Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course in Macclesfield

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start15 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course in Macclesfield. Evening classes at Macclesfield College let you fit study around your existing commitments. You'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to support teaching and learning directly with children and young people in school and college settings. The course combines classroom teaching with workplace assessments, so learning connects to real practice. It runs over 35 weeks part-time. There are no formal entry requirements; you'll have an initial assessment to confirm the level is right for you.

Who this course is for

This qualification will enable the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed when supporting teaching and learning in a school environment. If you are wanting to gain an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments, then this course is for you.

This course has combined delivery using both teaching and workplace assessments. Learners complete units about children and education from five years of age.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, however, an ability to work at level 2 is advantageous.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how children and young people learn and develop.
  • You'll learn how to support teachers in planning and delivering lessons.
  • You'll understand how to work with pupils who have additional or special educational needs.
  • You'll explore safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe in school.
  • You'll build understanding of behaviour management strategies used in classroom settings.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children, young people, and colleagues.
  • You'll understand your professional role and responsibilities as a teaching assistant.

How you will learn

Learning is delivered through a combination of classroom sessions and workplace-based assessments. You'll attend evening classes at Macclesfield College and complete assessed units in a school or college setting. Assessment covers both your knowledge and your practical skills when working directly with children and young people. You'll need access to a relevant workplace environment to complete the qualification.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Macclesfield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to a school or college workplace to complete the assessed elements of the course.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant: support teachers in primary or secondary schools.
  • Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant: work with pupils who need extra support.
  • Learning support assistant: help students access lessons and activities.
  • Higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA): take on more responsibility in the classroom.
  • Cover supervisor: manage classes when the class teacher is absent.
  • Early years teaching assistant: support learning in nursery or reception settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step toward a teaching role in further education.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification for those aiming to lead learning.
  • HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) assessment: formal recognition if you want to take on greater classroom responsibility.
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): for those considering a full teaching career, usually via a degree-level route such as a PGCE.
Apply on macclesfield.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Macclesfield College

More courses near you