Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

On a teaching assistant apprenticeship course, you’ll help the class teacher enhance pupils’ learning. A teaching assistant works with kids of all ages in primary and secondary schools, addressing specific educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities.

The primary responsibility of the teaching assistant is to support the class instructor in boosting students’ learning, either in groups or individually, by ensuring that students understand the work allocated to them, are aware of their learning objectives, and remain on track to progress.

In this profession, you will encourage self-belief, social inclusion, and high self-esteem as an essential component of the kids’ well-being.

You will ensure that kids flourish in a positive, supportive, and safe environment. 

In addition, you will be a good role model, work honestly and with integrity, attend team meetings, and contribute to class planning and activities. Finally, you will promote vital ideals through growing spiritually, morally, socially, and culturally.

What you’ll learn

On a teaching assistant apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

  • Develop strategies to enable and encourage pupils to develop toward independent learning.
  • Use a variety of phrases to ensure that pupils understand.
  • Implement effective behaviour management strategies that employ punishment responsibly in compliance with school policy.
  • Implement interventions following the training (RAG rating).
  • Encourage children to take pleasure in and learn from their successes by creating enjoyable, productive, compassionate, and safe learning environments.
  • Recognise, adapt, and respond to all kids with SEN/emotional vulnerabilities, such as via Makaton and visual timetables.
  • Work closely with teachers to ensure that your contribution is consistent with what they teach.
  • Keep in touch with teachers regularly to maintain role clarity and consistency across sessions.
  • Deliver/lead small group teaching within well defined/planned bounds, displaying initiative, sensitivity, and understanding.
  • Establish appropriate relationships with employees, pupils, parents, adults, and stakeholders.
  • Follow the rules and procedures when exchanging sensitive information, and know when and where to seek assistance.
  • Implement current legislation principles including “Keeping Children Safe in Education,” Part 1, safeguarding procedures, and the Prevent Strategy.
  • Undergo safeguarding training every three years.
  • Assist kids’ well-being while emphasising the need for online safety.
  • Contribute to a range of assessment methods and effectively use information, such as written records.
  • Make specific remarks to help pupils grow.
  • Utilise school computer systems, including specialised software such as online registration, intervention programmes, and management information systems.
  • Use relevant technology responsibly and efficiently to promote learning.
  • Make sure that pupils are safely utilising technology.
  • Use a range of strategies, such as scaffolding and open questioning skills, to help students access and engage in learning.
  • Recognise the difference between pastoral and academic issues and act as a role model for outstanding learning behaviour.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • Five GCSEs, including maths and English, or equivalent qualifications or experience. 
  • Disclosure and Barring Service check.
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods: 

  • Practical observation with questions & answers. 
  • Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

  • Duration: 18 months
  • Level: 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Relevant school subjects: English and maths
  • Potential salary upon completion: £18,000 per annum

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.

Updated on January 20, 2024

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