Level 3 Teaching Assistant with SEND Apprenticeship – Supporting Inclusive Learning Environments
Teaching Assistants are essential members of the education workforce, providing valuable support to teachers and helping children and young people achieve their full potential. Working across primary, secondary, and specialist education settings, Teaching Assistants support learners of all ages, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), communication needs, and emotional or behavioural challenges.
Our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with an additional SEN unit has been designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to become a confident and effective Teaching Assistant. Apprentices will learn how to work collaboratively with teachers, support classroom learning, promote positive behaviour, and help create inclusive environments where every learner can thrive.
Alongside the core Teaching Assistant apprenticeship curriculum, apprentices will complete an additional Special Educational Needs (SEN) unit. This enhanced pathway provides a deeper understanding of how to support children and young people with a wide range of learning needs, including cognitive development, communication, sensory and physical needs, and emotional wellbeing.
SEN Pathway
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant with SEN Pathway provides learners with additional knowledge and skills to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within an education setting.
Learners will develop their understanding of:
- Supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
- Adapting learning activities to meet individual needs.
- Promoting inclusive practice and removing barriers to learning.
- Supporting pupils’ communication, independence and wellbeing.
- Working effectively with teachers, SENCOs, families and other professionals.
- Understanding how additional needs can impact learning, development and behaviour.
This pathway supports Teaching Assistants who want to develop specialist skills and increase their confidence when working with pupils requiring additional support.
Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience, apprentices will gain the confidence and expertise to provide tailored support, remove barriers to learning, and contribute to improved outcomes for all learners.
By completing this apprenticeship, individuals will be equipped with the skills to make a meaningful difference within their setting, supporting inclusive practice and ensuring every child and young person has access to the opportunities they need to succeed.
Qualifications You'll Gain With This Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
- Unit certification for SEND specialism
- End-Point Assessment (EPA) – the final assessment that confirms the apprentice has developed the required knowledge, skills and behaviours
- Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths (where required)
Apprentices studying Functional Skills must achieve these prior to taking the End Point Assessment.
How The End Point Assessment Works
The EPA consists of two distinct assessment elements:
- Practical observation with questions & answers
- Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.
Duration Of The Apprenticeship
Typically 18 months
Why Choose Education & Skills For Apprenticeships
Tailored To You
Fully Funded Training
Excellent Pass Rate
Blended learning model tailored to your school or academy
Excellent Pass Rate
Fully Funded Training
Excellent Pass Rate
91% of our learners have passed with Merit or Distinction
Fully Funded Training
Fully Funded Training
Fully Funded Training
This apprenticeship is fully funded through the apprenticeship levy
Specialist Provider
Fully Funded Training
Fully Funded Training
Nationwide tutors who specialise in learning for the education sector
What this Apprenticeship can do for you!
Improve classroom performance
Improve classroom performance
Building the skills of Teaching Assistants can have hugely positive effects on classroom performance that can be measured through your existing KPIs
Contribute to Ofsted outcomes
Improve classroom performance
Outstanding and Good Ofsted reports often mention the fantastic contribution that well trained Teaching Assistant have to the overall school performance
Introduce new ideas
Introduce new ideas
Taking part in these qualifications will get your Teaching Assistants to start to analyse their own performance and the impact they have on the children they work with