Our dynamic teaching assistant qualification gives learners the opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge and competence in a range of skills whilst employed in a school or Further Education setting.
The training programme takes place during term time, with flexible workplace practice and 2 live online sessions for each 6-week block, with ongoing support from a dedicated performance coach.
The programme is designed with a systematic SEND perspective woven throughout and gives a solid grounding in working with learners with SEND.
Ofsted Outstanding
For learners requiring additional support (2022).
Access levy funding
Courses can be funded by the Apprenticeship Levy making training affordable.
Our Level 3 teaching assistant with embedded SEND programme
This apprenticeship is designed for learning support staff in a role that requires competence in a specialist area and/or across a varied range of responsibilities.
Learners work under the direction of a teacher who has overall responsibility for teaching and learning in the classroom. They will contribute to planning, implementing and evaluating learning activities and will work alongside the teacher to support whole class activities, as well as working on their own with individual, or groups of pupils or students.
During the programme, apprentices work on their own with individuals or groups of students and contribute to planning, implementing, and evaluating learning activities for a whole class. Learners spend around 20% of their working week in flexible training in the workplace; learning, applying, and developing new knowledge through workplace activities and online learning.
Programme Details
Programme overview
Role and learner profile
Teaching Assistants work across all age ranges, supporting all learners and are employed in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, and further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the class teacher to enhance learners’ progress and development either in groups or individually. Teaching Assistants ensure that learners understand their work, know their learning objectives, and display positive learning behaviours in order to make progress.
They deliver individual and small group teaching and apply a range of strategies to support learners of different abilities under the professional direction and supervision of a qualified teacher. Teaching Assistants often work as SEND support staff, assisting learners with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those with social, emotional, and mental health vulnerabilities.
Typical job titles include: Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Learning Support Worker, Specialist Support Assistant and Support for Specialist Curriculum Areas.
Entry requirements
To enrol on the programme, learners must be employed in one of the following:
- Primary School
- Secondary School
- Special School
- Alternative Provision Setting
- Further Education College
They must have a GCSE grade 4-9 (C or above) in both English and maths.
Learners aged 16 to 18 who have a GCSE grade 3 (D) in English and maths, can still apply but must work towards achieving Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths during the programme.
Course content
During the programme, apprentices work on their own with individuals or groups of students and contribute to planning, implementing, and evaluating learning activities for a whole class. Learners spend around 20% of their working week in flexible training in the workplace; learning, applying, and developing new knowledge through workplace activities and online learning.
The teaching training programme supports learners to develop the skills and expertise to fulfil the duties of a teaching assistant, so they can:
- Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisation and promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance of all learners in line with school policies, including by challenging stereotyped views, bullying or harassment
- Implement safeguarding policies and safe practices, including online safety, in line with legislation, policies, and procedures including maintaining confidentiality
- Work in partnership and liaise with other professionals (such as the teaching staff, SENDCo, or external advisors) and parents/carers to support all learners’ learning
- Reflect on their own practice and identify appropriate professional development opportunities with the support of colleagues
- Understand the specific needs of learners and use strategies to support all learners to achieve their learning goals
- Promote engagement and teach learning behaviours to support the development of independent learners
- Establish positive relationships with learners and promote positive behaviours, consistently applying the school’s behaviour policy
- Support the social, emotional, mental health, wellbeing and personal care of all learners in line with organisational policy and procedures
- Deliver individual and small group teaching within clearly defined/planned parameters in partnership with the teacher and other professionals
- Contribute to assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording, and reporting of learner outcomes and participation as agreed with the teacher
- Support the development of a stimulating and safe learning environment by contributing to the selection and preparation of teaching resources that meet the diverse needs and interests of learners
- Support or lead enrichment activities, for example, visits, out-of-school activities and in-school clubs
Off-the-job training
Apprentices will spend at least 20% of their time in off-the-job training without needing to leave the workplace. This will include 2 online sessions for each 6-week block, and flexible workplace activities learning knowledge, applying and developing new knowledge through workplace activities and independent learning, meaning learning happens in the classroom, not away from it.
Duration and cost
Course length
18 months, plus end point assessment period.
Price
Please get in touch to discuss pricing.
Our online teaching assistant apprenticeship qualification can be funded via the government Apprenticeship Levy (subject to eligibility) or purchased commercially.
We can help larger employers maximise their Apprenticeship Levy investments and enable smaller businesses to access 95% government funding.
Download our Apprenticeship Levy guide or give us a call to learn more about our competitive pricing.
Apprentice wages
Every apprentice must be paid a lawful wage for the time they are in work and in off-the-job training. The employer must meet the cost of the apprentice’s wages. An employer can only pay the apprenticeship minimum wage from the start of the apprenticeship programme and not before. You can find information on the national minimum wage, the apprenticeship rate, and the definition of an employee on GOV.UK.
Qualifications and further training
Learners gain a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.
The programme provides a foundation for potential progression into a number of career paths in the Educational sector including Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher and Teacher.
Learners may also wish to complete a higher qualification. Explore our other education training programmes.
Programme dates
- 15 October 2026
- 22 October 2026
- 25th March 2027
Please get in touch for details.
Next Steps
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