Free Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around work, family, or other commitments. Over 38 weeks, you'll build the knowledge and skills needed to support teaching and learning in primary, secondary, or special schools, and in colleges. The course covers roles including teaching assistant, learning support assistant, and special needs assistant. You'll need to complete a practical placement as part of the qualification, so you'll need access to a school or educational setting, either through employment or volunteering. You'll have an interview and an initial assessment before you start.
Who this course is for
If you work or would like to work in a support role in education this course is for you. As part of the course, you must get practical experience to complete the qualification so if you aren't already employed or volunteering, you will need a placement. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you'll need for employment in positions such as teaching assistant, learning support assistant or special needs assistant in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.
Entry requirements
You'll have an interview and an initial assessment to make sure that this is the right course and level for you.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to support teachers and pupils in classroom settings.
You'll develop skills in supporting children's learning across different subjects and age groups.
You'll understand how to work with pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities.
You'll learn how schools and colleges operate, including safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
You'll develop communication skills for working with children, young people, and colleagues.
You'll gain practical experience through a placement in an educational setting.
How you will learn
You'll study online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment includes written assignments and evidence gathered from your practical placement in a school or educational setting. You'll need to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a real working environment to complete the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Northumberland Skills will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange access to a school, college, or educational setting for your practical placement, either through paid employment or volunteering.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support teachers and pupils in the classroom.
Learning support assistant: work one-to-one or in small groups with pupils.
Special needs assistant: support pupils with SEND in schools or colleges.
Classroom assistant: provide general learning support across year groups.
Early years teaching assistant: support learning in Reception and Key Stage 1.
Cover supervisor: manage a class under teacher direction.
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: a step toward teaching or training roles in further education and adult learning.
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma for Teaching Assistants: deepens your knowledge and can support progression to senior or specialist support roles.
Level 3 SEND Support qualification: if you want to specialise in working with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
