Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

What you will learn
This qualification will provide 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. It is recognised as ‘full and relevant’ by the industry and will enable them to enter the Workforce as a Teaching Assistant or to Access Higher Education. This qualification is ideal if you are looking to gain employment as a Specialist Support Assistant within a Primary or Secondary School or College. You’ll also need to show that you can work well with children, teachers and parents. A qualification in nursery work, childcare, playwork or youth work will give you an advantage.

What to expect
When completing this programme you will be stretched and challenged throughout, to enable you to reach your highest possible potential. All 16 units are assessed internally. In addition, you will be observed and questioned in the workplace. Knowledge only units include; Schools and Colleges as Organisations, Health and Safety in a Learning Environment and Safeguarding Children and Young People, Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults, Positive Behaviour, Supporting English, Maths and ICT Skills, Supporting Assessment for Learning and Engaging in Personal and Professional Development. Specialist topics; Speech, Language and Communication, Supporting Bilingual Learners, Supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Transitions and the Role of Play, Leisure and Extra Curricular Activities.

What Next
Upon completion you will be able to progress to further learning in the sector, the L4 Diploma for The Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges or Higher Education. Alternatively you may wish to progress onto employment within the sector as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or a specialist role including Safeguarding, Speech and Language, Parent Support Advisor or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

Work placements
Learners will need to show competence working in a placement in a school or college environment working with learners aged 5 years and upwards, whereby they will put their learning into practice and develop their workplace skills and behaviours. All learners will need to complete a minimum of 200 placement hours. Placements could include a Primary School, Secondary School, Special Needs School, College, Private Training Provider or Specialist College

Salary and Career expectations
As a qualified Teaching Assistant you can expect on average a starting salary of £18,300 and can go up to £23,000 depending on your experience and which part of the sector you work in. All schools recruit support staff to complement the work done by the qualified teaching staff. Many teaching assistants specialise in the kind of extra help they give, for example languages, behavioural, pastoral or special needs support.

Feed back from a student “In the last 6 weeks I have started a new job in a School, because of this course and working towards this qualification”.

Attendance days

For anyone 19 years old and over the course is delivered on a one to one basis with an assigned tutor, using a blended method of delivery, which will include; monthly meetings, and remote learning. Your course can start at any time of the year.