Course overview

Support staff play a key role in classroom and assisting learning across primary, secondary or special education. They support the class and work closely supervised by the teacher, helping supervising different class activities, out of school trips or reading to the class.

You may work with children of any age range individually or in groups, including those with special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities.

This Apprenticeship will help improve your skills and progress your career and is especially designed for people who would like to be support staff or go on to do further qualifications to become a teaching assistant.

The Apprenticeship will train you 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

Course assessment

This is an 18 month programme. 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 make 8 workplace visits to observe you carrying out the job to complete the competence element and to give you training and feedback. A portfolio will be used for collection and submission of evidence.

Course progression

Those progressing from the Teaching Assistant Level 3 Standard may want to consider a teaching qualification or a university degree route. They may also wish to consider the Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges.