Develop the specialist workforce your school needs -
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEND & PE Specialism)
Strengthen SEND expertise. Build inclusive PE.
Prepare for the future of school sport.
Schools are entering a period of significant change.
Alongside the transition towards the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, expectations around inclusion, SEND provision and high-quality physical education continue to grow.
At the same time, schools face increasing pressure to recruit, develop and retain skilled staff.
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEND & PE Specialism) has been designed to help schools meet these challenges by developing specialist expertise from within their existing workforce.
Rather than relying solely on external support, this programme enables schools to invest in their own people, strengthening inclusive practice, improving PE provision and creating long-term workforce capacity.
Why schools are investing in workforce development
School leaders are increasingly looking beyond short-term solutions and investing in staff who can contribute across multiple areas of school life.
This programme helps schools:
- Develop advanced SEND expertise within existing teams- Strengthen inclusive PE and physical activity
- Create meaningful career progression for Teaching Assistants and sports coaches
- Improve staff retention through professional development
- Reduce reliance on external specialist provision
- Make effective use of apprenticeship funding to support long-term workforce development
Rather than simply filling vacancies, schools are developing future specialists.
One programme. Two strategic priorities.
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship brings together two increasingly important priorities for schools.
Advanced SEND practice
Learners develop the confidence and knowledge to support pupils with additional needs through targeted interventions, inclusive classroom practice and improved curriculum access.
Inclusive PE and physical activity
Learners gain specialist knowledge to adapt PE, support participation for every pupil and deliver physically active learning approaches, including English and Maths on the Move.
Together, these skills enable staff to make a meaningful contribution across the classroom, PE, intervention programmes and wider school life.
Supporting whole-school improvement
This programme has been designed to support the priorities many schools are already working towards.
It helps strengthen:
- Inclusive curriculum delivery- SEND provision
- Physical education and school sport
- Staff development and retention
- Leadership capacity
- Whole-school wellbeing
- Pupil engagement through physical activity
As schools prepare for future developments across PE and school sport, investing in specialist staff provides a sustainable way to build expertise that remains within the organisation.
Who is this programme for?
Ideal for:
- Experienced Teaching Assistants- Level 4 School Sports Coaches looking to progress
- Learning Support Assistants
- PE support staff
- School support staff with responsibility for inclusion
- Sports professionals working within school settings
It is particularly suited to organisations looking to develop existing staff rather than recruit new specialists.
Supporting sports coaching providers
Schools increasingly expect coaches to do far more than deliver PE lessons.
They want professionals who understand inclusion, SEND, curriculum expectations and how to support children with a wide range of needs.
This programme helps coaching organisations develop staff who can:
- Deliver curriculum-aligned PE with confidence- Adapt activities for pupils with additional needs
- Strengthen relationships with schools
- Progress beyond Level 4 qualifications
- Expand their career opportunities within education
For coaching organisations, it provides a clear progression pathway while increasing the value they can offer schools
Programme overview
Duration: 18–24 months
Delivery: Blended learning including online masterclasses and Aspire skills festival development days
Funding: Fully funded training options available (subject to eligibility)
Funding: Develop your workforce with government apprenticeship funding
For some employers, this programme can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or government apprenticeship funding, subject to eligibility.
We'll help you understand:
- Your funding options- Eligibility
- Levy and non-levy routes
- Whether upskilling an existing employee or recruiting a new apprentice is the best option for your organisation
Our team will guide you through the process from initial enquiry to enrolment.
Frequently asked questions
Can we upskill existing members of staff?
Yes. Many schools use this apprenticeship to develop experienced Teaching Assistants, sports coaches and support staff already working within their organisation.
Can sports coaches progress onto this programme?
Yes. It provides a natural progression route for Level 4 School Sports Coaches looking to expand their expertise and impact within schools.
Will this support our wider school priorities?
Yes. The programme has been designed to strengthen SEND provision, inclusive PE, workforce development and whole-school improvement.
Is funding available?
We'll explain the options available during your initial conversation.
Complete the expression of interest form, or for more information, contact Lilly Oliver-Jones at 07930 605482 or email lilly.oliver-jones@aaeg.co.uk