Specialist teaching assistants support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the social and emotional well-being, of learners, or within another area of specialist curriculum provision such as forest schools, EAL, subject-based interventions or music education.

They will specialise in one of three options:

  • SEND specialist teaching assistants support the implementation of SEND policy, processes, and procedure. They will advance learning for those learners with SEND.
  • Social and emotional well-being specialist teaching assistants support the implementation of policy, processes, and procedure in this area. They will focus on learners’ social and emotional well-being, to advance learning.
  • Curriculum provision specialist teaching assistants provide support for learners and advance learning in a specialist curriculum or subject area of expertise. This may include, but is not limited to, supporting with advancing learning through early reading or early maths interventions, supporting a specific subject area or forest school provision, or supporting provision for learners with English as an additional language (EAL).

Link to full standards

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

  • Fail
  • Pass
  • Merit
  • Distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

  • achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
  • for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence.

Assessment methods

Observation with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 2 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.