Free Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course in Boston. Evening classes run at Boston College, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. You'll spend 10 months covering safeguarding, child development, behaviour support, assessment for learning, and how schools work as organisations. You'll also complete at least 100 hours of volunteering or work placement in a school setting. This is a level 3 teaching assistant qualification that takes you beyond the basics and prepares you for more senior support roles.
Who this course is for
The Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning (STLIS) Certificate is suitable for those who have some prior experience to starting the course or who have already gained a Level 2 in STLiS or Childcare. It is designed to enable you to further develop your skills and knowledge that are required to effectively support pupils with their learning by addressing key issues within education, including safeguarding, assessment for learning and understanding schools as organisations. You will also need to secure a placement within a school setting, either employed or volunteering for a minimum of 100 hours for the duration of your course. Upon successful completion of this course, the qualification you will achieve is the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry qualifications for this course. You will need however, to demonstrate some experience working within a school environment, supporting learning in various lessons, promoting positive behaviour, and gaining a wide range of experiences. This could be in an employed or voluntary position for at least 100 hours over the duration of the course. If you do not hold English and Maths at GCSE grade 4 (Old GCSE grade C) or an equivalent you are encouraged to undertake these.
What you will learn
You'll understand how schools and colleges are structured, including their policies and professional roles.
You'll learn how to support children's health and safety in a learning environment.
You'll develop your knowledge of safeguarding children and young people.
You'll build professional relationships with children, young people, and adults.
You'll understand how children and young people develop and how to support positive behaviour.
You'll learn how to support pupils during learning activities, including English, maths, and ICT.
You'll understand how to support assessment for learning and help teachers monitor progress.
You'll engage in personal and professional development throughout the course.
How you will learn
Classes are delivered in the classroom at Boston College on an evening, part-time over 10 months. Alongside classroom learning, you'll complete a volunteering or work placement in a school setting for at least 100 hours. Assessment is through the coursework and evidence you build up during the course, including your placement experience.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Boston College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange a volunteering or work placement in a school, which can be in an employed or voluntary capacity.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching Assistant: supporting pupils in primary or secondary schools
Senior Teaching Assistant: taking on more responsibility for pupil support
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Assistant: working with pupils with additional needs
Learning Support Assistant: helping students access lessons across subjects
Cover Supervisor: supervising classes under teacher direction
Behaviour Support Assistant: focused on promoting positive behaviour in schools
What you could study next
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship: combine paid work in a school with further structured training.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step toward teaching roles in further education.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: for those aiming toward a teaching or senior education support role.
Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support: a higher education route for those wanting to deepen their expertise.
