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Free Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course in Ashton-under-Lyne – Tameside College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start16 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Tameside College one day or evening per week, part-time over one year. You'll also complete a minimum of 150 hours in a school placement setting, putting your learning into practice alongside classroom study. This level 2 teaching assistant qualification covers the skills and knowledge needed to support pupils and teachers in a school environment. To enrol, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or an equivalent qualification such as a Level 1 Teaching Assistant qualification.

Who this course is for

This is a part time, 1 year programme. This course requires you to attend college one day or evening per week and you will need to attend your school 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 sector. Units are assessed, both internally and externally by subject specialist teachers and assessors. There are no exams on this course. 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.

Some of the topics covered are:

  • Maintaining relationships with children and young people.
  • Contribute to team work within a learning environment.
  • Support positive behaviour within a learning environment for children and young people.
  • Understanding children and young peoples play and leisure.

Entry requirements

Learners should have 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above or equivalent, such as Level 1 Teaching Assistant qualifications. You will be interviewed by the subject teachers and should be enthusiastic about working with children and young people. You have the opportunity to re-sit your English and maths alongside your Supporting Teaching and Learning course (If you do not already have grade 4)

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in supporting pupils' learning in a classroom setting.
  • You'll learn how to assist teachers with planning and delivering lessons.
  • You'll understand how to support children's social, emotional, and developmental needs.
  • You'll build knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children, young people, and school staff.
  • You'll gain practical experience through a supervised school placement of at least 150 hours.

How you will learn

You'll attend college one day or evening per week for classroom-based sessions. Units are assessed both internally and externally by subject specialist teachers and assessors. There are no exams on this course. You'll also complete a minimum of 150 hours in a school placement setting, where your practical skills are observed and assessed. If you don't already have a grade 4 in English or maths, you can resit those alongside this course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant, supporting pupils in primary or secondary schools.
  • Learning support assistant, helping students with additional needs.
  • Special educational needs (SEN) support assistant, working with SEND pupils.
  • Classroom assistant, working under teacher direction in a school.
  • Early years teaching assistant, supporting children in Reception or nursery classes.
  • Cover supervisor, managing a class during short-term teacher absence.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning: the natural next step if you want to take on more responsibility in school and work toward higher-grade teaching assistant roles.
  • Level 3 Education and Training qualification: opens routes into delivering training or teaching in further education settings.
  • Degree-level Initial Teacher Training (ITT): for those aiming to qualify as a teacher in the longer term.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
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