Free Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course in Bedford. Classes run at Bedford College during the day, making it manageable alongside family or other commitments. You'll study how to support teachers and pupils in classroom settings, covering areas such as child development, communication, and inclusive practice. An initial assessment helps make sure the level is right for you. This is a strong teaching assistant qualification for anyone working toward a role in a school or early years setting. The course typically takes around one year part-time.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll understand how to support teaching and learning across different classroom contexts.
You'll learn about child and young person development and how it shapes learning.
You'll develop skills in communication and building positive relationships with pupils and staff.
You'll explore how to support pupils with additional or special educational needs.
You'll learn how to contribute to a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to apply them in a school setting.
You'll develop knowledge of curriculum planning and how teaching assistants contribute to it.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at Bedford College. You'll be assessed through a portfolio of evidence, written assignments, and observations of your practice in a school or educational setting. You'll build your portfolio over the course, drawing on real experience working with pupils. Bedford College will confirm the specific assessment requirements before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support teachers and pupils day to day in school.
Special educational needs (SEN) support assistant: work with pupils with additional needs.
Learning support assistant: help individual pupils access the curriculum.
Early years teaching assistant: support learning in nursery or Reception classes.
Cover supervisor: manage a class under teacher direction during short absences.
Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA): take on greater responsibility in the classroom.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step toward teaching roles in further education.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification if you want to move into a lead teaching role.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): if you want to become a fully qualified classroom teacher, a degree and teacher training programme (such as a PGCE) is the route to QTS.
Level 3 Award in Special Educational Needs: deepens knowledge if you work with pupils with additional needs.
