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Apprenticeship Standard
Teaching Assistant with SEND Level 3

Typical Duration
18 months

Course Delivery
1 contact session every 2 weeks

4 Day courses included
Delivered by our experts

99% Pass Rate
78% Distinction Rate

Teaching Assistant With SEND Level 3 Apprenticeship

This qualification is designed for Teaching Assistants in specialist settings who want to gain a recognised qualification while strengthening their knowledge and confidence in supporting pupils with SEND.
Alongside the apprenticeship, learners will complete our HOET Skills Boost Level 3 Certificate Course in Supporting SEND in Schools. This means they gain the apprenticeship qualification, and the Level 3 certificate.

It blends hands‑on classroom experience with knowledge-based theories and helping participants develop the skills needed to provide effective support to students with additional needs.

Learners will be encouraged to apply their learning to their own setting and consider how effective, individualised support can improve access, participation, independence and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Course Content:

  • Positive Behaviour Support for Learners with SEND
  • Effective Communication and Support Approaches
  • SEND Provision and Targeted Interventions
  • Adapting and Differentiating the Curriculum
  • Working with External Professionals and Support Services

Day Courses

To support the knowledge elements of the Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, we deliver a series of 4 remote (online) day courses.

Because of the large volumes on our Teaching Assistant apprenticeship cohorts, we run two sets of Day Courses alongside one another. Dates and sessions below:

6th Oct 2026 Understanding how pupils learn and develop
20th Oct 2026 Understanding how pupils learn and develop
3rd Nov 2026 Assessment for learning
10th Nov 2026 Assessment for learning
1st Dec 2026 Keeping children safe in education
8th Dec 2026 Keeping children safe in education
12th Jan 2027 Communication, teamwork & technology
19th Jan 2027 Communication, teamwork & technology

Because of the large volumes on our Teaching Assistant apprenticeship cohorts, we run two sets of Day Courses alongside one another. Dates and sessions below:

2nd March 2027 Understanding how pupils learn and develop
9th March 2027 Understanding how pupils learn and develop
13th Apr 2027 Assessment for learning
20th Apr 2027 Assessment for learning
11th May 2027 Keeping children safe in education
18th May 2027 Keeping children safe in education
8th June 2027 Communication, teamwork & technology 
15th June 2027 Communication, teamwork & technology

Our four Day Courses cover the main subject areas of the knowledge elements of the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard. They are broken down as follows:

Day 1: Understanding how pupils learn and develop

  • The different learning styles including visual, audio and kinaesthetic and how to adapt learning to suit
  • The transitions pupils go through that may affect their learning and how to approach these
  • Different learning needs pupils may have and recognising different teaching and learning strategies to support these needs more effectively
  • Development theories 
Day 2: Assessment for learning

  • The differences between formative and summative assessment and using them to measure pupil progression
  • Different assessment methods available and when/where they are best used for maximum development
  • The National Curriculum, the part it plays in education and how to use it: the statutory and non-statutory subjects that schools deliver
  • Programme of study for ICT within the National Curriculum
Day 3: Keeping children safe in education

  • Prevent and British Values: what they are and the importance of knowing how they fit within the TA role
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation and the importance of its use in your school’s safeguarding procedures
  • Relevant legislation that has had an impact on the TA role and how this can link to how health and safety are monitored
  • Impact of serious reviews on the safeguarding of children within schools and the wider community
Day 4: Communication and teamwork 

  • What a TA is accountable for within your school alongside your responsibilities
  • Supporting your own learning and development
  • Working with outside agencies and the importance of sharing information for the wellbeing and development of children 
  • Aims, values and ethos and how they are important to you and your school

Level 3 Certificate Course in Supporting SEND in Schools

This course will be completed alongside the apprenticeship. It has been developed for learners completing the SEND Teaching Assistant pathway who want to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in schools. The course explores:

  • Behviour support
  • Adapted communication
  • Nurture
  • SEND provisions and interventions
  • Adapted curriculum approaches
  • Assessment and monitoring
  • Collaborative working with families and professional services.

Benefits:

  • Stronger understanding of behaviours that children and young people with SEND may present.
  • Build confidence in using adapted verbal and non-verbal communication approaches.
  • Increased knowledge of SEND provision, targeted interventions, and their impact on individuals
  • Develop an awareness of life skills approaches that promote independence, confidence and preparation for adulthood.
  • Understanding of the teaching assistant’s role, in working with parents, carers and multi-agency professional services.

AI SMART

Heart of England Training is moving into the future with artificial intelligence, which means you are too.

Every apprentice, whatever their role or programme, benefits from our AI Smart approach, which is part of our HOET Knowledge Boost.

Built to develop practical AI confidence and real-world application, AI Smart equips learners with the knowledge and skills to use AI tools effectively, responsibly, and with purpose.

As learners progress, apprentices go beyond basic understanding by learning how to apply AI thoughtfully to solve genuine workplace challenges, support innovation, and add tangible value to their employer.

WHY CHOOSE US?

  • Delivered by Experts – All our education trainers have years of real-world experience working within the business environment.
  • 50+ Years of Apprenticeship Excellence – We’ve been supporting learners and employers since 1971, giving us a deep understanding of how to guide you from learner to fully qualified professional.
  • Rated Highly by Apprentices and Employers – We’re proud of our glowing reviews on the official government apprenticeship site, showing consistent satisfaction from past learners.
  • Backed by Ofsted Praise – “Senior leaders provide strong and inclusive leadership… They are highly visible and committed to providing good-quality education and training” – Ofsted Report.
  • Support Every Step of the Way – From application to employment, our friendly team is here to help you build your skills, confidence, and career.

Testimonies

“We have found that apprenticeships are a great way to encourage staff into the Teaching Assistant role while gaining qualifications on the job. It also enables our existing Teaching Assistants to advance their careers through further qualifications and knowledge” Kelly, Caldecote Community Primary School
“I really enjoyed the break-out rooms during the day courses as it was really beneficial and interesting to be able to speak to different people working in different schools around England. I enjoyed hearing their own experiences on how they are finding the apprenticeship and life working in schools” Hollie, Former Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprentice
“Throughout I have had lots of support and frequent meetings with my educator. I have also had 1 to 1 sessions to assist my learning and aid me in reflecting on my practice. I feel like I could have approached anyone for support at any time which was amazing.” Shauna, Former Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprentice