Level 3 Teaching Assistant

You will either already have the Level 2 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification, or you will have had some classroom or other educational experience with children between 5 and 19 years to join this course. The level 3 qualification enables already qualified teaching assistants to apply for level 3 roles, which require more independent working and possibly supporting other teaching assistant colleagues. It is suitable for learners working in roles that support pupils’ learning, including teaching assistants, learning support assistants and special needs assistants.

• Children and young people’s development • Safeguarding children and young people • Equality, diversity, and inclusion • Developing positive relationships with children, young people and colleagues • Health and safety • Behaviour management • Working as part of a team • Reflective practice • Assessing children and young people’s learning • Supporting bilingual learners • Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.

You will attend a classroom, either face-to-face or online once a week, where you will be provided with the work and activities (online or printed resources) you will be expected to complete at home during the following week. There are no exams for this course, you are assessed on your portfolio of evidence including observed working practice in the role. You will need to arrange a placement, for at least 10 hours a week for each week of the course, working with children in a school (aged 5+). You will be assigned an assessor who will observe you in your setting performing various duties. You will be given feedback on your performance. You will also be given regular homework. This will cover the knowledge aspect of the course and will involve you writing detailed assignments. Your tutor will give you feedback on your assignments and suggest ways in which you can improve.

You will need to show proof that you have English and Maths qualifications at level 2 (Functional Skills or GCSE) for entry onto this course. Equivalent overseas qualifications must already have NARIC certificate to prove this. It is not sufficient to have the English skill level without proof of qualification as this is a teaching role qualification. You will be required to gain these qualifications prior to starting this course if you do not have them. If you are not progressing with us from the Level 2 qualification, you will be required to complete an initial assessment to confirm your current vocational and English skills and ensure the course is at the appropriate level for you. You will also need an enhanced DBS check to allow you to undertake your practice hours - we will apply for one for you as part of the course if you don't already have one. If you do, we will ask for the certificate number.

You will be fully qualified to apply for Level 3 Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Additional Needs Assistant roles on successful completion of this course. In addition to this you could progress onto a Foundation Degree or a level 4 qualification as an ongoing pathway to Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles or ultimately into the teaching profession itself. However, professional teaching qualifications can be achieved via a more direct route to the profession if that is your career goal.