Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (STAA)
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Option for Study Abroad
Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (STAA)
Overview
*Subject to Validation*
This Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (STAA) at Northumbria is designed for staff currently working in schools in support roles (Teaching Assistants, Special Support Assistants, Learning Mentors, Covers Supervisors etc). You will develop expert skills and knowledge while still working and earning a salary.
The apprenticeship is designed to build on your current experience and help you progress your career and lead targeted support as part of a multi-professional team in schools and related learning environments.
When you apply to this apprenticeship, you will choose one of three specialist pathways to follow. This is a decision that should be made with the support of your employing school to ensure your chosen route aligns with your current job role and the needs of the school.
The pathways are:
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Diploma of Higher Education Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (SEND)
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Diploma of Higher Education Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (SEMH)
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Diploma of Higher Education Curriculum Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Curriculum)
All apprentices follow the same core modules in Year 1 of the apprenticeship before embarking on their chosen pathway modules in Year 2.
The programme combines rigorous academic learning with hands-on practice in your workplace, allowing you to immediately apply what you learn. This apprenticeship is fully funded, structured training that will help you to build strong professional networks, develop your leadership capabilities, and earn you a recognised Level 5 qualification to support your career ambitions.
This qualification also creates a pathway for further study via a one-year (online) Level 6 Top-Up with the award of BA (Hons) Education Studies.
Entry Requirements 2026/27
Standard Entry
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Prior to starting the apprenticeship Northumbria University will conduct an assessment of prior learning and experience for each apprentice, this information will be documented in the Individualised Learning Record (ILR). The prior learning and experience of each applicant is mapped against the programme learning outcomes and apprenticeship standards in compliance with DfE policy on initial skills assessment. The University ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy is applied where there is clear evidence outcomes have already been met.
The DfE Apprenticeships: initial assessment to recognise prior learning policy is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeships-recognition-of-prior-learning/apprenticeships-initial-assessment-to-recognise-prior-learning
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for every Northumbria University programme are regularly reviewed and updated. The most accurate source of information for entry requirements is the course web page on the Northumbria University website, with more generic information found on the University Admissions web pages.
Level 2 Maths and English requirements
Under 19 at the start of the Apprenticeship:
Apprentices must hold a minimum of a grade C or 4 at GCSE in English and Mathematics or equivalent and be able to provide sufficient evidence of the qualification(s). Suitable and acceptable equivalencies can be located here.
If an apprentice cannot provide evidence of these qualifications or does not hold them, the University will support their achievement through a specified provider.
Over 19 at the start of the Apprenticeship:
Apprentices should hold a minimum of a Grade C or 4 at GCSE in English and Mathematics or equivalent and be able to provide sufficient evidence of the qualification(s). Examples of suitable and acceptable equivalencies can be located here
If an apprentice cannot provide evidence or does not hold these qualifications, there are alternatives that can be considered:
Level 2 English:
- Northumbria University’s English Language Acceptable Qualifications (English Medium Tab, UK Section)
- Previous Accredited Qualifications at Level 2 or above including English (Language or Literature), Report Writing, Academic Skills etc (list not exhaustive)
- Previous and current work experience will also be taken into account, when assessing Level 2 requirements. A minimum of 1 years relevant work experience must be demonstrated in the relevant subject area and must be substantiated with either a CV or Employer supporting statement.
Level 2 Mathematics:
- Previous Accredited Qualifications at Level 2 or above including Numeracy, Statistics, Algebra, Data Analysis, Calculus etc (list not exhaustive)
- For Apprenticeship programmes in Health and Life Sciences – we will consider and accept Non Medical Prescribing module
- Previous and current work experience will also be taken into account, when assessing Level 2 requirements. A minimum of 1 years relevant work experience must be demonstrated in the relevant subject area and must be substantiated with either a CV or Employer supporting statement.
else
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (STAA)
University Led Learning
One day each week is allocated to ‘off the job training’ where you will join other apprentices in online taught sessions delivered by Northumbria and engage in independent learning.
University-led learning, or Off-the-job training (OTJ) is a statutory requirement for an English apprenticeship. It is an essential component and a legal requirement of an apprenticeship. DfE defines off the job training as: “It is training which is received by the apprentice within their practical period, during the apprentice’s normal working hours, for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship they are undertaking. By normal working hours we mean the hours for which the apprentice would normally be paid, excluding overtime.
Further information can be found on GOV.UK - off-the-job training
Off-the-job training, or university based learning, must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard, teaching new knowledge, skills and behaviours required to reach competence in the particular occupation. To comply with funding rules at least 20% of the apprentice’s normal working hours, over the planned duration of the training practical period within the apprenticeship, must be spent on off-the-job training. This 20% calculation can be found on your Training Plan and from the beginning of the programme you will be expected to record the amount of time you spend in off the job training, using Aptem. Note that any activity that is done outside of normal working hours, will be discounted from your OTJ log.
This training can include:
- The teaching of theory e.g. lectures, role playing, and online learning.
- Practical training e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions.
- Learning support.
- Time spent writing assessments/assignments (not exams).
- Revision (where this is specifically required for achievement of the apprenticeship).
Employer Led Learning
Employer led learning, or on-the-job training, is training received by the apprentice for the sole purpose of enabling the apprentice to perform the work for which they have been employed. By this we mean training that does not specifically link to the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship.
Employers are invested in the success of those completing this apprenticeship programme and have been involved in the development of the study programme. Employers will support their apprentices throughout their journey and prepare them for employment once they have completed all requirements of the apprenticeship programme.
There are several key people to support apprentices while completing the programme, both in their place of work and at university, each focused on supporting apprentices to successfully complete their programme. In your place of work your line manager will be responsible for supervising and managing your day-to-day work and may also appraise the development of your knowledge, skills and behaviours against the apprenticeship standards.
Apprentices have a Skills Coach from the University. The coach will conduct tripartite meetings to ensure the apprentice is on track to complete their programme. The coach is one of the main links between the University, apprentice and workplace and they will be present at the tripartite meetings to discuss progress, support needs and any issues with either teaching or workplace and provide reports on apprentice engagement and progress.
Fees, Funding & The Levy
The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprenticeship; the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.
Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance. Application and entry onto this course should be initiated by employers. To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete our enquiry form here , and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.
Application & Recruitment
We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.
Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.
To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Sales and Business Development team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.
All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study this apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.
If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.
Enquire now about this apprenticeship:
If you would like to find out more about any of our workforce development programmes or learn how we can work with your organisation to develop your employees, complete the form below and someone from Business Development team will be in touch.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
