Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification

Progression:

As well as ensuring full competency as a Teaching Assistant, this standard 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.

Occupational Profile:

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

Programme qualifications and requirements

Apprentices without English and Maths at Level 2 must achieve these prior to taking the End Point Assessment

An apprentice will need to complete a portfolio of evidence to support the professional discussion at End Point Assessment (EPA)

Details of the programme

You will be allocated a Skills & Development Coach who will support and guide you for the duration of your apprenticeship. The apprenticeship programme will be delivered as blended learning. Blended learning is a combination of both online and face to face delivery. You will need to have good internet access and a suitable device such as a smart phone, laptop, or tablet to work on. Microsoft Teams is used for coaching sessions and ZOOM is currently used for taught sessions. Please discuss accessibility with your employer as these applications are required, in order for you to complete your training.

This apprenticeship usually takes 18 months to complete during which you will participate in training, development and on-going review activities. These typically include • Induction which is specific to your workplace • Study days and training courses • Mentoring/buddy support • Completion of a portfolio through which you will gather evidence of your progress • Structured one to one reviews of your progress with your employer and/or Dynamic Training. • 20% off the job training

During your apprenticeship, you will gain knowledge, develop key skills and learn behaviours required of a Teaching Assistant.

Knowledge

• Understanding how pupils learn and develop
• Technology
• Working with teachers to understand and support assessment for learning
• Curriculum
• Keeping children safe in education

Key skills

• Developing strategies for support
• Communication and team work
• Working with teachers to accurately assess
• Using technology
• Problem solving/ability to motivate pupils

Behaviours

• Building relationships/embracing change
• Adding value to education
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Professional standards and personal accountability
• Team working, collaboration and engagement

Assessment gateway

Your employer will make the decision as to when you are ready to undertake the end point assessment. Before going forward for end point assessment you must have:

End point assessment

Following successful completion of the Gateway, you will proceed to end point assessment (EPA). The EPA is undertaken by an independent assessment organisation chosen by your employer. Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of distinction, pass or fail.

The EPA will consist of three components:

To download a pdf version of this programme outline, please click the image below