JCL Skills Solutions
371 followers
August 20, 2025
Across our schools today, one powerful truth is clear: Teaching Assistants especially those with SEND expertise are transforming lives. Yet, they often lack the training, recognition, and support they deserve. That’s why the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship offers an extraordinary opportunity, not just for staff, but for the entire school community.
The number of pupils with SEND has risen significantly in recent years, placing unprecedented demand on classrooms. But only 19% of TAs report having sufficient training for their roles and 81% of Headteachers struggle to recruit TAs with SEND expertise. (Source: schoolsweek.co.uk) This apprenticeship is a direct solution, delivering high-quality knowledge, strategies, and confidence for specialist roles. Funding remains a barrier for many schools, yet this programme can be fully funded via the Apprenticeship Levy. And even if your school isn’t a levy payer?
The cost can be as little as 5% of the fee roughly £600 (source: esfapprenticeships.co.uk) This makes investing in your team both affordable and impactful.
Upskilling current staff doesn’t just boost quality, it promotes loyalty. Becoming a specialist with SEND, SEMH, or literacy expertise empowers TAs to feel valued, motivated, and capable. That means less turnover and more consistency for your learners. Evidence makes the case: when TAs are well-trained and effectively deployed, pupil progress can improve by up to four months particularly for those with SEND or who need catch-up support. A programme like this creates ripple effects enhanced learning, calmer classrooms, and staff who feel confident in their impact.
The Level 5 Specialist TA Apprenticeship is a blended, 18-month pathway combining core competencies (e.g., scaffolding, assessment, communication) with a specialist focus in one of three areas:
- SEND, including neurodiversity, trauma-aware practice, and inclusive strategies
- Social & Emotional Wellbeing, with ELSA training included in this pathway
- Literacy, focusing on planning, delivery, and evaluation of literacy learning
Learners can also opt for HLTA status, enhancing recognition and career options.
Picture a TA who’s always wondered, “Am I making the right difference?” Now imagine seeing them empowered supported with credentials, clarity, and confidence. When a TA moves from good to great, every child benefits, classrooms breathe easier, and school leaders sleep better at night. There’s something deeply human in investing in someone already in your team, someone who cares, who has relationships with learners, and who is deeply invested in your school’s mission. This apprenticeship transforms that caring into credible, specialist support.
If you’re wondering how to make this work in your school without disruption, without extra cost, and with real results you’re invited to our free webinar:
“Breaking Down the Barriers: Understanding Specialist TA Apprenticeships”
We’ll cover the following information.
- Demystify funding (levy vs. co-investment)
- Understand delivery models and timelines
- Learn how to embed specialist TAs without role confusion or admin burden
- Hear real-life experiences from schools like yours
This is your chance to ask questions, explore options, and spark real change.
If you care about staff, learners, and long-term school success, apprenticeship is your pathway to better, more inclusive, and more confident classrooms.
Register Here. https://shorturl.at/hnBNLst options to Attract, Train & Retain your Teams.
Contact : www.jclskillssolutions.co.uk, getintouch@jclss.co.uk or call 0330 0245 809
INNOVATE | EDUCATE | EMPOWER
