Royal Borough of Greenwich

The Professional Role

A Teaching Assistant (TA) works in Primary, Special, Secondary or a college education setting across the 6-18 age ranges. With ApprenticeshipsPLUS TA apprentices can choose to train as a general TA, or specialise as a TA focussing on Physical Education or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Your primary role as a student undertaking a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is to support the class teacher in enhancing a pupil’s learning via groups or individually. You will be required to ensure pupils understand the work set, have an adequate understanding of their learning objectives and help pupils to stay on task in order to make progress in the learning environment.

The Learning Journey

The length of the course is typically 18 months plus the End Point Assessment.

On Programme Learning

The course is delivered as day release, using a blended learning model including formal workshops, tutorials and independent study. Some of this training may be delivered virtually using video calling. Through a series of assignments, observation and reflection you will work towards competency in all of the knowledge, skills and behaviours (see table).

You will need to be working with children and young people aged 5 years and above (Reception upwards). You cannot complete this qualification if you are based in a setting working with babies and younger children. You must complete the Early Years Educator Level 3 Diploma when working with the 0-5 age range.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the above, you will need to achieve a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and maths if you do not already hold these at GCSE or equivalent.

Knowledge	Skills	Behaviours
Understand how pupils learn and develop Technology Working with teachers to understand and support assessment for learning Curriculum Keeping children safe in education	Developing strategies for support Communication and teamwork Working with teachers to adequately assess Using technology Problem solving and ability to motivate pupils	Building relationships and embracing change Adding value to education Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion Professional standards and accountability Collaboration and engagement

Knowledge

Skills

Behaviours

Understand how pupils learn and develop
Technology
Working with teachers to understand and support assessment for learning
Curriculum
Keeping children safe in education

Developing strategies for support
Communication and teamwork
Working with teachers to adequately assess
Using technology
Problem solving and ability to motivate pupils

Building relationships and embracing change
Adding value to education
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
Professional standards and accountability
Collaboration and engagement

Progression

As well as ensuring full competency as a Teaching Assistant, this standard provides a foundation for potential progression into a number of career paths in the education sector including Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher and Teacher.

Please also see Teaching Assistant Specialist Routes Level 3

End Point Assessment

Once you have met all the criteria to pass Gateway, the EPA will consist of:

Practical observation with questions and answers
Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence