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Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 (1.0)

The Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) Explained

This occupation is found in primary, secondary, and special schools, as well as alternative provision, further education settings such as sixth forms and colleges, and other educational environments, including music hubs. Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistants work across all age groups, inspiring learners to progress and achieve in a targeted area of need or expertise. In the Early Years, specialisms are typically gained through continuing professional development after obtaining a recognised qualification, enabling them to work in settings aligned with Early Years qualification standards.

The core purpose of the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant is to support learners' education by providing focused, specialized assistance. They plan, implement, and adapt learning activities to support learner progress, drawing on research to develop a deep understanding of their specialised area.

These teaching assistants work closely with learners, families, other professionals, and external agencies to foster an inclusive learning environment that encourages learners’ sense of belonging. They leverage their expertise to evaluate learning activities and assessments and contribute to sustainability in their educational context. Specialist Teaching Assistants also reflect on their practices and support the training and development of colleagues within their area of specialisation. They typically focus on one of three specialism areas:

SEND Specialist Teaching Assistants - These assistants support the implementation of SEND policies, procedures, and practices, advancing the learning and development of students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Social and Emotional Well-being Specialist Teaching Assistants - Focusing on students' social and emotional well-being, these specialists implement policies, procedures, and practices to support learners in this area, enhancing their readiness to learn and thrive.

Curriculum Provision Specialist Teaching Assistants - Supporting a specific curriculum or subject area, these specialists advance learning in focused areas such as early reading, early mathematics interventions, forest school programs, or support for learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

In their daily work, Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistants interact with learners, teachers, and other supervisory staff, as well as educational professionals such as SENCOs, and external agencies like social services or specialized support providers.

A Specialist Teaching Assistant is responsible for supporting the educational development of individuals or groups as identified by their supervisor, ensuring the safety and well-being of learners under their care. They may also have the responsibility of supporting colleagues’ work within their specialised area, all while operating under the supervision of a qualified teacher in settings where specified work is undertaken.

Timeline: The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship will typically take 24 months to complete with the end point assessment undertaken in the final 3 months of the apprenticeship.

For additional information about this apprenticeship EPA check out the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship End Point Assessment Plan.

Assessment methods

Observation with questions

In the observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace and asks questions. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. Simulation is not allowed. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

In the Professional Discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

What's the process for EPA?

Gateway

What does Gateway mean?

Gateway is a crucial stage that marks the transition from the on-program learning phase of an apprenticeship to the final assessment phase. It is the point where both the employer and the training provider agree that the apprentice has acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in their apprenticeship standard and is ready to undertake the End Point Assessment (EPA). Gateway is essentially a readiness check, ensuring that the apprentice is prepared and has met all the prerequisites, such as achieving required qualifications, completing mandatory training and demonstrating competency in their role. This step is vital for setting up the apprentice for success in their final assessments.

To be all set for the EPA, Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentices need to meet these requirements:

Have achieved Level 2 English and maths. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

For the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence. The portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by the professional discussion. It will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Information, advice and guidance

We provide comprehensive Guidance and Information Handbooks for the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship EPA, ensuring apprentices are fully informed and prepared. Additionally, our onboarding sessions for training providers cover all aspects of the End Point Assessment (EPA) process, including timelines and best practices. To further support apprentices, employers and providers, we offer a detailed Information, Advice and Guidance video, which includes a section on our 'Hot Tips', to help navigate every step of the apprenticeship journey.

Clear prices, no surprises

Our prices reflect our maximum charge for the standard EPA (excluding reassessments) and are always fair and competitive, ensuring fees remain below the maximum 20% of the total apprenticeship cost. We believe in transparent pricing to support accessibility for all employers and training providers.

Our pricing structure includes a pre-EPA fee, charged during the contracting phase, to secure support materials and assessment booking. The remaining balance is charged upon Gateway entry and EPA booking. We cater to all group sizes and offer a flexible approach to pricing, with tailored options available for larger groups.

In line with regulatory guidelines, we’re open to discussing tailored pricing options to meet your specific needs. Please get in touch to explore how we can work together.

Browse our online guide to understand the distinction between a re-sit and a retake. For additional details, reach out to our team today. Please note VAT is charged for a re-sit and a re-take as these fees are not covered by the apprenticeship funding.

Coming SOON Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 (1.0)