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Teaching Assistant Level 3 (1.1)
The Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) Explained
This role is found within primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision settings, and further education institutions, including sixth forms and colleges. Level 3 Teaching Assistants support learners of all ages, focusing on enhancing their learning experiences and overall development.
The primary purpose of a Level 3 Teaching Assistant is to aid the class teacher in fostering students' progress, working with students individually or in small groups to ensure they understand their tasks, set clear learning objectives, and adopt positive learning behaviors. They assist in delivering targeted teaching for individual and group sessions, utilizing a range of techniques to support students with varied abilities, under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher. A Level 3 Teaching Assistant often supports students with special educational needs, disabilities, or social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
In daily practice, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant works with a diverse range of students, including high achievers, those with special educational needs, English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They collaborate closely with teachers, school staff, and occasionally with parents or carers to create a supportive educational environment.
Level 3 Teaching Assistants are responsible for delivering tailored and small-group instruction, adapting lesson plans as directed by the teacher, implementing safeguarding measures, working effectively with educational professionals, promoting constructive learning behaviors, and maintaining a safe, engaging learning environment. They operate within national safeguarding legislation and adhere to the specific policies and procedures of their educational setting.
Timeline: The Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship will typically take 18 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
01
Observation with questions
In the observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method through naturally occurring evidence.
The independent assessor asks questions as explained below. Simulation is not permitted during the observation.
The observation and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade.
02
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?
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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, Academic Professional apprentices need to meet these requirements:
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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.
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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 this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 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 3 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
Elevate's EPA services are priced fairly and competitively and we always ensure our fees remain below the maximum 20% of the total apprenticeship funding. A pre-EPA fee is charged during the contracting phase to secure support materials and assessment booking. The remaining balance for the EPA is charged upon Gateway entry and EPA booking. Elevate caters to all group sizes and we offer a flexible approach to pricing, tailored to larger groups.
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.