Summary

Teaching Assistants work in Primary, Special and Secondary education across all age ranges encompassing special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities. The primary role of the Teaching Assistant is to support the class teacher to enhance pupils’ learning either in groups or individually, ensuring pupils understand the work set, know their learning objectives and stay on task in order to make progress. Promoting self-belief, social inclusion and a high self-esteem play an integral part to pupils’ well-being; ensuring pupils thrive in a positive, nurturing, safe environment. It is an active role supporting the learner to access the curriculum. They are good role models, act with honesty and integrity, take part in team meetings; contribute to planning and class activities. Promoting Fundamental British Values through spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and positive behaviours are crucial in contributing to improved pupil progress and development.

Typical Job Role
Teaching Assistant

Duration
The apprenticeship typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete.  During the first year, the focus will be on training and delivery of the Diploma.  In year two, assessors will be supporting the apprentice in preparation of the End Point Assessment.

Programme Delivery
SGS College has elected to deliver the on-programme learning using the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools. This is a nationally recognised qualification and will support apprentices in building their portfolio to cover the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.

College attendance for the Diploma is mandatory for all apprentices.

Assessors will observe apprentices in schools every 4-6 weeks.  These will be followed by joint reviews with the apprentice, college assessor and school-based mentor. 

Resources
Resources will be available through Smart Assessor, the e-portfolio platform used by the college for apprentices.

Maths and English
This apprenticeship requires learners to achieve maths and English at Level 2. Typically, it is realistic for learners to progress up one level during the apprenticeship. At interview, we will carry out an assessment to determine current literacy and numeracy levels. We will take account of any support needs in determining the suitability of learners for this apprenticeship.

Assessment Overview
The End Point Assessment (EPA), should only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the standard, the pre-requisite gateway requirements for EPA have been met and that they can be evidenced to an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

Gateway requirements:

• Apprentices without English or maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking their EPA
• Completion of a portfolio of evidence to support the professional discussion.

The end-point assessment must take place within 3 months of completing the gateway process and be conducted by an EPAO.

Apprentices must pass 100% of the criteria in order to complete their apprenticeship.  Some apprentices may be awarded a distinction if they meet the additional criteria in all areas.  

Maths & English