Programme overview
What is the Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship?
The Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship is a Level 5 specialist development programme for teaching assistants and support staff who want to build expertise in speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). It helps staff identify communication needs, remove barriers to learning and support pupils to participate more fully in school.
What qualification or certification does the programme lead to?
The programme awards Speech & Language Link Certification and Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5. It is built on the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard.
How long does the apprenticeship take?
The course duration is 18 months. With a delivery structure of 15 months of learning followed by gateway and End Point Assessment, which may take up to 3 months.
Who delivers the programme?
The apprenticeship is delivered by Best Practice Network in partnership with Speech & Language Link. Best Practice Network provides apprenticeship training expertise, while Speech & Language Link contributes specialist speech, language and communication knowledge, including input from qualified speech and language therapists.
Suitability and eligibility
Who is the apprenticeship for?
The programme is designed for teaching assistants and support staff who want to develop specialist skills in speech, language and communication and have a stronger impact on pupils’ learning, participation and outcomes. It is especially suited to staff working with pupils who have SLCN or pupils who struggle to understand, express themselves or engage in learning.
Which roles are suitable for this apprenticeship?
Suitable roles include Teaching Assistants, SEND Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, Higher Level Teaching Assistants, pastoral and inclusion staff, and early career support staff looking to progress.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Participants must be currently employed in a school or education setting, have employer support to complete the programme, be able to apply their learning in their role and complete workplace activities, and have the right to work and study in England.
Learning and content
What will learners study?
Learners develop specialist knowledge of speech, language and communication, including what SLCN is, how communication skills develop, common difficulties and diagnoses, how communication breakdowns affect learning and behaviour, and how to identify signs of need or “red flags.”
What practical strategies are covered?
The programme covers practical classroom strategies such as supporting attention and listening, creating communication-supportive environments, slowing down language, giving processing time, breaking down instructions, modelling language, using visuals and prompts, supporting vocabulary development, and helping pupils express themselves.
Does the programme cover wider teaching assistant skills?
Yes. Alongside specialist speech and language learning, the programme develops wider Specialist Teaching Assistant skills, including child development, inclusive practice, planning, assessment, advocating for learner needs, teamworking and partnership working.
What modules are included?
Modules on wellbeing and resilience, reflective practice and professional development, legal requirements and guidance, curriculum, the learning environment, child development, theories of learning, pedagogy, supporting individual needs, learning resources and technology, planning, assessment, advocating for learner needs, and effective teamworking and partnership working. Specialist speech and language learning is embedded throughout.
Delivery and support
How is the apprenticeship delivered?
The apprenticeship is designed to fit around the learner’s existing role and includes facilitated online sessions, monthly coaching with an experienced practitioner, online learning, workplace activities and portfolio development.
What support do learners receive?
Learners receive regular virtual classroom sessions and monthly coaching from an experienced practitioner. This support helps them apply learning in the workplace, reflect on progress, build confidence and develop evidence of their impact in school.
Is learning applied in the workplace?
Yes. The programme is designed so learners can apply new knowledge and strategies directly in their day-to-day school role. They also build a portfolio of evidence showing their impact in supporting pupils.
Assessment
What is gateway?
Gateway is the final stage before assessment. At this point, the employer and training provider confirm that the learner has developed the required knowledge, skills and behaviours and is ready to move on to End Point Assessment.
What does End Point Assessment involve?
End Point Assessment includes an observation with questions in the learner’s real working environment and a professional discussion supported by the portfolio of evidence built during the programme.
What grades can learners achieve?
The End Point Assessment determines the final grade, which can be pass, merit or distinction.
Benefits for schools and pupils
Why do schools need speech and language support practitioners?
Best Practice Network says speech, language and communication needs are the most common type of SEND in England, with over one in four pupils on SEN support identified with SLCN. The apprenticeship helps schools build in-house expertise so staff can spot needs earlier, adapt practice and provide more effective support.
How can the apprenticeship benefit pupils?
The programme aims to help pupils with SLCN access learning, participate more fully and make stronger progress. It gives staff practical strategies to support understanding, communication, behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion in school.
How can the apprenticeship benefit schools and trusts?
For schools and trusts, the programme strengthens in-house expertise in speech, language and communication. It supports staff to identify needs early, adapt classroom practice, work effectively with colleagues and external professionals, and build long-term capacity across the setting.
Funding and applications
How much does the programme cost?
The programme price is listed as £12,000, but it is shown as £0 for learners when funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
Is the apprenticeship fully funded?
Yes the course is fully funded through Apprenticeship Levy funding.
How can someone learn more or apply?
Sign up on our website: https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/speech-and-language-support-practitioner-apprenticeship