Level 3 Certificate Teaching Assistant

The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools 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.

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 month at the Warrington campus, usually on the first Wednesday or Thursday.

Our Tuesday evening sessions are delivered as online workshops via Google Meet on the first Tuesday of each month.

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 of £38.00.

The course is delivered online through Google Classroom and an e-portfolio system, so you will need access to a PC with internet connectivity. Multiple start dates are available throughout the year to suit your schedule.

This Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools 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:

• Children and Young People’s 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
• Schools as Organisations
• Supporting Learning Activities
• Improving Personal and Team Practice in Schools
• Maintaining and Supporting Relationships with Children and Young People
• Supporting Positive Behaviour in 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, and review of work products. Additional assessment methods may involve reflection on your own practice in real work settings, development of personal plans and records, recorded professional discussions, PowerPoint presentations, and testimonials from mentors.

In addition to the core course, you will also complete a free distance learning module, Level 2 Preparing to Work in Education – Understanding Schools and Colleges, which will complement and support your qualification.

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

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.