Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, part-time during the day over 30 weeks. You'll need to be aged 19 or over, hold at least a grade 4 GCSE in English, and have access to a school or educational setting for at least two days a week. The course covers how to support teachers, lead small groups, and develop your practice in a classroom setting. It suits anyone already working or volunteering as a teaching assistant who wants to build on that experience.
Who this course is for
Are you passionate about developing educational opportunities for future generations? Would you like to support teachers and other professionals to improve educational opportunities for children and young people? Do you want to develop your skills and expertise in your current role and progress to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant? If so, this is the course for you.DCG has an excellent track record for high-calibre, inclusive teaching and learning. We strive for excellence and deliver dynamic lessons to stretch and challenge. We will support and guide you with continuous professional development. Completing this programme with us gives you a nationally recognised qualification.You will have exclusive access to high-quality resources, library and career development services, as well as good links with local schools, and we offer a progression event every year so you can plan the next steps in your career.What are the benefits?You will develop secure knowledge and effective strategies to become an excellent Teaching AssistantYou will have opportunities to develop your interpersonal skillsYou will develop your ICT skillsYour school will secure high-quality support for its pupils and staffChildren will benefit from effective support to maximise their potential
Entry requirements
You must be aged 19 or over and have evidence of:At least a grade 4/C in GCSE EnglishSuitable experience as a Teaching Assistant (employed or voluntary) prior to starting the course (ideally, three months)Access to a minimum of two days per week voluntary or employed work in a supporting role in a school or educational provider setting, with the opportunity to lead small groups of children or young people. This must be in Year 1 or aboveConfidence using standard ICT applicationsAbility to work a
What you will learn
You'll develop strategies to support teachers and other education professionals in the classroom.
You'll learn how to plan and lead small group activities with children and young people.
You'll understand how children and young people develop and learn at different stages.
You'll build knowledge of safeguarding, inclusion, and the wider responsibilities of a teaching assistant.
You'll explore how to support pupils with additional or special educational needs.
You'll develop your professional practice and reflective skills in a school setting.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at Derby College, combined with practical experience in your school or educational setting. You'll be assessed through a portfolio of evidence gathered from your workplace, written assignments, and observations of your practice. Your assessor will visit you in your placement setting to observe you working with children and young people.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support class teachers across primary or secondary schools.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): take on greater responsibility and lead lessons.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) support assistant: work with pupils with additional needs.
Learning support assistant: provide targeted help to students who need extra support.
Intervention tutor: run structured programmes for pupils needing catch-up support.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a route into further education teaching if you want to teach adults or post-16 learners.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification for those aiming to teach in colleges or training settings.
HLTA assessment: if you're already working as a teaching assistant, formal HLTA status recognises your higher-level skills and can increase your pay grade.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): for those considering a move into classroom teaching through a degree or School Direct route.
