Thrive Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Level 3
Build the skills to support children and young people’s learning, wellbeing and development.
This 15-18 month apprenticeship combines the Level 3 Teaching Assistant standard with Thrive's evidence-informed approach to relationships, behaviour and emotional development.
You'll learn how to support pupils' learning, build positive relationships and create the conditions that help them succeed. Alongside gaining a nationally recognised qualification, you'll become a Thrive-Informed Educator, equipped with practical tools and strategies to promote children and young people's wellbeing, development and readiness to learn.
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Qualifications
Teaching Assistant Level 3 & Thrive-Informed Educator
Typical Duration
15-18 months
Training Method
Live virtual sessions & face-to-face tutoring
Funding Value
£7,000
Delivery
Delivered by Best Practice Network in collaboration with Thrive
thrive TEACHING ASSISTANT Level 3
Overview
Delivered by Best Practice Network in collaboration with Thrive, this apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support high-quality teaching and learning.
You'll build expertise in learning support, assessment, inclusion, safeguarding and pupil development, while gaining a deeper understanding of the factors that influence children's wellbeing and outcomes.
Alongside the core Level 3 Teaching Assistant curriculum, you'll benefit from dedicated Thrive learning focused on relationships, emotional development, behaviour and classroom practice.
By the end of the programme, you'll be equipped with practical strategies to help pupils flourish in school and beyond. You'll also achieve Thrive-Informed Educator status, recognising your understanding of Thrive's approach to social and emotional development.
thrive TEACHING ASSISTANT Level 3
Benefits
This apprenticeship helps you strengthen your practice through a deeper understanding of relationships, behaviour and emotional development, while taking the next step in your career.
- Achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
- Become a Thrive-Informed Educator.
- Develop a deeper understanding of social and emotional development.
- Build confidence in supporting behaviour through a relational approach.
- Learn practical strategies you can use every day in the classroom.
- Receive dedicated support from an apprenticeship tutor throughout your journey.
- Develop more skilled and confident Teaching Assistants.
- Strengthen support for pupils’ social and emotional development.
- Enhance classroom practice to promote inclusion, belonging and wellbeing.
- Enable staff to work effectively alongside teachers and SENDCOs.
- Provide a practical route for developing and retaining talented support staff.
- Increase capacity to create nurturing, supportive learning environments.
thrive TEACHING ASSISTANT Level 3
Why Train With Best Practice Network & Thrive?
This apprenticeship brings together Thrive’s evidence-informed approach to social and emotional wellbeing with Best Practice Network’s award-winning apprenticeship delivery.
Together, the programme supports Teaching Assistants to build the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a positive difference in the classroom, while developing the relational practice that helps children feel safe, included and ready to learn.
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Programme details
What you'll learn
Core apprenticeship modules include:
- Understanding how pupils learn
- Using technology to support learning
- Assessment
- Curriculum
- Keeping children safe
With support modules on:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Behaviour
- One-to-one and small group teaching
Thrive e-learning modules cover:
- Relationships and why they matter
- Brain and body development
- Behaviour as communication
- Creating the environment
What you'll gain
By the end of the apprenticeship, you will:
- Achieve a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
- Become a Thrive-Informed Educator.
- Feel more confident supporting pupils with a range of needs.
- Have practical strategies to support behaviour, wellbeing and learning.
- Have built a portfolio of evidence to show your knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- Be ready to take the next step in your career in education.
How the apprenticeship works
This is a work-based programme delivered over 15–18 months, designed to fit around your role.
You’ll apply your learning in your setting throughout the apprenticeship, with support from a dedicated tutor and structured training sessions.
You’ll take part in:
- Interactive online sessions and independent learning.
- One-to-one support sessions with your tutor.
- On-the-job application of your learning.
- Regular progress reviews with your employer.
- End-point assessment.
You’ll also complete 20% off-the-job training, built into your working hours, giving you protected time to focus on your development.
Your tutor will visit your setting or meet you online, so there’s no need to travel to a college.
thrive TEACHING ASSISTANT Level 3
Who this apprenticeship is for
Whether you're new to a teaching support role or building on existing experience, this apprenticeship provides a practical pathway to professional development and recognised qualifications.
This apprenticeship is ideal for:
- Teaching assistants
- Learning support assistants
- Classroom support staff
- SEND support staff
See our FAQs for full eligibility requirements.
“Thrive is a transformative approach. When it’s embedded in everything you do, it makes teaching and learning an empowering process.”
Leah Roberts
Family, Inclusion and Wellbeing Coordinator, Dovecote School
Check eligibility & apply today
This apprenticeship is ideal for teaching assistants and learning support staff who are already working in a school and want to gain a recognised qualification while developing their professional practice. During the application process, you’ll need to provide evidence of your eligibility, so please ensure you have this ready. Unfortunately, it seems you aren't eligible.Who can apply?
Thank you for confirming that you meet the requirements for the Thrive Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3.
Click below to start your application. We look forward to supporting you on this exciting journey!
For more information about the eligibility criteria for this course, please read the detailed FAQs. Or to discuss best-fit alternatives, book a Discovery Call with your regional expert.Question 1:
Do you have experience in a relevant role and currently work with children and young people in a school or educational setting?
Question 2:
Do you currently hold a permanent role in a school or educational setting in England and have the right to work and study in the UK?
Question 3:
Have you lived in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years?
Question 4:
Are you aware that this is a 15-18 month apprenticeship (or longer if part-time) requiring 20% off-the-job training and agreement from your employer?
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Fees & next steps
Programme cost: £7,000 £0
This apprenticeship is usually funded through the Skills & Growth Levy, so there is typically no cost to your setting. If your setting does not pay into the levy, a small co-investment may apply.
Apply by 16th December to join the Spring cohort.
To be eligible, candidates need to:
- Have a minimum of one year’s experience in a relevant role.
- Be employed in a role working closely with children and young people.
- Have support from an employer and levy account holder.
- Have held UK residency for at least three years.
- Be based in England.
- Have achieved GCSE grade C (4) or above in English and maths or be able to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in these areas whilst on programme (mandatory for ages 16-18).
If you’re over 18, you will agree with your setting as to whether you need to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is ideal for teaching assistants, learning support assistants and other classroom support staff who want to develop their knowledge and skills, gain a nationally recognised qualification and take the next step in their education career.
Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours
This apprenticeship blends Thrive’s proven approach to emotional development with practical tools to elevate your role. You’ll develop a rich set of knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) designed to empower you to better support young people and foster inclusive, nurturing learning environments - all while staying in your current role.
Ready to apply?
Take the next step and apply for the apprenticeship today.
Apply now Download programme guide
Still have questions? Book a Discovery Call with our team and we’ll help you decide whether this apprenticeship is the right fit for your setting.