Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Fees apply if you're not eligible. Contact Darlington Borough Council for more info.
Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course. Study online, at your own pace, and fit learning around your other commitments. You need to be working in a school or college setting, or have access to a placement, as hands-on experience is part of the course. Over 12 months, you'll cover specialist support for pupils' learning, including planning and delivering assessment strategies, bilingual support, and reflective practice. This is a roll-on, roll-off course, so you can start at any point in the year.
Who this course is for
This online course is for those working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, or colleges. You will learn all aspects of specialist support, including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies, bilingual support, personal development and reflective practice, and more. This is a roll on/roll off course, so you may start at any point in the year.
Entry requirements
Aged 19+
Have the right to live and work in the UK
Has been a UK or EU resident for the previous three years
Reside in the Darlington and Tees Valley area
It is recommended that you currently hold, or are working towards, an English qualification at around GCSE old grade C/new grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2
Need to be working in or have access to a placement in an early years setting, as these are not provided
What you will learn
You'll plan, deliver and review assessment strategies to support pupils' learning.
You'll develop skills in bilingual support for learners with additional language needs.
You'll explore how to support pupils with special educational needs in primary, secondary and special school settings.
You'll practise reflective practice and personal development techniques used by specialist support staff.
You'll learn how to work alongside teachers to plan and adapt learning activities.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how they apply in school and college environments.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence drawn from your work in a school, college, or approved placement setting. You'll gather evidence of your practice across the units and submit it for assessment. Because this is a roll-on, roll-off course, you can begin at any point in the year and progress at a pace that suits you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Learning & Skills Darlington will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to a placement in a school, college, or early years setting throughout the course, as this is not arranged for you.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support pupils' learning in primary or secondary schools.
Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant: specialist support for pupils with additional needs.
Learning support assistant: work alongside teachers in colleges and further education settings.
Bilingual teaching assistant: support pupils learning in a second language.
Early years teaching assistant: support children's development in nursery or reception classes.
Cover supervisor: manage classrooms and support learning in a teacher's absence.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step toward a teaching role in further education or adult learning settings.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification recognised for FE and community education roles.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): for those who want to train as a fully qualified school teacher, typically through a PGCE or School Direct programme.
