Free Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Course in Hartlepool. Classes run at Hartlepool College of Further Education, part-time during the day, making it manageable alongside other commitments. This one-year course is for people already working or volunteering in primary, special, or secondary schools. You'll deepen your knowledge of how to support pupils' learning, understand your role within the classroom, and develop the skills schools expect at this level. The course runs to 99 hours in total.
Who this course is for
This one year course is for experienced teaching assistants or those working in a voluntary capacity in primary, special or secondary schools supporting teaching and learning.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to support teachers in planning and delivering lessons.
You'll understand how to help pupils with different learning needs, including those with special educational needs.
You'll develop your knowledge of child development and how it affects learning.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with pupils, teachers, and parents.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to support pupils' literacy and numeracy in the classroom.
You'll learn how to reflect on your own practice and improve your performance as a teaching assistant.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Hartlepool College of Further Education. Learning is delivered through a mix of taught sessions, group discussion, and practical tasks linked to your school setting. Assessment draws on evidence from your workplace, written assignments, and observation of your practice in school. Because the course is built around your existing school experience, your day-to-day work forms a core part of how you're assessed.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hartlepool College of Further Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support teachers and pupils in primary or secondary schools.
Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant: work with pupils who have additional learning needs.
Learning support assistant: provide one-to-one or small-group support in school.
Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA): take on greater responsibility in the classroom.
Cover supervisor: manage classes under teacher direction during short-term absences.
Early years teaching assistant: support learning in reception and early years settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: a route into delivering training or teaching adults, recognised across further education.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step up if you want to move toward a teaching role in further education.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status Assessment: if you want to take on more responsibility in school and increase your pay grade.
Degree in Education or Primary Education (QTS): for those aiming to qualify as a teacher.
