Free Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around work, family, or other commitments. The course takes around 12 months to complete. You'll cover child and young person development, promoting positive behaviour, bilingual and special needs support, and planning and reviewing assessment strategies alongside teachers. To enrol, you must be working, volunteering, or on placement in a school or college. You'll start with an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
This qualification is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges. It is suitable for those supporting children and young people’s learning alongside teachers in education settings.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 16 or over to enrol on this qualification. There are no formal prior learning requirements, although training providers may set their own guidelines. Learners must also be working, volunteering or on a practical placement in a school or college environment to demonstrate competence.
What you will learn
You'll understand how children and young people develop across different age ranges.
You'll learn how to support learning and assessment strategies alongside a teacher.
You'll develop skills in promoting positive behaviour in educational settings.
You'll explore how to support pupils with special educational needs.
You'll learn how to provide bilingual support in the classroom.
You'll practise reflective practice and personal professional development.
You'll understand how to adapt support for learners with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
How you will learn
This is an online course you study at your own pace. Assessment is competence-based, so you'll need to demonstrate your skills in a real school or college setting. You must be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement throughout the course. Evidence of your practice in the workplace forms a central part of how you're assessed.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Professional Training Solutions will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to a school or college environment throughout the course, either through employment, volunteering, or a placement.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: supporting pupils' learning in primary or secondary school.
Special educational needs (SEN) support assistant: working with pupils with additional needs.
Learning support assistant: providing in-class support across subjects.
Bilingual teaching assistant: supporting pupils learning in a second language.
Cover supervisor: supervising classes under teacher direction.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in reception and foundation settings.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: moves you toward a teaching role and is a common next step for experienced teaching assistants.
Level 3 Award in Supporting Learners with Special Educational Needs: deepens specialist knowledge for SEN roles.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): the route to becoming a fully qualified teacher, typically via a degree or postgraduate teacher training programme.
