Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course in Poole. Classes run at Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education, part-time during the day over 5 months. You'll need to show a reasonable standard of literacy at interview, either through a short assessment or evidence such as a GCSE English grade C or above, or a Functional Skills Level 2 English Certificate. The course covers six units including child development, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and how schools and colleges work as organisations. It shares around half its content with the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, so completing it gives you a strong head start if you go on to that qualification.
Who this course is for
This course is an introduction to the knowledge needed to work in a school or college. It links to varied support staff roles including Teaching Assistants, administration & site support roles.
The sessions are run by experienced tutors. Your knowledge is assessed by regular assignments.
This course has some common content (approximately 50 percent) with the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools qualification which is a vocational qualification - developing both knowledge and skills. Many students secure a voluntary placement during the Award course and on completion of the qualification continue to the Certificate which they are then able to complete more quickly than the usual 10 months.
When recruiting Teaching Assistants generally schools look for candidates to have achieved or be working towards the Level 2 Certificate qualification.
Entry requirements
As the course involves completion of assignments, a reasonable standard of literacy is required.
At interview, students will complete a short literacy assessment or provide evidence of their competence e.g. GCSE English certificate at Grade C/ Level 4 or Functional Skills Level 2 English - all elements.
A desire to work in education, volunteering in a school would be beneficial but is not essential.
What you will learn
You'll understand how to communicate professionally and build positive relationships in school and college settings.
You'll learn about children and young people's health and safety in educational environments.
You'll explore the stages of child and young people's development.
You'll understand your responsibilities around safeguarding children and young people.
You'll learn how schools and colleges are structured and how they operate.
You'll understand equality, diversity, and inclusion when working with children and young people.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom sessions taught by tutors at Bournemouth & Poole College Of Further Education. After each session, you'll complete written assignments to demonstrate your knowledge. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, based on these regular assignments rather than a final exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bournemouth & Poole College Of Further Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: supporting pupils in primary or secondary schools
Learning support assistant: helping students with additional needs
Classroom assistant: working alongside teachers in lessons
School administrator: office and support roles in educational settings
Site support staff: operational roles within schools and colleges
Cover supervisor: supervising classes in a teacher's short-term absence
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools: the natural next step. It shares around 50% of content with this Award, so you can complete it more quickly. Schools generally look for candidates who have achieved or are working toward this Certificate when recruiting teaching assistants.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma: for those looking to take on more responsibility in the classroom and progress to higher-level support roles.
