Certificate in supporting teaching and learning in schools

Overview

This course is aimed at people new to the role of teaching assistant or learning support, in reception, primary and secondary education. You can be in a paid or volunteer role, but you will need to have regular hours with your school during the course. If you are currently in a position that supports teaching and learning, this course can help you learn new skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

You will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills to effectively provide support for teaching and learning in educational settings. You will develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for working with children and young people, and school staff. There are 11 units including: supporting positive behaviour, communicating and maintaining professional relationships, child and young person development, support safeguarding, equality and safety.

The course is delivered through tutor led face to face and online learning. There will be a mixture of tasks and discussions, Q&A, and time to practice your skills. If the session is online, the tutor will use break out rooms for small group work in addition to the above and there will be some e-learning to support your knowledge development. In the work place you should have the opportunity to observe and or shadow experienced colleagues modelling good practice.

Entry requirements

You will need to be over 16, and working or volunteering regularly in a school environment, that allows you to demonstrate the skills-based part of the qualification. There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but you will need an appropriate level of literacy to complete your qualification. For the online part of the course, you will need to be able to use our online teaching platform (we have introductory courses to help you get online and use online meetings or classrooms).

Assessment criteria

Your tutor will review and assess your progress against the qualification criteria. This will be through asking questions to check your understanding of the knowledge and observing your practical skills. You will be required to complete an assignment for each unit, this can include explanations, case study, reflective practice and presentations. For skills-based criteria this can be through observation in the workplace, simulation and professional discussion or witness statements from peers.

What do I need?

You will need access to the internet to join the online sessions with an ICT device such as a laptop or tablet. You will need a quiet place to study and agreed time to complete your qualification with your school. Working in an education setting is likely to require a DBS check and will be completed by your workplace. All course materials with be provided during the sessions, if you are interested to research further, you will need access to the internet or your local library service.

For online sessions you will need an ICT device connected to the internet. For all sessions, it’s often handy to have a pen and some paper, or a notebook available, if you want to make notes.

What can I do next?

You could progress onto: L3 Certificate in supporting teaching and learning in schools. L3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools. Coaching and mentoring skills or qualifications. Advice and Guidance qualifications. Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.In your workplace it could help with expanding your role or opportunities to work in different areas of the school.