Speech and Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship
Develop support staff into specialists in speech, language and communication, with expert input from qualified speech and language therapists.
Level 5 apprenticeship • 18 months • Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy
About the programme
Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) are among the most common barriers to learning, and they can go unidentified. This apprenticeship develops teaching assistants and support staff into specialists in speech, language and communication, equipping them to identify SLCN early, remove barriers and help pupils access learning.
Built on the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard and delivered with input from qualified speech and language therapists from Speech and Language Link. The programme combines practical classroom strategies with a deep understanding of how speech, language and communication underpin progress, participation and inclusion.
You’ll learn through monthly coaching sessions and structured online learning that fit around the working day, so new skills can be applied in the classroom immediately.
Who it’s for
- Teaching assistants who want to better support pupils with SLCN and have a greater impact on learning in the classroom
- Teaching assistants supporting pupils with SEND who want to deepen their expertise with evidence informed strategies
- Schools and trusts building in house speech and language capacity rather than relying solely on external services
What you’ll gain
- Specialist knowledge of how to identify and support speech, language and communication needs
- Practical, evidence informed intervention strategies developed with qualified speech and language therapists
- A nationally recognised Level 5 qualification
- No fees for learners or schools, with training fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy
Find out more and apply
This programme is delivered by Best Practice Network, part of the Supporting Education Group. View the full course details, entry requirements and upcoming cohort dates, or speak to us about building it into your wider SEND strategy.