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The whole point of these programmes is to develop really amazing, high-level Specialist TAs... I’m proud to be part of a community that feels more like a family, and I look forward to many more years of helping our young people move forward with hope.
Expert-led, real-world workshops
“The quality of the trainers stands out - they are specialists who have ‘been there and done it’. It makes the learning immediately applicable to the classroom. From de-escalation for autistic students to trauma-informed practise, the workshops are designed for the front line.
"The course has been amazing. It’s filled in gaps - the curriculum units, the pedagogy side - that’s all directly from this course. At a recent workshop, we learnt about the impact on students after an hour of intense exercise, in terms of calm and mindfulness. We are now looking at building that daily burnout session into our timetable."
Bridging the gap between theory and practice
The apprenticeship empowers TAs to move beyond 'supporting' and into ‘evaluating.’ Richard used his quantitative research units to challenge the status quo of school data, proving that his neurodiverse students were succeeding even when standard trackers suggested otherwise.
Oasis has invested in me as a person as well as a professional.
"I did the quantitative alongside qualitative research because everything I discovered linked to something else. It reinforced the importance of evidence. We've actually built our own hybrid assessment tool that uses qualitative and quantitative data. Previously, there wasn't an assessment that allowed for our specific cohort. The Specialist TA apprenticeship has given me the skills to build one.
“I joined Oasis Academy Wintringham after making a major career change from healthcare during the COVID pandemic. I’m proud to be part of a community that feels more like a family. This has been the happiest four working years of my life. I’ve moved sectors, completed a Level 3 TA apprenticeship, and now the Specialist TA Level 5. I could go on to become a teacher, but I’m also keen to stay on and continue in The Harbour.
"The course has been amazing... it’s filled in gaps, whether its about dyslexia, ADHD, ACEs, Enabling Environments, or Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.”
Focus: The Harbour – building a sanctuary
The "Harbour" is a specialised satellite provision for students with complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Richard has been instrumental in taking this from an empty room to a sophisticated Extended Learning Provision.
“Being part of The Harbour means working with young people who often need consistency, encouragement, and someone who won’t give up on them. Every day brings its own challenges, but also moments that remind me why I changed careers in the first place.
"Watching students grow in confidence, resilience, and self-belief is something I’m proud to play a small part in.”
Overcoming challenges and embracing neurodiversity
As an educator with ADHD, Richard brings a unique perspective to his specialist role. “I’ve got ADHD...I don’t stay still. It helps that my trainer, Vicki, is amazing. She is also neurodiverse, supports me when needed, but also has a deep understanding of SEND and SEMH education.”
“I’ve learnt new knowledge and skills from day 1, and it’s made me better at my job. My advice to other colleagues considering the Specialist TA: ‘just jump in with both feet’ - you won’t regret it.”
The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship has been a truly empowering experience. It's not just about gaining a qualification; it's about personal and professional transformation.
The apprenticeship was the best way to learn. In IT, what you learn from a book and real life are totally different. Doing it in the workplace keeps your skills up to date; IT moves so fast. A traditional IT course is almost immediately out of date, but as the apprenticeship is work-based learning, the skills are always current and relevant.
The whole point of these programmes is to develop really amazing, high-level Specialist TAs... I’m proud to be part of a community that feels more like a family, and I look forward to many more years of helping our young people move forward with hope.
