• Course Information

    If you are looking for a rewarding career, then training to become a Teaching Assistant is exciting, fulfilling and provides the unique opportunity to help support and inspire young children at the very start of their educational career.

    • Course Code
      XDD3TLS
    • Validated By
      City & Guilds
    • Learner Aim Reference
      5011394X
    • Price
      TBC* Funding may be available, depending on your circumstances.
    • Attendance Pattern
      Daytime or Evening
    • Course Level
      Level 3
    • Study Mode
      TBC*
    • Course Location
      Leyland Campus
    • Age Group
      Adults (19+)
    • Course Duration
      TBC* session
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  • Overview

    Course information above: * To be confirmed in advance of the course starting.

    By combining practical experience with theoretical learning to encourage both understanding and the development of professional skills, this course supports the current Government initiative to develop the role of school support staff. 

    Placement experience can be gained within primary, secondary or sixth form settings and maybe in a voluntary or contractually employed capacity.

    The course is delivered through a mixture of College based classes, workshops and practical experience in the work setting; you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours work placement in a school or an early years setting.  In addition to College based study, it is expected that you will undertake independent research and directed study.

    Units of study include:

    • Schools and colleges as organisations
    • Support health and safety in a learning environment
    • Understand how to safeguard children and young people
    • Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults
    • Understand how children and young people develop
    • Support positive behaviour in children and young people
    • Support children and young people during learning activities
    • Support English and maths skills
    • Support the use of ICT in the learning environment
    • Support assessment for learning
    • Engage in personal and professional development
    • Support children and young people’s speech, language and communication
    • Understand how to support bilingual learners
    • Understand how to support learning of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
    • Support children and young people during transitions
    • Support the role of play, leisure and extra-curricular activities for children and young people

    You will have the opportunity to select from a wide range of optional units including SEN, supporting literacy and numeracy, bilingual learners etc.

    *Price: £2,225.00, loans available.

    Enhanced DBS – During your course you will attend a placement, in a workplace related to your course. Due to this, you are required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check which is a criminal records background check to assess whether you are suitable to work with vulnerable people, such as children and vulnerable adults. The college will guide you through the online application process, however you will have to produce identification as part of this. Information about what a DBS check is and the ID required to process your application can be found here.

    We strongly advise you to obtain the ID required as soon as possible, so your application isn’t delayed.

  • Equipment Required

    During the course you will need to supply a variety of materials (eg card, boxes etc.) in order to make relevant teaching and learning resources.
    You will also need to bring the following items to your first class:

    • A4 notepad
    • folder or ring binder
    • pens
    • pencils
    • ruler etc.
  • Entry Requirements

    You should have GCSE Grade A*-C/Grade 9-4 in either Mathematics or English, or an equivalent qualification. If you only have one of these qualifications, you must be willing to undertake the other alongside this course.

  • How will I be assessed?

    The course is assessed by a portfolio containing holistic evidence of your practice (including tutor observations and reflective accounts of placement experience), as well as case studies, class based tasks and assignments, timed assessments and an extended essay.  

  • Progression Pathway

    On successful completion of this course you will be awarded the Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning Level 3. You may then wish to progress to a higher level Teaching Assistant course, a Teacher Training qualification or seek relevant employment in schools, early years’ settings or SEN schools. 

  • DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check

    You must be prepared to comply with the vetting procedures for those working with vulnerable adults, children and young people as required by current legislation (ie undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check). A charge of £48* for processing DBS applications will be made; this fee is included in the course fees. If you are eligible for fee remission, there will be no DBS charge. If you are an Apprentice, this will be organised by your employer. *Price correct from June 2022.

    You will need to complete a DBS for this course and in doing so will need to provide 3 ID documents. These can include; Birth Certificate, Driving License, Passport, Bank statement or a letter.

  • Health, Safety & Well-Being

    Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

    We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.

  • Safeguarding

    Runshaw College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

  • National Careers Service

    For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.

  • Delivery Method - Classroom

    This course is currently fully delivered in the classroom. This is under regular review and any changes will be updated here.