Age 16-18
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Course Overview
The Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for people who want to support children and young people to achieve their potential. You will work alongside teachers and other education professionals, supporting learning with individuals, small groups or whole classes.
The apprenticeship prepares you to work across primary, secondary and special education settings, including supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or emotional and social needs.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should:
• Be employed in a suitable teaching assistant or learning support role
• Hold GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2
• Have regular opportunities to support pupils within an education setting
• Demonstrate effective communication, professionalism and a commitment to supporting children and young people
• Meet the employer’s safeguarding and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements
Individual employers may set additional recruitment requirements.
Who this apprenticeship is for
This apprenticeship is suitable for:
• New or existing teaching assistants
• Classroom assistants
• Learning support assistants
• Learning mentors
• SEND support assistants
• People seeking a rewarding career in education
You should be patient, approachable and committed to creating a positive, inclusive and safe learning environment.
What You Will Learn
Key topics include:
• Supporting learning: Helping pupils understand activities, remain engaged and make progress
• Child and adolescent development: Understanding how pupils develop and how this influences learning
• Curriculum support: Supporting the delivery of learning activities across different curriculum areas
• Safeguarding: Recognising concerns and following safeguarding, Prevent and reporting procedures
• SEND and inclusive practice: Adapting support to meet different needs and reduce barriers to learning
• Behaviour support: Promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing and respectful relationships
• Assessment for learning: Observing pupils, providing feedback and contributing to the assessment process
• Communication: Communicating professionally with pupils, teachers, parents, carers and other professionals
• Technology in education: Using digital resources safely and effectively to support learning
• Professional development: Reflecting on your practice and identifying opportunities to improve
What you will do at work
Your responsibilities may include:
• Preparing classrooms, activities and learning resources
• Supporting individual pupils and small groups
• Helping pupils understand instructions and learning objectives
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive behaviour
• Adapting activities to meet individual needs
• Observing pupil progress and providing feedback to the teacher
• Supporting pupils with SEND or additional needs
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
• Following school policies, confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
Duration
The apprenticeship typically takes 18 months to reach gateway, followed by an end-point assessment period of approximately three months. The exact duration may vary depending on previous experience and the employer’s delivery arrangements.
How the apprentice is assessed
Your progress will be reviewed throughout the programme through workplace evidence, assignments, professional discussions, observations and regular progress reviews.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an independent end-point assessment consisting of:
• An observation of your practice followed by questions
• A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
The final apprenticeship grade is fail, pass or distinction.
Reasons to study with us
You will benefit from:
• Training delivered by experienced education professionals
• Regular support from your tutor and workplace mentor
• Learning that connects directly to your day-to-day role
• Guidance in developing your portfolio and preparing for end-point assessment
• Opportunities to share good practice with other apprentices
• Support to develop your confidence, professional knowledge and career plans
Progression
After completing the apprenticeship, you may progress into roles such as:
• Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• SEND Teaching Assistant
• Pastoral Support Assistant
• Learning Mentor
• Behaviour Support Assistant
With further experience and study, you could progress towards specialist teaching assistant roles, higher-level teaching assistant responsibilities, pastoral leadership, education support management or teacher training. The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship may also provide a suitable progression route.
