LEVEL 3
TEACHING ASSISTANT PROGRAMME
Course details
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Programme
Programme details
Our comprehensive Level 3 Teaching Assistant Programme is designed to equip your staff with the essential skills and qualifications to excel in their classroom roles. This funded 13-month programme is ideal for both new and existing Learner Support/Teaching Assistants who are looking to enhance their skills and make a greater impact in supporting students.
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme offers a flexible approach to learning, combining blended learning methods such as online lectures, in-person assessments, and remote evaluations. This ensures that your staff can balance work with their development, while still receiving the expert guidance and support they need to succeed.
TYPICAL DURATION
13 MONTHS
TRAINING LEVEL
LEVEL 3
TRAINING METHOD
BLENDED
ASSESSMENT METHOD
PORTFOLIO
FUNDING VALUE
UPTO 100%
SEND PATHWAY
YES
A Structured Approach to Learning
Strategically Crafted by Experienced Educators
The 13-month programme is structured in four distinct phases, each designed by experienced educators to maximise learning retention, skills development, and professional growth for your staff.
Each phase is strategically crafted to ensure that your teaching assistants gain practical, real-world skills that can be immediately applied in the classroom. This structured approach not only enhances their professional growth but also supports the long-term development of your team, ensuring they can contribute more effectively to student success.
PHASE ONE: THE ESSENTIALS
PHASE ONE: THE ESSENTIALS – (WEEKS 1- 8)
The programme begins with a comprehensive introduction to the foundational topics essential for developing a successful career as a Learner Support/Teaching Assistant.
In this initial phase, your staff will engage with online lectures that cover the core areas of classroom support, ensuring they have a solid foundation to build upon throughout the rest of the programme. This phase is designed to equip your team with the key skills and knowledge they need to effectively support both teachers and students in the classroom. By the end of this phase, your staff will have a strong base that sets them up for continued professional development and success.
How is this phase delivered?
PHASE 2: THE CORE
PHASE 2: THE CORE – (MONTHS 3 – 6)
In this phase, your staff will work closely with an assessor to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained, demonstrating their learning in real-world classroom settings.
They will receive targeted support to further enhance their practical expertise, ensuring they can confidently implement what they’ve learned while receiving feedback and guidance to refine their skills. This phase is designed to help them bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring they’re fully equipped to excel in their teaching assistant role.
How is this phase delivered?
PHASE 3: ENHANCEMENT
PHASE 3: ENHANCEMENT – (MONTHS 7 – 10)
This phase focuses on developing your staff into confident, independent educators.
They will deepen their understanding of various teaching methodologies and learning theories, equipping them with the skills to adapt to diverse learning environments. This phase is designed to enhance their ability to support a wide range of students effectively and build their confidence in managing the dynamic needs of the classroom.
How is this phase delivered?
PHASE 4: END POINT ASSESSMENT
PHASE 4: END POINT ASSESSMENT – (MONTHS 11 – 13)
At the end of the programme, your staff will demonstrate their achievements through a comprehensive portfolio of evidence. The final assessment will evaluate their competence across all key areas, ensuring they are fully prepared to provide effective support to learners in any classroom environment. This assessment ensures that they meet the high standards required to excel in their role as a Learner Support/Teaching Assistant.
How is this phase delivered?
Who’s Eligible?
Who is eligible for the programme?
To be eligible for our programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK resident who has lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
- Be able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week, but no more than 40 hours per week, to ensure a healthy work-study balance.
Minimum grade requirements
Candidates must provide evidence of a minimum grade 4 (equivalent to a C) in both Maths and English. If the candidate does not have these qualifications, Swift offers support through a functional skills programme, provided the candidate passes an initial assessment.
Work hours
To comply with the apprenticeship requirements, candidates must work a minimum of 30 hours per week, with a maximum of 40 hours per week. This ensures they can balance their practical work experience with the learning and qualification components of the programme.
Specialised SEND Pathway
In addition to the core LSA/TA training, your staff will also complete a specialised SEND pathway, led by an experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo). This tailored component of the programme equips your team with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Through this pathway, your TAs/LSAs will develop the expertise to create inclusive learning environments, support students with diverse needs, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. By focusing on SEND, this training helps your school build a more inclusive and supportive classroom for all learners.
Why Choose Swift?
Fully Funded Training
Our apprenticeship programme is fully funded, so you can provide your Learner Support/Teaching Assistants with valuable qualifications and experience without any cost to your school.
Flexible, Blended Learning
The course combines online lectures with in-person assessments, offering your staff the flexibility to learn at their own pace while benefiting from hands-on support and guidance.
SEND Specialisation
The programme includes a specialised SEND pathway, equipping your team with the knowledge and skills to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), enhancing your school’s ability to create inclusive learning environments.
Career Progression
By completing the Level 3 apprenticeship, your staff will be ready to progress into roles such as Learning Support Assistant, Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), or take on greater responsibilities within your school’s education team.
FAQs
What is a funded apprenticeship for TAs/LSAs?
A fully funded apprenticeship allows your staff to gain a qualification while working as a TA or LSA, without paying any tuition fees. The government covers the costs, and in some cases, employers can contribute.
How we Help: we will guide you through the application process, from securing a placement to accessing available funding, ensuring a smooth experience for both your school and staff.
What types of schools do you provide services to?
We provide LSA/TA services to a wide range of schools, including primary, secondary, and special education settings. This flexibility allows you to match the right candidate to a school environment that best supports their career development and aligns with your staffing needs.
Can I access funding to upskill current TAs/LSAs in my school?
Yes, funding is available to help you upskill your existing staff, including support for qualifications like Special Educational Needs (SEN) specialisations. Swift Teaching provides guidance on the best funding options to support your staff’s professional development, ensuring your school can offer continued growth opportunities for your team.
Are apprenticeships available to current staff members who are already working as TAs/LSAs?
Yes, apprenticeships are available for current TAs/LSAs. This is an excellent option for existing staff to improve their skills or gain specialisation. Swift Teaching will guide you through the process of enrolling staff in apprenticeship programmes and help you understand how to access funding for their training.
Start Developing Your Team Today
If you’re looking to enhance the skills of your current staff, Swift’s Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme is the perfect solution, allowing them to gain valuable hands-on experience and a nationally recognised qualification.
Contact us today to learn how you can invest in your team’s professional development.
