Teacher for the sensory impaired
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Education and early years 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 7 apprenticeship trains qualified teachers to gain the mandatory qualification for teaching children and young people with sensory impairment. Apprentices specialise in one pathway: deaf, vision impairment, or multi-sensory impairment, supporting learners aged 0 to 25. It can lead to specialist advisory teacher roles, leadership in sensory support services, or wider SEND leadership.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Impact of vision, hearing or multi-sensory impairment on learning
Specialist assessment of functional vision, hearing and communication needs
Communication approaches relevant to the chosen specialism
Braille, tactile graphics or specialist literacy methods where relevant
Adapting curriculum and teaching for sensory needs
Specialist technology including screen readers, magnification and hearing technology
SEND Code of Practice and legislation for sensory impairment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Teach and support learners with sensory impairment across settings
Carry out specialist functional vision, hearing or communication assessments
Advise mainstream teachers on adapting for sensory needs
Recommend and set up specialist equipment and assistive technology
Contribute to EHCPs and statutory review meetings
Liaise with families, audiologists, ophthalmologists and other services
Apply the mandatory qualification framework for your chosen specialism
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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