This course is ideal for you if you have already been working or volunteering in support roles in education settings and want to deepen your knowledge and progress your learning. You will explore the role of teaching assistants and develop an in-depth understanding of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career working directly with children and young people in school and college environments.

You will learn about a variety of topics, including:

Children and young people's development
Safeguarding
Health and safety in a school setting
Promoting an effective learning environment
Supporting positive behaviour in children and young people
Maintaining relationships with children and young people

Alongside the traditional aspects of educational support, you will develop specialist support skills, including:

Planning, delivering, and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher
Bilingual support
Supporting those with disabilities or special educational needs
Personal development and reflective practice

You will need to find your own placement for around one day per week. This can be in the primary, secondary, or FE sectors. We do not mind what year you are in as long as it is classroom-based with a qualified teacher. Placements must cover a variety of curriculum subjects, not just English and maths. Private nurseries, before-school, after-school clubs, and midday supervisor roles are not suitable.

What you will study
You will study a range of modules related to the role of the teaching assistant including:
- Child development in children and young people
- Safeguarding and keeping children and young people safe
- How to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- How schools work and the role of legislation and policy in education
Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), including English and Maths, or a Level 2 qualification (Merit or Distinction) in a related subject. Note: for skills-based qualifications you might need the skills at Level 2 in order to enrol onto the Level 3. Students must also have an advanced DBS check.
Assessment

You will undertake a variety of tasks during classroom time including group and individual work and practical projects. You will be studying alongside colleagues from a range of settings and will learn a lot through comparing your different experiences. You will assemble a portfolio of assessed evidence as your progress through the course. You will be asked to have some evidence witnessed by the setting e.g. activity plans to confirm that they have taken place.

You will need to complete a 100-hour placement between September and June whilst on the course and will be observed by a member of the teacher training team at the setting.
Moving Forward

Supporting Teaching and Learning Foundation Degree Early Years Education Foundation Degree Childhood Studies with SEN Foundation Degree
Duration

1 Year

Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools - Diploma

Events

Where can it lead?

Teacher Assistants

Student Support

Financial Support

Term Dates