Free Foundation Degree in Children and Young People (Teaching Assistant) in Boston. Classes run at Boston College. This Level 5 Foundation Degree is awarded in partnership with the University of Derby and has been developed with sector employers. You must be aged 18 or over and working directly with children or young people aged 0 to 25 in a paid or voluntary role for at least two days a week. Modules cover topics including supporting teaching and learning, ethical practice, child and family rights, health and wellbeing, research methods, and behaviour. The course takes two years full-time.
Who this course is for
The demand for highly qualified practitioners to work with children, young people and their families is rapidly increasing. This Level 5 Children and Young People (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities SEND) FdA has been developed with sector employers and designed to help you to develop higher level skills and knowledge to support children and young people with SEND. All of the modules will directly relate to your working environment and this will help you to evaluate and understand practice in more depth. Do you have a keen interest in special education needs and disabilities? and want to develop your skills and knowledge about supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, either in mainstream settings or within a specialist provider? This course will help you to develop a critical understanding about policy and practice for SEND and your own role and ongoing professional development. This programme will help to develop your confidence and knowledge for being a highly effective practitioner. Your academic study will be reflected in your practical work, and your working environment will be used for projects, activities and research. The qualification has an emphasis on employability and transferable skills, and your learning will be relevant to your everyday practice.
Entry requirements
You must be aged 18 or over and working directly with children or young people aged 0-25 years in a voluntary or paid capacity for a minimum of two days/week. You will need a full Level 3 such as: NVQ3, A Levels, National Certificate/Diploma, CACHE/NNEB, Access to Higher Education. All applications are subject to approval by the University of Derby. In order for the University to approve this we are required to share your personal information-including your application form and qualifications.
What you will learn
You'll develop higher-level knowledge of how to support teaching and learning in schools.
You'll study ethical practice, professional values, and attitudes when working with children and young people.
You'll explore child and family rights, health, and wellbeing.
You'll learn research methods and how to apply them to your practice.
You'll examine behaviour and strategies for understanding and managing it.
You'll analyse curriculum frameworks for children and young people aged 0 to 25.
You'll reflect on your own work-based practice and evaluate it critically.
You'll gain an international perspective on provision and practice for children and young people.
How you will learn
You'll attend daytime classes at Boston College alongside work-based learning in your existing role with children or young people. As a University of Derby partner student, you'll have access to the university's virtual learning environment, online journals, and library resources. Modules are assessed through a combination of written assignments and work-based reflective practice. You'll also need to dedicate time to independent research outside of timetabled sessions.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Boston College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: supporting teachers and pupils in primary or secondary schools.
Higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA): taking on greater responsibility in the classroom.
Learning support assistant: helping pupils with additional needs.
Early years practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in school or nursery settings.
Family support worker: working with children and families in community or school settings.
SEND support assistant: supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Children and Young People (Teaching Assistant) Level 6: the natural next step after completing the Foundation Degree, typically a one-year top-up to full honours degree level.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): for those who want to move into a teaching role, a PGCE or School Direct route builds on degree-level study.
Level 5 SENCO or SEND qualifications: for those specialising in supporting children with additional needs.
