Course overview

This nationally recognised qualification is for you if you work in any classroom or learning support role for at least 10 hours per week in either a paid or voluntary capacity.

It will help improve your skills and progress your career and is especially designed for people who would like to become a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or a SEN assistant.

The focus of the course is to train you further in child development, health and safety, building relationships and supporting pupils' learning. With the extra skills and knowledge will come growing confidence and the opportunity to demonstrate competence to employers in order to advance your career.

We are now accepting enquiries for August 2023 start dates

Course assessment

As a competence qualification it will need the support of an employer. Learning will be varied and will include workplace learning and training workshops run by our expert tutors with PowerPoints, videos, tutor-led group discussions and group work so you will get to meet other people on a similar journey to you.

There is also a requirement of a few hours of individual and home study and there may be the requirement of witness testimonies from the workplace. You will have one-to-one session with your tutor and access to online resources. Your tutor will regularly visit the workplace to observe you carrying out the job to complete the competence element and to give you training and feedback. A e-portfolio will be used for collection and submission of evidence.

Learners must achieve 30 credits in total from a combination of mandatory and optional units. The mandatory units cover general aspects of school and classroom support, learners can then choose specific optional units that match their particular work role or school environment.

Course progression

Those who develop in their role through this qualification can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools.