Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - Level 5

The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the education of learners by providing specialist support. Specialist teaching assistants plan, implement, and adapt activities in order to advance learning.

They draw on research to develop a critical understanding of their specialist area. They establish relationships with learners, families, other professionals and external agencies to support the education of the learners they work with.

They contribute to developing a sense of inclusion and belonging for the benefit of the learners within the communities that they serve. They draw on their specialism to contribute to the evaluation of learning and assessment activities, sustainability in their educational context.

Specialist teaching assistants both reflect on their own practices and support the training and development of others within their specialist area.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve:

Foundation Degree in Education Studies
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Certificate

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 21 Months
Start date(s): September

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Course content

Modules

Level 4:

Pedagogy, Professionalism and Practice 1
Primary Core Curriculum 1
Primary Foundation Curriculum 1
Inclusive Practice 1

Level 5:

Pedagogy, Professionalism and Practice 2
Primary Core Curriculum 2
Primary Foundation Curriculum 2
Inclusive Practice 2

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to evidence the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR be demonstrating that you are functioning at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.

* For apprentices who intend to join year 3 of the Teacher degree apprenticeship, they are advised that they will need to hold the following:

Maths GCSE at grade C/4 or above OR equivalency test deemed acceptable by the university
English GCSE at grade C/4 or above OR equivalency test deemed acceptable by the university

Science GCSE grade C/4 or above OR equivalency test deemed acceptable by the university

Achievement of Foundation Degree in Education Studies and Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £12,000 per apprentice.
For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution on 5% which equates to £600 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

This programme is delivered using a blended learning model including face-to-face sessions on campus, complimented by online webinars.

Assessment

Throughout the apprenticeship a variety of assessment methods could be used, these include:

Written assignments
Examinations
Reflective activities
Group assessments
Presentations
Professional discussions
Academic assignments
Critical analysis

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills);
written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy);
academic writing (including how to reference);
research skills;
critical thinking and understanding arguments; and
revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties. You will also have full access to our support services such as Student Guidance.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations or assessments

Responsibilities

Employer must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning
Ensure apprentice spends at least 6 hours per week of their time in off-the-job training
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire
Participate in reviews with the Apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Recognise that the apprentice must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours
Support the apprentice to gain new skills

A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA**) or have the right of abode in the UK, and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Be in a new job role (nine months or less), or in an existing job role, where significant new knowledge and skills are needed – employer statement of justification needed (relevant to the apprenticeship)
Be in full-time employment for typically 30 hours a week
Has the right to work in England
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs
Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship at the same time
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones

Administer the funding and running of the Apprenticeship Standard to an acceptable level of quality and in compliance with the DfE’s requirements
Agree jointly between the University, the Employer and Apprentice, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the Apprentice
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP
Provide support on selection of the endpoint assessor, if applicable. The endpoint assessment will be completed by the learning provider for all integrated degrees

Careers

You will have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team who will support you with your professional branding, career mapping and realising your potential.

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To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

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