In recent years there has been a growing need for Special Education Need and Disabilities (SEND) support in schools. Students entering the education system may have SEND needs or require other specialist support. With growing class sizes and a hiring crisis for specialised SEND support staff, schools are using apprenticeships and funded training programmes as a solution.
Teaching Assistant apprenticeships are some of the most popular funded training routes for those looking to work in education. The benefits of such a programme are clear: apprentices can gain a qualification while earning a wage and getting real world experience on the job, allowing them to leave with a recognised qualification and a wealth of experience on their CV.
Schools also benefit from hiring an apprentice or upskilling a current member of the team using the apprenticeship route, as the training is fully funded by the government and apprenticeship levy.
The importance of teaching assistants
Support staff are imperative in helping students with SEND needs. As classrooms become busier than ever, having a TA in the classroom to offer a more one to one approach for students can really help provide important support.
Teaching assistants can also adapt to the needs of the school and students, fulfilling various roles as required. This versatility allows schools to respond more effectively to changing circumstances and student needs.
SEND teaching assistant apprenticeships
LMP Education offers three specialised SEND Teaching Assistant apprenticeship pathways.
Level 3 teaching assistant SEND pathway apprenticeship
This is an entry level qualification, helping learners enter the education sector while gaining a specialised SEND qualification. This course is ideal for Teaching Assistants working in mainstream or specialist schools who want to achieve a recognised qualification whilst gaining additional support for the SEND responsibilities.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship
Level 4 higher level teaching assistant SEND pathway
This programme is aimed at those who already work as a teaching assistant within a school and wish to further their career by progressing to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HTLA) with a focus on SEND Pupils. The content of the course is designed to extend learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills allowing them to support pupils/learners within the classroom setting.
Level 5 specialist teaching assistant
This brand-new programme is equivalent to a foundation degree and offers teaching assistants and educational staff the opportunity to specialise in a specific field. This programme offers a range of different pathways including SEND.
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant Development Programme
LMP Education has a dedicated programme for TAs who wish to progress through the different apprenticeship levels. This programme is a personalised suite of CPD courses designed to support learners in developing their skills and knowledge.
Teaching Assistant Development Programme
By investing in support staff with a particular emphasis on SEND specialisms schools can better support students with additional needs and improve teaching quality.
If you are a school and are interested in hiring a SEND TA apprentice or upskilling a member of your team book a discovery call today!
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