This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Specialist teaching assistants support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the social and emotional well-being, of learners, or within another area of specialist curriculum provision such as forest schools, EAL, subject-based interventions or music education.
This occupation is found in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges, and a range of other education settings such as music hubs. Specialist teaching assistants will work alongside colleagues to inspire learners to progress and achieve well. Specialist teaching assistants work across all age ranges, supporting a range of learners. In the Early Years, specialisms are achieved through continuing professional development opportunities subsequent to staff achieving a recognised qualification which enables them to work in a setting in accordance with the Early Years qualification requirements and standards. Specialist teaching assistants may support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the social and emotional well-being, of learners, or within another area of specialist curriculum provision such as forest schools, EAL, subject-based interventions or music education.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the education of learners by providing specialist support. Specialist teaching assistants plan, implement, and adapt activities in order to advance learning. They draw on research to develop a critical understanding of their specialist area. They establish relationships with learners, families, other professionals and external agencies to support the education of the learners they work with. They contribute to developing a sense of inclusion and belonging for the benefit of the learners within the communities that they serve. They draw on their specialism to contribute to the evaluation of learning and assessment activities, sustainability in their educational context. Specialist teaching assistants both reflect on their own practices and support the training and development of others within their specialist area. They will specialise in one of three options:
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with learners and teachers, or others acting in a supervisory capacity. They may work with other education professionals such as SENCO's, and external agencies such as early help, social services, or agencies that provide specialised support in the area of specialist provision.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting the education of individuals or groups of learners, often identified by their supervisor. They must ensure the safety of the learners in their care. They may have responsibility for supporting the work of colleagues. Within settings where they are undertaking specified work, they will be working under the supervision of a qualified teacher.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 2 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 16/10/2024 | Not set |
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence