Level 3 Certificate Teaching Assistant

This online course is ideal if you are newly employed as a teaching assistant or learning support assistant, or if you are seeking employment in a school setting. This course requires you to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and practical skills. To apply for this course, you must have already achieved the Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate (Level 2 Teaching Assistant) qualification.

As a work-based qualification, placement in a school (working with pupils at Key Stage 1 or above) is essential. Your placement should be within a reasonable distance of the Warrington & Vale Royal College campuses to facilitate workplace observations. Additionally, you will need to attend one evening session per week on a Thursday between 6.00pm and 8:30pm. These sessions are delivered online via Google Meet.

The course is delivered online through Google Classroom and an e-portfolio system, so you will need access to a PC with internet connectivity. You must also provide evidence of an Enhanced DBS check. If you do not already have one, the college can process this for you during enrolment (for a fee). There are several start dates available throughout the year to suit your schedule.

This course offers you a practical, work-based route to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a teaching assistant or learning support assistant. With hands-on experience through school placements, you’ll gain real-world confidence working with pupils across various key stages.

Throughout this course, you will study a range of essential subjects, including:

• Communication and professional relationships with children, young people, and adults
• Schools as organisations
• Supporting learning activities
• Promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour
• Developing professional relationships with children, young people, and adults
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people
• Supporting assessment for learning
• Understanding child and young person development
• Engaging in personal development in health, social care, or children’s and young people’s settings
• Understanding how to safeguard the well being of children and young people
• Supporting children and young people’s health and safety

All units are internally assessed through a variety of methods. These include written assignments and tasks set by assessors, direct observation of your performance, a review of work products, recorded professional discussions, and PowerPoint presentations. Additional assessment methods will involve reflection on your own practice in a real work setting and the development of personal plans and records.

The credits and knowledge gained from this Certificate, combined with relevant employment experience, provide a direct pathway to progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning in Schools.

Through your employment, you will develop practical skills within the industry and the underpinning knowledge will be gained from taught sessions within the college.

Applicants must be working in a face-face role with children for at least one full day or two half days and have an enhanced DBS certificate (formerly CRB).  Employment will need to be at Key Stage 1 or above. For those working in a school reception class or nursery class you should undertake the Certificate for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Wellbeing Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

Here at Warrington and Vale Royal College we have a team of dedicated, experienced staff who can share their extensive knowledge and skills with you. Learning in a friendly and inclusive environment, you will be fully supported to achieve your goals.

As this is a work based qualification, a suitable work placement is necessary for you to access the course. Applicants must hold a level 2 qualification or have significant experience of working in schools.

There are no additional costs at this time.