The Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Apprenticeship is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking to develop their career supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This apprenticeship is designed for teaching assistants and education professionals working in schools, colleges, specialist education settings, or other learning environments, providing targeted support to help learners overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.
As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you’ll gain valuable practical experience while working towards a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification. You’ll work alongside teachers, SEND professionals, families, and other members of the education team, developing the specialist knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to provide effective support for learners with additional needs.
You will learn to:
- Provide specialist support to children and young people with SEND and other barriers to learning
- Develop and deliver targeted interventions that support learners’ educational, social, and emotional development
- Work effectively with teachers, SEND professionals, families, and other agencies to support individual learners
- Understand relevant legislation, safeguarding requirements, equality, diversity, and inclusive practice within education
To enrol, you must be employed in a relevant role with an employer who will support your learning and development throughout the programme. Apprenticeships are work-based qualifications, so securing a job in the sector is essential before you can begin your training. If you are not currently employed, you can explore our latest apprenticeship vacancies.
We also encourage you to proactively contact local employers to ask if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. If an employer agrees to support your apprenticeship, please contact us at apprenticeships@calderdale.ac.uk so we can assess your suitability for the programme and begin the enrolment process.
Alternatively, if you do not yet have an employer, you can apply for a full-time course as a starting point. Should you secure employment during your course, you can be transferred onto the apprenticeship pathway.