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 covers specialist support for pupil learning in primary, secondary, and special schools, as well as colleges. You'll need to be working in a relevant support role to complete the qualification. The course typically takes 18 months. This is a free teaching assistant course for adults aged 19 and over.
Who this course is for
This qualification is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupil learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges. Learners are required to be aged 19 years or over.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for funding for courses you must be over 19 years of age as at 31st August in the current academic year and not be an apprentice, further eligibility may be linked to where you live and we will check that at enrolment stage and may contact
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in supporting pupils' learning across different school and college settings.
You'll learn how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
You'll understand child and adolescent development and how it affects learning.
You'll learn how to work with teachers to plan and deliver learning activities.
You'll develop knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and your duty of care.
You'll understand how to support communication and literacy development in pupils.
You'll learn how to reflect on and improve your own professional practice.
How you will learn
Assessment is work-based. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day role in a school or college setting. This includes observations of your practice, witness testimonies from colleagues or supervisors, and written assignments. Because the course is delivered online, you'll submit and manage your evidence digitally and communicate with your assessor remotely.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Northallerton Adult Learning and Skills Service will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: supporting pupils in primary or secondary schools
Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant: working with pupils with additional needs
Learning support assistant: providing one-to-one or small-group support
Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA): taking on greater classroom responsibility
Cover supervisor: managing classes in a teacher's short-term absence
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in reception or nursery settings
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step toward teaching in further education or adult learning settings.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification for those aiming to teach in colleges or training providers.
HLTA assessment: if you want to move into a Higher Level Teaching Assistant role, your school or local authority can put you forward for HLTA status assessment.
