Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship for SEND / Alternative Provision

Be the difference that changes a life

Teaching Assistants are crucial to the success of learners particularly in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and Alternative Provision settings. This tailored Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship has been specifically developed to support individuals working in or aspiring to work in these specialist environments.

Whether you’re just starting out, already working in education, or an employer looking to strengthen your support team, this nationally recognised programme builds skilled, confident professionals who make a genuine impact in the classroom.

What will I learn?

This 12-month programme will equip you with the core skills and knowledge needed to become an effective Teaching Assistants. Each month focuses on a key area, from safeguarding and promoting positive behaviour to supporting learning across the curriculum. The course ends with preparation for the End-Point Assessment, ensuring you are ready to succeed in your role.

What is the end outcome?

You’ll be working towards your Level 3 qualification as a Teaching Assistant, which can support your career progression into higher level support roles once qualified such as:

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Specialist Teaching Assistant (e.g., SEND or Behaviour Support)
Initial Teacher Training or other further study

Learner Journey...

Over 12 months, learners will develop the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to complete this apprenticeship.

Month One
Induction & The Role of a Teaching Assistant
Month Two
Safeguarding, Welfare & Child Protection
Month Three
Promoting Positive Behaviour & Inclusion
Month Four
Health, Safety & Wellbeing in Schools
Month Five
Supporting Learning Across the Curriculum
Month Six
Supporting English & Maths Development
Month Seven
Assessment for Learning
Month Eight
Effective Communication & Relationships
Month Nine
Supporting Learners with SEND
Month Ten
Technology & Resources for Learning Support
Month Eleven
Reflective Practice & Professional Development
Month Twelve
End-Point Assessment Preparation

Are you eligible?

Aged 16+ ( no upper age limit)
Have the right to work and live in the UK
Be employed in a relevant role that supports developing the apprenticeship’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours
Not currently enrolled in another government-funded programme
Maths and English Level 2 Functional Skills are mandatory for learners aged 16-18 without prior achievement, and optional for those 19 and over.

How the Apprenticeship Works...

Real-world, workplace experience alongside tutor-led learning
1:1 mentoring and small group sessions
Portfolio development to track progress and impact
End-Point Assessment including a practical observation and professional discussion

For employers

Employing a Teaching Assistant apprentice is a cost-effective way to upskill your team and will also support pupil behaviour, inclusion, Ofsted readiness, and wider school improvement goals through high-quality professional development.

What you need to know:

20% of time must be spent in off-the-job training (this could be one day or split over the school week)
If you’re annual wage bill is less than £3 million, you pay £350 towards the costs of this training, with the Government funding the remaining 95%.
Apprenticeships contribute to staff retention, CPD, and improved learner outcomes
For non-levy paying employers with fewer than 50 employees who take on an apprentice (new or existing staff member) aged 16–18, or aged 19–24 with an education, health and care (EHC) plan provided by their local authority and/or who have been in the care of their local authority, the government will fund 100% of the training costs.

Some of the brilliant employers we work with

Community Shop

More than just training…

We are proud to work alongside the Community Shop to deliver some courses in partnership with them. But our partnership also means that every person who studies a course with us, also gets membership to the Community Shop, giving you access to:.

Up to 70% off the RRP of groceries by shopping in a Community Shop

Fresh fruit and veg from 20p

Access to essential Community Hub training and development opportunities

Tasty and affordable meals, as well as family cooking courses via their Community Kitchen