Free Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course in Bury. Evening classes run at Bury College, so you can fit study around your existing commitments. You'll need a 12-hour weekly placement in a school (ages 5 to 19) secured before you start, plus a DBS check. A Level 2 qualification in a childcare-related subject is preferred. The course runs over 33 weeks and covers child development, safeguarding, SEND support, behaviour, communication, and English and maths support in the classroom.
Who this course is for
Learners aged 19 and over
Entry requirements
A Level 2 qualification in a childcare related subject is preferred. Students required to complete an initial English assessment unless already holding an English certificate level 2 or above. 12 hour weekly placement in School ages 5-19 to be secured prior to course start. Essential students have a DBS for your placement; college can carry this out.
What you will learn
You'll understand how children and young people develop across different ages and stages.
You'll learn how to support positive behaviour in a classroom setting.
You'll develop skills to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
You'll learn how to support English and maths learning in a school environment.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to protect children's well-being.
You'll learn how to support speech, language, and communication, including bilingual learners.
You'll understand how to support children through transitions and during play and extra-curricular activities.
You'll engage in your own professional development as a teaching assistant.
How you will learn
Classes are delivered in the classroom at Bury College on an evening timetable. The course has 16 units covering both knowledge and practical skills. Because the qualification requires you to demonstrate competence in a real setting, you'll need to be on a placement in a school throughout the course. Assessment is based on the work you do across the units, drawing on your placement experience alongside your classroom learning.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bury College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You must have a 12-hour weekly school placement (ages 5 to 19) arranged before the course begins. You'll also need a DBS check in place; Bury College can carry this out if needed.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support teachers and pupils in primary or secondary schools.
Special educational needs (SEND) teaching assistant: work with pupils who need additional support.
Learning support assistant: help students access lessons across different subjects.
Classroom assistant: assist with day-to-day learning activities and resources.
Higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA): take on greater responsibility in the classroom.
Cover supervisor: manage a class under teacher direction during short absences.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET): the next step if you want to move into a teaching or training role in further education.
Foundation Degree in Education or Teaching and Learning: a higher education route for those looking to move toward qualified teacher status.
HLTA assessment: if you want to take on a higher-level teaching assistant role, schools assess you against national standards rather than through a taught qualification.
