Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course. Study online at your own pace over 38 weeks. This level 3 teaching assistant qualification is delivered fully online, so you can fit your studies around work, family, or other commitments. You'll build the knowledge and skills needed to support teaching and learning in primary, secondary, or special schools, and in colleges. The course includes a practical placement element, so you'll need to be working or volunteering in a school or education setting, or arrange a placement. You'll have an interview and an initial assessment before you start. Student loan funding may be available.
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 in planning and delivering learning activities.
You'll understand child development and how it affects learning.
You'll develop knowledge of safeguarding and the duty of care in educational settings.
You'll learn how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
You'll understand how to communicate effectively with children, young people, and adults.
You'll develop skills to support pupils' wellbeing and positive behaviour.
You'll learn how to reflect on and develop your own professional practice.
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 workplace or placement setting. You'll build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your skills and knowledge in a real educational environment. An interview and initial assessment take place before you start, so the course can be matched to the right level for you.
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 access to a school, college, or educational setting for your practical placement hours. This can be through paid employment or voluntary work.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: supporting teachers and pupils in the classroom.
Learning support assistant: helping pupils who need additional academic support.
Special educational needs (SEN) assistant: working with pupils with SEND needs.
Higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA): taking on greater responsibility in the classroom.
Cover supervisor: supervising 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 roles in further education.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a fuller teaching qualification for those working in post-16 settings.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): for those looking to train as a primary or secondary school teacher. QTS requires a degree and a teacher training programme such as a PGCE or School Direct route.
