This role is found in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, and further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges. Teaching Assistants work across all age ranges, supporting all learners.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the class teacher to enhance learners’ progress and development either in groups or individually. Teaching Assistants ensure that learners understand their work, know their learning objectives, and display positive learning behaviours in order to make progress. They deliver individual and small group teaching and apply a range of strategies to support learners of different abilities under the professional direction and supervision of a qualified teacher. Teaching Assistants may support learners with special educational needs and disabilities and learners with social, emotional, and mental health vulnerabilities.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation may interact with all learners. This includes but is not limited to high attaining, SEND, EAL, and disadvantaged learners. Teaching Assistants will also work in partnership with teachers and other professionals within the school and education system, as well as with learners’ parents or carers.
Someone in this role will be responsible for delivering individual and small group teaching and adapting planning under the direction of a teacher; implementing safeguarding policies and safe practice; working effectively with other education professionals; promoting positive learning behaviours; and supporting the development of a safe and stimulating learning environment. They will work within a framework of national legislation regarding safeguarding, and within the policies and procedures of their individual education organisations.
Course requirements
- Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment.
Duty 1 Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisation and promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance of all learners in line with school policies, including by challenging stereotyped views, bullying or harassment
Duty 2 Implement safeguarding polices and safe practice, including online safety, in line with legislation, policies, and procedures including maintaining confidentiality
Duty 3 Work in partnership and liaise with other professionals (such as the teaching staff, SENDCo, or external advisors) and parents/carers to support all learners’ learning
Duty 4 Reflect on their own practice and identify appropriate professional development opportunities with the support of colleagues
Duty 5 Understand the specific needs of learners and use strategies to support all learners to achieve their learning goals
Duty 6 Promote engagement and teach learning behaviours to support the development of independent learners
Duty 7 Establish positive relationships with learners and promote positive behaviours, consistently applying the school’s behaviour policy
Duty 8 Support the social, emotional, mental health, wellbeing and personal care of all learners in line with organisational policy and procedures
Duty 9 Deliver individual and small group teaching within clearly defined/planned parameters in partnership with the teacher and other professionals
Duty 10 Contribute to assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording, and reporting of learner outcomes and participation as agreed with the teacher
Duty 11 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
Duty 12 Support or lead enrichment activities for example visits, out of school activities and in school clubs
Assessment Methods
This is a knowledge based course with practical aspects that will need to be demonstrated.
End-Point Assessment
- Observation with questions
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
Progression Routes
Upon the successful completion of this apprenticeship, why not continue to study on one of these courses:
- Early Years Lead Practitioner (level 5)
