LEVEL 3 TEACHING ASSISTANT

Duration: 18 months.

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Entry requirements

Relevant Level 2 qualification is preferred, but may not be a requirement depending upon previous experience in the sector.
Able to demonstrate a genuine interest in educational support
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) – checked and approved

Assessment methods

End Point Assessment (EPA)
Practical Observation
Professional review on portfolio of evidence

Progression

On completion, apprentices may choose to progress onto a higher level apprenticeship, degree or choose to pursue employment within the follow areas:

Teaching Assistant
Additional Learning Support Assistant
Specialist Learning Support Assistant
Higher Education course or Higher Apprenticeship

Teaching Assistants are an integral part of the modern classroom and support teachers and pupils every day to engage in valuable, productive education. Teaching assistants act as a role model for pupils and young people and offer support, guidance and emotional support. The apprenticeship covers a range of topics including, children’s and young people’s development, understanding how they learn, safeguarding and the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. The standard also includes knowledge, skills and behaviours based around communication, policies and procedures, supporting children in the wider environment, technology enhanced learning and alternative assessment methods. The need for teaching assistants in classrooms continues to rise, opening up a range of employment opportunities across the education sector.

Workplace behaviours development

Building relationships
Adding value to education
Promoting equality and diversity and social inclusion
Positivity and encouragement
Team working and collaboration

Skills and knowledge development

Understanding how pupils learn and develop
Technology enhanced learning
Keeping children safe
Communication and teamwork
Problem solving and motivating pupils

This Level 3 apprenticeship is suitable for those wishing to begin or progress their career within education. The standard enables career development, whilst gaining a qualification and income. Many organisations offer term time contracts and school working hours, giving teaching assistants the flexibility to work around their own family and commitments. The benefits of becoming a teaching assistant are vast, giving individuals the opportunity to work as a valuable member of a team, help shape the lives of young people whilst offering a range of opportunities to progress within education.

Off-the-job training

Every apprenticeship includes off-the-job training – equivalent to one day per week. This takes place during time normally spent at work but does not include the usual daily duties and responsibilities carried out as part of their normal role. It can consist of work and tasks ranging from projects, lectures and seminars to day release, blended learning and training to use specialist equipment.

It can form part of regular weekly sessions or be combined for larger blocks of time, depending on the approach that works best for the employer.

Month 1-6

Equality and diversity
Evidence strategies, theories and resources for learning
Case studies
Keeping children safe
Portfolio tasks
Observations

Month 7-12

Reflective account
SWOT analysis
Portfolio tasks

GDPR
Independent learning
Mock professional discussion

Month 13-18

Continued professional development
Safeguarding
Health and safety
Preparation for EPA
Practical observation
Portfolio showcase
Professional discussion

Delivery plan and apprentice progression

Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice is supported by their work-based tutor, employer mentor and class-based tutor to ensure that they are progressing at the right pace and developing the skills and knowledge expected.