Elite Awarding is an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation
What is a Specialist Teaching Assistant?
Specialist teaching assistant qualification
A Specialist Teaching Assistant works in education settings, such as primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, further education institutions (e.g., sixth forms and colleges), and other education environments like music hubs.
They support learners of all ages, helping them to progress and succeed.
What Do They Do?
Specialist Teaching Assistants provide focused support in specific areas, such as:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Social and emotional well-being
- Curriculum specialisms like forest schools, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or subject-based interventions
They work closely with learners, families, professionals, and external organisations, fostering inclusion and belonging.
By planning and adapting activities, they help to advance learning and evaluate its success.
They also reflect on their own practice and assist in training others.
Specialisms Explained
Specialist Teaching Assistants specialise in one of three areas:
- SEND: Support the delivery of SEND policies and help learners with special educational needs achieve their potential.
- Social and Emotional Well-Being: Focus on learners’ social and emotional development to enhance their learning experience.
- Curriculum Provision: Provide expert support in a specific subject or curriculum area, such as early reading, early maths, or EAL.
Key Details
- Qualification Level: Level 5 (equivalent to a Higher National Diploma – HND).
- Typical Duration: 24 months, plus a 3-month end-point assessment (EPA).
- Apprenticeship Category: Education and Early Years.
- Maximum Funding: £12,000 (maximum amount the government will fund for apprenticeship training).
End-Point Assessment (EPA) Gateway Requirements
Before taking the EPA, the apprentice must:
- Have their employer confirm they are occupationally competent.
- Confirm they are ready to take the EPA.
- Achieve English and mathematics qualifications in line with apprenticeship funding rules.
For the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, the apprentice must submit:
- A portfolio of evidence.
- Any organisation-specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.
All gateway evidence must be submitted to the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).
Grading Information
The grades available for the EPA are:
- Observation with Questions: Fail, Pass, Distinction
- Professional Discussion: Fail, Pass, Distinction
- Overall Grades: Fail, Pass, Merit, Distinction
Results will be communicated within 10 working days.
Re-sits and Re-takes
- Grade Capped at: Pass
- Re-sit Timeframe: Typically 2 months
- Re-take Timeframe: Typically 4 months
Assessment methods
Observation with Questions: What Apprentices Will Do
Overview
Apprentices will complete their normal day-to-day duties while being observed by an independent assessor. This observation allows them to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) as part of their end-point assessment (EPA). The assessor will also ask questions to confirm understanding and competence.
What Apprentices Will Do:
- Perform their usual tasks and responsibilities under normal working conditions.
- Show how they meet the required KSBs at the highest possible standard during the observation.
- Respond to the assessor’s questions to explain their actions, decisions, and understanding.
Preparation:
- Apprentices will receive 14 days’ notice before the observation.
- The independent assessor will explain the format and timings of the observation before it begins.
During the Observation:
- Apprentices will work as they normally would, completing tasks that reflect their typical role.
- The observation will last 2 hours (includes the observation and questions). The total time for the observation element is 90 minutes. The time allocated for questioning is 30 minutes. The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions.
- If the apprentice moves between tasks or locations, the assessor will follow to ensure continuity while maintaining assessment security.
- The assessor may ask questions at suitable points during or after the observation.
Important Guidelines for Apprentices:
• Only real tasks in the workplace are allowed; no simulations or staged activities.
• Apprentices must remain professional and focused, ensuring they demonstrate the required KSBs.
• Breaks or transitions during the observation will be invigilated to maintain assessment integrity
Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
Overview
The professional discussion is a formal two-way conversation between the apprentice and an independent assessor. It allows the apprentice to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) required for the role. The discussion is structured to provide the apprentice with the opportunity to achieve the highest possible grade.
Preparation for the Professional Discussion:
• The apprentice will receive 14 days’ notice of the professional discussion from Elite Awarding.
• The independent assessor will review the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence and any supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before the discussion.
• The apprentice will have access to their portfolio of evidence during the discussion.
During the Professional Discussion:
• The discussion will last 60 minutes and may be extended by up to 10% (an additional 6 minutes) if necessary, to allow the apprentice to respond fully to questions.
• The independent assessor will ask a minimum of 10 questions and may ask follow-up questions for clarification.
Using the Portfolio of Evidence
• The apprentice will refer to their portfolio to illustrate and support their answers.
• The portfolio itself will not be directly assessed.
The professional discussion provides the apprentice with an opportunity to showcase their competence and understanding, using examples from their work to explain how they meet the KSBs required for their role.
