Frequently asked questions
Designed for Teaching Assistants and classroom support staff, the programme helps you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support teaching and learning, while building a deeper understanding of how to help children and young people feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Upon successful completion, you'll achieve a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and become a Thrive-Informed Educator.
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.
Employers will need to allow full-time apprentices six hours per week of off-the-job training. Part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
Employers will also offer a mentor and facilitate the apprentice’s monthly virtual sessions and overall development.
It’s fully funded for those working in local authority schools or those paying into the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support.
Completing the apprenticeship can help you develop your confidence, knowledge and effectiveness as a Teaching Assistant while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
You'll learn how to support learning, assessment, inclusion and safeguarding, as well as developing a greater understanding of children's development, behaviour and wellbeing. The programme can also support future career progression, including opportunities to progress to Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant or Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status.
Yes. Teaching Assistants often play a key role in supporting children and young people with SEND, and the apprenticeship includes learning that helps you better understand and respond to a wide range of needs.
You'll develop practical strategies to support inclusion, participation and learning, while the Thrive elements of the programme will help you understand how relationships, emotional development and behaviour can impact a child's experience in school.
The skills and knowledge gained can help you provide more effective support for all children, including those with additional needs.
Due to the time commitment, we recommend that only one candidate per setting takes part on any given cohort.
Yes, sessions are scheduled within typical school hours, with options for morning or afternoon sessions to align with off-the-job training requirements.
This apprenticeship is a work-based programme for people already in employment.
Your employer will need to give you time during your working hours each week for activities and learning related to your apprenticeship. This is called off-the-job training.
Best Practice Network will work with employers to ensure this time is spent on activities that both build the apprentice’s capabilities and benefit the organisation.
Off-the-job training can include:
- Thrive training
- Inset days
- In-house training
- Mentoring
- Shadowing
- Conferences & seminars
- Reflective learning
- Networking
- Project work
- Research
The exact blend of activities will be agreed with the apprentice and employer at the start of the programme.
Full-time apprentices are required to have six hours per week of off-the-job training, while part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
The apprenticeship is designed to be applied directly to your day-to-day practice. Throughout the programme, you'll develop skills and knowledge that can be used immediately in the classroom, helping you to support learning more effectively and work confidently alongside teachers, SENDCOs and other professionals.
Many learners find that the apprenticeship helps them better understand children's needs, strengthen relationships, support positive behaviour and contribute more widely to their setting.
The apprenticeship is suitable for Teaching Assistants and classroom support staff working in a range of educational settings, including:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Special schools
- Alternative provision settings
- Independent schools
- Academy trusts
It is designed for anyone in a teaching support role who regularly works with children and young people and wants to develop their professional knowledge and skills.
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is a great progression route for Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants and other classroom support staff who want to develop their skills and progress their career in education.
Salary progression will vary depending on the setting, additional responsibilities and local pay structures. If you're wondering what this could mean for your career, it's always worth speaking with your employer about potential next steps after completing the apprenticeship.