Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard (Level 3)

Teaching Assistants work in Primary, Special and Secondary education across all age ranges encompassing special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities. The primary role of the Teaching Assistant is to support the class teacher to enhance pupils’ learning either in groups or individually, ensuring pupils understand the work set, know their learning objectives and stay on task in order to make progress. Promoting self-belief, social inclusion and a high self-esteem play an integral part to pupils’ well-being; ensuring pupils thrive in a positive, nurturing, safe environment. It is an active role supporting the learner to access the curriculum. They are good role models, act with honesty and integrity, take part in team meetings; contribute to planning and class activities. Promoting Fundamental British Values through spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and positive behaviours are crucial in contributing to improved pupil progress and development.

Candidates should ideally hold a minimum of a Level 2 in Maths and English although other qualifications will be considered and enthusiasm and experience are essential. Candidates should also hold or be willing to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.

As part of the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship you will be employed in an educational setting to gain practical industry expertise while carrying out your role. Attending college on a weekly basis you will be supported to gain knowledge, skills and behaviours enabling you to meet the gateway requirements to end point assessment and achieving the standard. Within the qualification, learning outcomes such as; understanding how pupils learn and develop, assessment for learning, adding value to education, teamworking and collaboration, technology and keeping children safe in education are some of the areas of development to competently support teacher, children and young people in the learning environment.

This apprenticeship will be assessed over 18-24 months by your tutor or assessor using a range of methods. This could include direct observation in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task and completed with an End Point Assessment.

After completing this course successfully, you can progress onto a Foundation Degree in Education or Special Educational needs. Leading onto a full BA (Hons) degree in your chosen subject and Teacher Training.