Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5

Support pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) through bespoke training for teaching assistants. Delivered in partnership with Speech & Language link, this programme helps to equip teaching assistants with the necessary skills and experience to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils.

Built on the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard, and delivered with input from qualified speech and language therapists, this programme combines practical classroom strategies with a deep understanding of how speech, language and communication underpin progress, participation and inclusion.

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Course Level

5 Higher

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Typical Duration

18 Months

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Training Method

Blended Learning

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Assessment Method

Professional Discussion and Observation with Q&A. Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence

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Funding Value

£12,000

EPA Organisation

NQual

Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5

This programme is designed for teaching assistants and support staff who want to develop specialist expertise in speech, language and communication, and play a more impactful role in supporting pupils’ learning, participation and outcomes.

It is particularly suited to those working with pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), or pupils who struggle to understand, express themselves or engage in learning, and who want practical, evidence-informed strategies they can apply immediately in the classroom.

Delivered in partnership with Speech & Language Link, recognised experts in supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs, bringing evidence-informed approaches and practical strategies that are used in schools every day. Their involvement ensures learners benefit from direct input from qualified speech and language therapists, grounded in real classroom application.

Employer benefits

Speech, language and communication needs are now the most common type of SEND in England, with over 1 in 4 pupils on SEN support identified with SLCN. That means schools need staff with the right knowledge and practical expertise to spot needs early, put effective support in place and help pupils access learning with confidence.

By investing in a Speech & Language Support Practitioner your school can further support pupils with complex needs with in-house expertise.

Without trained staff, speech, language and communication needs can be missed or misunderstood, creating barriers to progress across the curriculum and affecting behaviour, wellbeing and participation in school life.

The Department for Education has already recognised the importance of this area through national investment in early identification and intervention. At the same time, Ofsted expects schools to identify and address barriers to learning as part of inclusive practice. For schools, that creates a clear need for specialist expertise in this area.

The Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship is designed as a specialist pathway for teaching assistants who wish to further develop their skills in working with pupils with SEND.

Typical job roles
Speech and Language Therapy Assistants, Pastoral and Inclusion Staff, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), SEND Teaching Assistant.

The Speech & Language Support Practitioner programme offers a solid foundation in educational support, and there are several routes you can take to progress in education. Here are some common career paths and steps you could consider:

1. Teacher Training (Qualified Teacher Status – QTS): With experience as a Level 5 Speech & Language Support Practitioner, you could consider becoming a fully qualified teacher.

2. Specialist Roles in Education: with your specialist knowledge, you might explore roles such as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Pastoral Support Lead, or Learning Mentor. These roles may require additional qualifications.

3. Leadership and Management: Educational leadership roles like Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher are also options, typically after gaining QTS and substantial teaching experience.

4. Specialised Support and Therapy Roles: further qualifications are needed, however a Speech & Language Support Practitioner qualification can open doors.

This route can lead to fulfilling career opportunities, allowing you to influence and support students’ educational journeys on multiple levels.

To start this apprenticeship, you must have lived in the UK 3+ years minimum and have a form of UK ID required at enrolment. You must be age 16+ (with no upper age limit) with no prior learning within the area of study.

This programme is not aimed at a new Teaching Assistants. A Teaching Assistant Level 3 qualification or 3 years+ experience in the job is required to be able to fulfil KSB criteria.

A big step up – and a brilliant opportunity for professional and personal growth.

Specialist Expertise: Learn in-depth strategies for supporting learners with specific needs.

Confident Intervention Delivery: You’ll be trained to plan, deliver, and evaluate structured interventions that genuinely make a difference.

Stronger Understanding of Learning: Gain insights into how children and young people develop, learn, and overcome barriers.

Step Into Senior Roles: A Level 5 qualification prepares you for higher-responsibility roles, such as HLTA, pastoral lead, SEN support specialist, or intervention coordinator.

Gateway to Teaching or Further Study: You can use your Level 5 as a stepping stone toward teacher training, SENDCo support roles, or Level 6/degree-level study.

Learn While You Work: This Level 5 programme is designed to fit around your current job, so you can immediately apply what you’re learning.

Recognised Qualification: upon completion of this programme, you will receive a nationally recognised certification.

Ongoing support: access to a LMP Tutor providing 1-2-1 support throughout your Course.

Pride in Professionalism: You’re not “just a TA”—you’re a trained, specialist practitioner with real impact and value.

Through the Level 5 Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship you will develop specialist knowledge of speech, language and communication and learn how to apply it with confidence in the classroom, helping pupils access learning, participate more fully and make stronger progress. Alongside this, you will build the wider skills of a Specialist Teaching Assistant, so you can support individual needs, work effectively with others and contribute to inclusive practice across your school.

Learning material include:

Understanding speech, language and communication
Identifying needs and responding effectively
Practical strategies to support pupils
Supporting learning, development and inclusion
Planning, assessment and improving outcomes
Working with others to support pupils