Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

This qualification is for anyone who is directly supporting the teaching and learning of pupils, particularly if you have already completed a Level 2 qualification. It incorporates the units from the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and requires you to supplement these with credits achieved from a range of specialist units that focus on supporting pupils in a particular area, such as pupils with special educational needs, English as an additional language, pastoral care or supporting learning. This means that it is essential that you are working in school to complete this qualification.

What will I learn?

As well as one of the specialist areas mentioned above, in this qualification course you will also learn about:

• child and young person development

• safeguarding the welfare of children and young people

• communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults

• promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people

• schools as organisations

• personal development in children’s and young people’s settings

• developing professional relationships with children, young people and adults

• supporting children and young people’s health and safety

• promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour

• supporting learning activities

• supporting assessment for learning activities

What are the course entry requirements?

Before you join this course, you will have to attend an initial assessment session to identify your English and maths levels. You must be working towards Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Functional Skills Level 2 in maths.

If you meet the English and maths requirements you will be invited to an interview with a teacher to confirm your suitability for the course. The interview may be in person or online.

You must be working within the school in a paid role for a minimum of 2 full days a week or equivalent i.e. 12-15 hours a week with a minimum of 9 hours in the classroom. For example you could be working in a paid role as a midday supervisor but volunteering in classroom support for a minimum of 9 hours. You will need a DBS certificate to work in a school. It should be employer's responsibility to get your DBS.

How is the qualification delivered and assessed?

This qualification is 18 months long with 27 sessions taught sessions usually held every fortnight to allow you time to complete homework activities and assignments and self-study tasks ready for the next taught session. This course is  delivered online via Zoom. You will need access to the internet and a laptop or tablet to take part in them.  During this course you will build an e-portfolio of work where you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through activities and assignments.

Your teacher and assessor will arrange to visit you in your workplace to observe you in practice. Tutorials and workshops may be arranged in school holiday time and if you are working full-time in a school this is a good time to catch up with coursework. You will be given a completion date for your portfolio and you must be completed by this date or you risk not achieving.

Further Progression

Successful completion of a Level 3 qualification could lead to progression within employment in a variety of roles, or moving onto Higher Education.

Please return to the main page for details of dates, times and cost.