Where will this course lead?

This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school environments. It covers all aspects of specialist support including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher, bilingual and special needs support and personal development and reflective practice.

It is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils' learning in primary, secondary or special schools.

What will I study?

There are 15 units of study. Below are some of the mandatory units:

- Child and young person development
- Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
- Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people
- Support children and young people's health and safety
- Support children and young people's positive behaviour
- Support learning activities

Maths and English will be an important part of your course. You will continue to develop these skills and may work towards a qualification at an appropriate level.

How will this course be delivered?

This course is college and work experience based. You will be in college for 1 session of 6 hrs per week and in work practice a minimum 1 day per week.

What qualifications will I get?

NCFE Specialist Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools level 3.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via written assignments, presentations, course work and work based assessments.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places are offered by interview depending on your current experience working in schools and/or if you have a relevant level 2 Teaching Assistant or Child Care qualification. You will also be tested for your English and Maths skills.

What are the entry requirements?

- A level 2 child care or related qualification or working as a TA/LSA in school for 2 years (full-time or 3 years (part-time)
- Level 2 in English and Level 2 in Maths (equivalent to C or above in GCSE)

If you have Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

What else do I need to know?

The course requires you to have an enhanced disclosure DBS (criminal record check) which you will need to arrange with the college before you start. This certificate should be shown to your tutor as soon as it has been received.

What can I do after this course?

You may progress to Higher Education, including our HND in Advanced Practice in Work with Children and Families, or to degree programmes such as Foundation Degree in Classroom Support, Foundation Degree in Early Years Bachelor of Education Degree (teaching - Qualified Teacher Status) You will need to meet all the requirements for these options, please check the individual course leaflets