Course Overview
Teaching Assistants support the class teacher to enhance learning. Working in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, and further education institutions. They may also support learners with special educational needs and disabilities and learners with social, emotional, and mental health vulnerabilities.
What will I learn?
A range of knowledge, skills and behaviours are required from learners in order to complete this apprenticeship which include:
• Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisation promoting diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance of all learners
• Implement safeguarding polices and safe practice
• Reflect on own practice and identify professional development opportunities
• Understand the specific needs of learners and use strategies to support them to achieve learning goals
• Promote engagement and teach learning behaviours
• Support or lead enrichment activities
• 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
• Deliver individual and small group teaching within clearly defined/planned parameters
• Contribute to assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording, and reporting of learner outcomes and participation
• 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
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
The Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship programme is delivered in the workplace and/or remotely, with a visit from your assessor every 6 to 8 weeks. This apprenticeship is workplace-based meaning there is no attendance.
As part of the apprenticeship programme, you’ll need to record a minimum of 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job’ training time. This can include work shadowing, training, workshops, online learning, tutor sessions, revision, webinars, industry visits – anything that supports your learning on the apprenticeship and supported by your dedicated assessor.
All units are assessed using a range of methods that contribute to your End Point Assessment (EPA) including observation of lessons and pupil support with questions and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
On successful completion of the Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship you will hold the qualification of the Apprenticeship Standard as well as a Level 2 Certificate if doing the Plus option.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices who do not hold maths and English Level 2 or GCSE Grade 4 (C) will need to complete these prior to completion of the apprenticeship programme (Gateway).
You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.
If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
Additional Costs and Information
This apprenticeship lasts between 18 and 24 months plus 3 months for the End Point Assessment (EPA) and can begin as and when requested.
NEW: There is also the opportunity to do one of our Teaching Assistant Plus Level 3 Apprenticeship programmes which are optional courses that we have added to the apprenticeship Standard to give teaching assistants a recognised Level 2 qualification.
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Understanding Behaviour that Challenges – £56*
You will learn about the causes of challenging behaviour, how to support positive behaviour, the importance of effective communication and the management of challenging behaviour as well as the role of reflection and support for those involved in incidents of behaviour that challenges.
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health – £58*
You will learn about children and young people’s mental health in context, the mental health problems commonly associated with children and young people, the impact of mental ill health and the support available to maintain mental wellbeing.
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – £57*
You will explore childhood and family structures, understand potential outcomes for children experiencing ACEs and the role of the practitioner supporting children impacted by ACEs. You will also learn strategies to improve outcomes for children affected by ACEs.
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Understanding Autism – £58*
You will learn about autism as a life-long condition using a person-centred approach, learning about communication, social interaction, sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism and supporting individuals to live healthy and fulfilled lives.
*These are one-off fee for the course to cover registration and certification with the awarding body, which would be paid by the employer.
