of social and emotional well-being: Understand the impact of social and emotional well-being on learners’ development and learning
- Ability to implement effective strategies to advance social and emotional well-being: Implement effective strategies to advance social and emotional well-being in learning and assessment contextsMore about Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs)
An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a specialist teaching assistant who supports children and young people to develop essential emotional literacy and social skills. By working closely with students, ELSAs help foster a sense of safety and happiness in school, while equipping them with the tools to understand and manage their emotions effectively. They work with children either individually or in small groups, and can help with a range of issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Anger management
- Loss and bereavement
- Friendship issues
- Relationships
- Behaviour
- Conflict
ELSAs receive specialised training from Educational Psychologists (EPs) and benefit from ongoing supervision, ensuring they provide high-quality support. 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
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.
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 us, for those who are interested.
What if I’m already working as an ELSA?
If you already have ELSA status 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. In fact, you can bring your ELSA qualification in as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), meaning that your setting can access the apprenticeship with a reduced apprenticeship levy contribution.
On the programme, you are welcome to join your peers and attend the ELSA learning sessions to refresh your knowledge. There will also be additional content with practical activities to reinforce your learning and take your skills to the next level. You’ll also receive the same level of support from peers and expert coaches as those new to ELSA.
Literacy curriculum provision specialism
- 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.
PE, Health and Wellbeing curriculum provision specialism
- As a PE, Health and Wellbeing specialist, you’ll develop enhanced understanding of the curriculum, using this to plan and deliver engaging lessons and effectively track student progress. You’ll consider your pupils holistically, promoting a positive school environment.
- Enhanced curriculum understanding: Develop knowledge of the PE and school sports curriculum, including statutory and non-statutory frameworks, policies, and procedures.
- Improved lesson planning and execution: Understand the theoretical background of progression in PE and school sports, and develop the ability to plan and implement effective learning sequences.
- Effective student progress tracking: Gain skills in selecting and using appropriate assessment tools to monitor and advance student learning in PE and school sports.
- Holistic development focus: Recognise the importance of PE and school sports for children’s and young people’s overall learning and development.
- Compliance and adherence to standards: Develop the ability to implement national and local policies and procedures related to PE and school sports provision.
Champion for PE and school sports: Demonstrate a commitment to advocating for and promoting the value of PE and school sports within the educational context.
How will your school benefit?
- The benefits of having a Specialist Teaching Assistant in your school are extensive:
- Improved learner outcomes: Benefit from specialist TAs who can effectively support students with diverse needs, leading to better academic and social-emotional outcomes
- Enhanced inclusion: Create a more inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported and able to reach their full potential
- Address specific needs: Tailor training to your school’s requirements by choosing from SEND, Social and Emotional well-being, Literacy or PE, Health and Wellbeing Curriculum specialisms
- Sustainable workforce development: Build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can support your school’s long-term goals. This can also foster loyalty and reduce staff turnover
- Cost-effective training: Utilise the Apprenticeship Levy to cover the cost of the programme, making it a budget-friendly option for professional development and an excellent way to upskill staff
- Positive school culture: Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement, benefiting both staff and students
FAQ's
Is ELSA available for all specialisms?
- The Social, Emotional and Wellbeing specialism will have ELSA built in – it will be compulsory… unless a delegate already has it,
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 and need to complete an additional assessment at the end of your apprenticeship.
There would be a small additional cost (in the region of £250).
Who is Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship for?
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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.
Eligibility and entry requirements
- 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 (level 4) 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.
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 fortnightly release for online workshops Thursday 1pm – 3pm.
- For TAs interested in the Social and Emotional well-being specialism, employers must agree and commit to a member of its Senior Leadership Team (SLT) attending a 1 hour session at the start of the ELSA programme.
What are the progression pathways?
- The Level 5 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is the equivalent to a Foundation degree and 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.
About the role of a Specialist Teaching Assistant
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 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 Educational & Sporting Future’s 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.
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.
How is the course assessed?
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:
- Observation with questions – The assessor will observe the apprentice performing a range of normal work duties: 90 minutes
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence: 60 minutes
Apprentices are required to pass both components. The results from these assessments are then combined to form your overall apprenticeship grade (fail, pass, merit or distinction).
How is the course delivered?
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 workshops – mandatory workshops (2 hours) twice per term with SEND experts, plus follow-up discussions and opportunities to share good practice
- Live online community circles – once a term, optional 90-minute community circle session
- Progress reviews – one 60-minute review per term with your apprenticeship coach and your mentor
If you choose to study on the Social and Emotional well-being specialist pathway, you will also need to attend one compulsory in-person learning day at a venue in London. This will take place in month 4 – full programme dates will be announced prior to the start of the programme and are available in advance upon request.
Fully fund the Level 5 programme using your Apprenticeship Levy
If you are a school, nursery, MAT or local authority apprenticeship-levy paying employer (i.e. you have a wage bill in excess of £3m) then 100% of the apprenticeship is paid for using your employer levy pot.
We advise applicants to discuss details and gain approval to access the employers levy with their Business Manager / Finance 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 £600. ESF should be able to support your school or nursery to reclaim this £600 via a process known as Levy Transfer.
When does the course start?
- The first cohort for our SEND, Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Literacy specialisms start on 10 December 2024.
Please apply by 6 December 2024 to secure your space. - The next cohort for the Advanced SEND Leader programme starts in January 2025.
Application deadline: Please apply as soon as possible to join this cohort.
How to apply
Alternatively if you would would to enquire and talk to one our team about the apprenticeship on behalf of yourself or a member of staff, please register your interest for the Specialist Teaching Assistant by clicking on the link below.
Express your interest
Please complete your interest via the link below so we can contact you with
further information and application instructions.
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: 01438 791068
Email: information@esfapprenticeships.co.uk