Course Outlines
As an education specialist, Waterton Academy Trust offers training courses which are firmly within our area of expertise. This ensures that the programmes we offer are written and delivered by experts with a depth of knowledge and experience.
Each course offered by Waterton Academy Trust consists of a series of training days, attended by the whole cohort. This group of learners are all undertaking the same training at the same time, giving a supportive peer learning experience. Training is delivered face to face by a course tutor, followed by the completion of a task or tasks back at the workplace. In the case of the L5 Specialist Teaching Assistant course the face to face training days are supplemented by dedicated online seminars.
▼Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Over 18 months, learners study the following modules (face to face training modules over 8 half-terms):
- Understanding and supporting behaviour in schools
- Understanding how pupils learn and develop
- Developing pupils to become independent learners
- Understanding the curriculum
- Working with teachers to understand and support assessment for learning
- Understanding the role and making effective use of teaching assistants
- Keeping children safe in education
- Delivering targeted support
Learners will be supported to develop a portfolio of evidence, with tasks set from each delivery session which allow learners to apply their learning back in the classroom through their off-the-job training time.
Once all learning is complete, an Apprenticeship Assessment is arranged. This is made up of an observation and a professional discussion, and is supported by the portfolio.
Why choose this programme?
Studying with us, you will:
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to 2 A Levels)
- Learn alongside a supportive group of professionals
- Be guided by an experienced tutor
- Receive ongoing support from a school-based mentor
Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping pupils reach their full potential. This programme is designed to strengthen your knowledge, skills, and confidence so you can deliver high-quality support for the children in your care.
Programme Overview
Over 18 months, you will:
- Engage in high-quality, collaborative professional discussions
- Access a wide range of evidence-informed learning materials
- Develop classroom practice through planning and intervention opportunities
- Explore educational theories and strategies grounded in the latest research, with regular opportunities to apply your learning directly within your setting.
Entry Requirements
To join the programme, you will need:
- Valid and eligible residency status
- Employer agreement and support
- A current role as a Teaching Assistant (or similar)
- English and Maths at GCSE or Functional Skills level 2* (desirable, but not essential)
*As this programme is equivalent to 2 A Levels, a good standard of written and spoken English is required.
This apprenticeship is ideal for a TA who is relatively new to post, and who wants to learn more about how to support the children in their care, or for a team member who is looking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their role and of educational theory and research. Any learner joining the course will gain new knowledge and skills regardless of their starting point. Some learners will go on to further their study, and begin a route into teaching, and some learners will thrive in their existing role with the support of this training. All are welcomed by our course tutors, who are happy to support and guide you through future career options.
▼Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Over 18 months, learners study the following modules (face to face training modules over 8 half-terms):
- Roles and responsibilities, professional behaviour and safeguarding. Introduction
- Environment, relationships and curriculum
- Observation, assessment, communication and language
- Effective learning and welfare
- Communication and positive relationships
- Maths and early language acquisition
- SEND and early identification
- Working in Early Years and safeguarding
Learners will be supported to develop a portfolio of evidence, with tasks set from each delivery session which allow learners to apply their learning back in the classroom through their off-the-job training time.
Once all learning is complete, an Apprenticeship Assessment is arranged. This is made up of an observation and a professional discussion and is supported by the portfolio.
Why choose this programme?
Studying with us, you will:
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to 2 A Levels)
- Learn alongside a supportive group of professionals
- Be guided by an experienced tutor
- Receive ongoing support from a school-based mentor
Learners on the Early Years Educator course may work in a variety of settings and hold various job titles. We welcome Early Years Teaching Assistants, Key Workers, SEND TAs, Play Workers, Nursery Assistants, Childcare Assistants and other postholders to this course. All who work with very young children play a vital role in helping children to reach their full potential, and to start their educational journey from the earliest possible stage. This programme is designed to strengthen your knowledge, skills, and confidence so you can deliver high-quality support and education for the children in your care.
Programme Overview
Over 18 months, you will:
- Engage in high-quality, collaborative professional discussions
- Access a wide range of evidence-informed learning materials
- Develop your practice through opportunities to develop and lead activities
- Explore educational theories and strategies grounded in the latest research, with regular opportunities to apply your learning directly within your setting.
Entry Requirements
To join the programme, you will need:
- Valid and eligible residency status
- Employer agreement and support
- • A current role as a Key Worker (or similar)
- English and Maths at GCSE or Functional Skills level 2* (desirable, but not essential)
*As this programme is equivalent to 2 A Levels, a good standard of written and spoken English is required.
This apprenticeship is ideal for a person employed in a nursery, pre-school, childminding business or early years department of a school who does not yet hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification, or someone who has not undertaken recent training. Any learner joining the course will gain new knowledge and skills regardless of their starting point. Some learners will go on to further their study, and may undertake an Early Years leadership qualification, or begin a route into teaching. Some learners will be eligible to apply for promotions within their workplace such as moving from playworker to keyworker, and others will thrive in their existing role with the support of this training. All are welcomed by our course tutors, who are happy to support and guide you through future career options.
▼Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Over approximately 2 years, learners study the following modules (face to face training modules over 10 half-terms):
- Understanding and supporting behaviour in schools
- Understanding how pupils learn and develop
- Developing pupils to become independent learners
- Understanding the curriculum
- Working with teachers to understand and support assessment for learning
- Understanding the role and making effective use of teaching assistants
- Keeping children safe in education
- Delivering targeted support
- Identifying SEND need, policy and practice
- Supporting other colleagues
Learners will be supported to develop a portfolio of evidence, with tasks set from each delivery session which allow learners to apply their learning back in the classroom through their off-the-job training time.
Once all learning is complete, an Apprenticeship Assessment is arranged. This is made up of an observation and a professional discussion and is supported by the portfolio.
This programme is ideal for colleagues looking to deepen their practice, enhance their impact in the classroom, and progress their career, particularly those considering a future pathway into teacher training.
Why choose this programme?
Studying with us, you will:
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to a foundation degree)
- Learn alongside a supportive group of professionals
- Be guided by an experienced tutor
- Receive ongoing support from a school-based mentor
Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping pupils reach their full potential. This programme is designed to strengthen your knowledge, skills, and confidence so you can deliver the highest quality support for the learners in your care.
Programme Overview
Over 24 months, you will:
- Engage in high-quality, collaborative professional discussions
- Access a wide range of evidence-informed learning materials
- Develop classroom practice through planning and teaching opportunities
- Build skills in coaching and mentoring
- Explore educational theories and strategies grounded in the latest research, with regular opportunities to apply your learning directly within your setting.
Entry Requirements
To join the programme, you will need:
- Valid and eligible residency status
- Employer agreement and support
- A current role as a Teaching Assistant (or similar)
- A relevant Level 3 qualification (or significant relevant experience and professional development)
- English and Maths at GCSE or Functional Skills level 2* (desirable, but not essential)
*As this programme is equivalent to a foundation degree, a strong standard of written and spoken English is required.
This apprenticeship is ideal for a person employed in a nursery, pre-school, childminding business or early years department of a school who does not yet hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification, or someone who has not undertaken recent training. Any learner joining the course will gain new knowledge and skills regardless of their starting point. Some learners will go on to further their study, and may undertake an Early Years leadership qualification, or begin a route into teaching. Some learners will be eligible to apply for promotions within their workplace such as moving from playworker to keyworker, and others will thrive in their existing role with the support of this training. All are welcomed by our course tutors, who are happy to support and guide you through future career options.