Skills Bootcamp Teaching Assistant Supporting SEND

This Skills Bootcamp will help you develop the skills and confidence to work effectively as a Teaching Assistant, particularly when supporting learners with SEND.

You'll learn how to:

• understand the role and responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant
• recognise typical and atypical development
• understand SEND and the EHCP process
• support learners effectively on a one-to-one basis and in groups
• adapt activities and resources to meet individual needs
• use technology and other resources to support learning
• support learners' emotional and holistic needs
• work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.

You'll also explore career opportunities and the next steps available to you after completing the Bootcamp.

The programme runs from 17 November 2026 to 18 February 2027 and is delivered online during term time.

You'll attend two online workshops each week:

Monday: 9.30am–12.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am–12.30pm

The online format allows you to develop your knowledge and skills from home while learning alongside others interested in developing a career in education.

There may also be an opportunity for some learners to undertake shadowing experience, subject to availability and suitability.

Course dates: 17 November 2026 – 18 February 2027

Delivery: Online

Weekly commitment: Two three-hour online workshops each week

Week 1: The role of the Teaching Assistant in supporting SEND

Week 2: Development and SEND – typical and atypical development

Week 3: The EHCP process and the role of the Teaching Assistant

Week 4: Collaborative working – Teaching Assistants and other professionals

Week 5: Technology and resources for supporting SEND learners

Week 6: Supporting SEND learners one-to-one

Week 7: Strategies for working with groups of SEND learners

Week 8: Supporting holistic needs – emotional development and the role of the ELSA

Week 9: Using teacher planning and adapting learning to individual needs

Week 10: Career opportunities and next steps for Teaching Assistants

You will receive support to build confidence and prepare for roles such as Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant and SEND Teaching Assistant. Shadowing in an education setting may be available, subject to suitability and availability.

If you secure a suitable role, you may be able to progress to the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Embedded SEND. Experienced Teaching Assistants may then progress to the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.

To take part in this Skills Bootcamp, you must:

• Be aged 19 or over
• Have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least one year
• Live in Surrey with an eligible Surrey postcode

If you claim Universal Credit, you can apply and continue to claim benefits while studying.

You must also have basic working IT knowledge.

It is preferable that you hold English and maths qualifications at Level 2, such as GCSEs, and are working at or above this level.

This Bootcamp is designed for people who want to work as a Teaching Assistant and are prepared to support pupils with SEND as part of that role. If you are interested in learning about SEND but do not intend to become a Teaching Assistant, explore our other online care and support courses at adult.activatelearning.ac.uk/find-a-course/care/

Skills Bootcamps are funded through Surrey County Council. Here’s how the funding works:

• Unemployed individuals, freelancers and sole traders in Surrey: 100% funded
• Small and medium-sized businesses in Surrey (fewer than 250 employees): the employer contributes 10%; the remaining 90% is funded
• Large businesses in Surrey (250 or more employees): the employer contributes 30%; the remaining 70% is funded

Learners may enrol in one fully funded Skills Bootcamp per year (1 April to 31 March).

Throughout the programme, you'll take part in activities designed to help you apply what you've learned and demonstrate your developing knowledge and skills.

The focus is on building practical knowledge and confidence that you can use within an education setting and in your next steps towards employment or further training.