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Free Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course in Ashton-under-Lyne – Tameside College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start17 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Tameside College one day per week, part-time over one year. You'll also complete a minimum of 150 hours in a school or college placement, putting your learning into practice alongside your studies. The course covers a range of skills and knowledge linked to supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. Entry requires maths and English at grade 4 or equivalent, such as a Level 2 teaching assistant qualification. If you don't yet have grade 4, you can resit English and maths alongside the course. All units are assessed internally by subject teachers.

Who this course is for

This is a part time 1 year programme. This course requires you to attend college one day or one evening per week and you will need to attend your placement setting for a minimum of 150 hours per year. Throughout the course you will develop a range of skills and knowledge preparing you for progression into employment within the schools or college sector. All units are assessed internally by subject teachers. Over the 1 year duration of this course, you will cover a variety of topics that link to working with children in schools and colleges.

You will undertake weekly work experience as a volunteer teaching assistant in a school or college setting, where you will gain sector specific knowledge, the opportunity to meet and work alongside experienced professionals in setting, whilst networking with other professionals.

On completing the 11 units you will achieve the Certificate qualification, completion of 16 units will achieve the Diploma qualification. The Diploma is suited to individuals who are already in employment in schools or colleges.

The topics covered are:

  • Schools as organisations.
  • Safeguarding, health and safety and communication.
  • Support English and maths skills.
  • Support the use of ICT in the classroom.
  • Supporting child development.

Entry requirements

Learners should have mathematics and/or English at grade 4 or equivalent, such as a level 2 TA qualifications. You will have the opportunity to re-sit your English and mathematics alongside your Supporting Teaching and Learning course (if you do not already have grade 4) as these will be expected for employment in schools or colleges. You will be interviewed by the subject teachers and should be enthusiastic about working with children.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how to support teaching and learning in classroom settings.
  • You'll learn how to assist pupils with their learning under the direction of a teacher.
  • You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in schools and colleges.
  • You'll explore how to support children's communication, literacy, and numeracy development.
  • You'll build awareness of inclusion, equality, and special educational needs in educational settings.
  • You'll develop skills in planning and delivering learning activities alongside teaching staff.

How you will learn

You'll attend Tameside College one day or one evening per week for classroom-based sessions. Alongside this, you'll complete a minimum of 150 hours in a school or college placement over the year. All units are assessed internally by subject teachers throughout the course. There are no external exams.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange or be placed in a suitable school or college setting for your 150 placement hours.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant. Support pupils in primary or secondary school classrooms.
  • Learning support assistant. Work one-to-one with pupils who need extra help.
  • Special educational needs (SEN) support assistant. Assist pupils with additional learning needs.
  • Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA). Take on greater responsibility in the classroom.
  • Early years teaching assistant. Support children's learning in nursery or reception settings.
  • Cover supervisor. Supervise classes in the short-term absence of a teacher.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. A step toward teaching roles in further education or adult learning settings.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. Develops you further toward a qualified teaching role.
  • Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support. A higher education route for those wanting to progress toward qualified teacher status.
  • HLTA assessment. Formal recognition as a higher level teaching assistant, with greater classroom responsibility.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
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