Course overview

Throughout the evening, you will have opportunities for one-to-one support from the course tutor, as well as tutor input linked to the course requirements. There will also be time for you to complete written and reflective work with guidance and support from your tutor. You will also be able to arrange other times to meet with your tutor in college if needed as well as communicate online through the week if you need any further support. As well as have access to the online resources throughout your time on the course. This course is for adult learners (19+) who already have experience of working in schools and colleges and already have Level 2 qualifications such as a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning or a Level 2 Teaching Assistant. For adult learners who are new to working in education, the college offers a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Leaning course that students should complete before moving on to the Level 3 qualification. This qualification covers the national curriculum in primary and secondary schools as well as colleges. Those who would like to work with under 5-year-olds, the college offers Early Years qualifications.

Course requirements

GCSE grade A*- C (Grade 4 or higher or equivalent Level 2 literacy and numeracy.) English and Maths GCSEs courses can be taken at the college in the evening. An interview and short assessment will assess your suitability and interest in the subject. Due to the nature of the course and qualification it is a requirement that all students have a clear Disclosure and Barring Service check

What will I do?

This qualification provides you with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments in a level 3 teaching assistant role. This qualification will equip you with knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of key subject areas, including: - safeguarding the welfare of children and young people - planning and preparing for learning activities - using assessment strategies to promote learning - creating a positive environment to support speech, language and communication development of children and young people - responding to behaviour that challenges Students will need to complete written assignments that will need to be word processed and submitted online. Laptops are available to borrow from the college's Learning Zone and learners will also have access to use the computers in college during the college's opening hours. You will be taught how to correctly reference and quote your work from a range of sources to avoid plagiarism and use of AI. Students will need to attend placement at least one day a week as 150 hours need to be attended at placement to complete the qualification. Placements will need to be confirmed by the college's progression team, or the college's progression team can help arrange suitable placements from the range of settings that the college already works with. A college trainer assessor will carry out arranged observations at the placement throughout the course to help cover the observational criteria. As well as gaining real life experience through working in a school or college, learners will also have opportunities to speak to teaching assistant supply agencies and tutors offering progression routes to aid students' employability and understanding of what they can move onto after completing the course.

What will it give me?

This qualification provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work in a variety of unsupervised job roles that support children and young people's learning in schools or colleges. After successful completion of the course, it is possible to apply for jobs in a variety of roles in schools and colleges including; Level 3 Teaching assistants, Learning support assistants, Special needs assistant, Support workers, Transition workers and Learning mentors.

Materials needed

Level 3 Diploma, Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools by Louise Burnham & Brenda Baker (available in Primary & Secondary editions). Available from the college's Learning Zone and online through the college. Access to word process documents, respond to emails and access online resources.

What can I do when I finish?

For those wishing to continue with their education, it is also possible to progress onto Higher Education via a Foundation Degree in Education Studies Levels 4 - 6 at the college.

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click on the APPLY section below. Thank you!