Posted by: CTC Training

In terms of teaching qualifications, lots of schools will set their own entry requirements and decide on which qualifications and experience they require. You can get an idea of what you’re likely to need by having a look at jobs advertised locally or by checking on the job spec for a vacancy online. The main point to consider, however, is that a qualification of some description is necessary and often this is a Supporting Teaching and Learning In Schools Level 2 Qualification.

Previous qualifications in nursery work, childcare, playwork or youth work can be handy for seeking work. If you have received experience of working with children or can highlight to employers that you have a suitable personality and potential, they may take you on and train you up on the job. If you have no prior experience volunteering to help in a local school for a couple of hours a week is a good way to start.

These following qualifications are available for those not yet employed in the role, and for those just new to the job, whether that be paid or volunteer:

Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Lots of paid jobs will require you to have qualifications in literacy and numeracy at GCSE or equivalent.

Before you start working with the children, the school will carry out enhanced background checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This is an important and essential part of the process.

You could become a teaching assistant through an apprenticeship scheme. The variety of apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers require from their employees.

The Supporting Teaching and Learning In Schools Level 2 Qualification is a nationally-recognised qualification designed to meet the national standards for teaching assistants. It is a work-based qualification for those who work with teachers in the classroom, supporting learning in primary, secondary or in specialist schools.

The course contains several mandatory units and a choice of one optional unit. These mandatory units are:

Child and young person development.
Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
Communication and professional relationships.
Equality, diversity and inclusion.
Support children and young people’s positive behaviour.
Maintain and support relations with children and young people.
Support children and young people’s health and safety.
Support learning activities.
Help and improve your own and team practice in schools.

Often on the course, there will be written assignments to complete over the course of the year. As well as this, you may be visited at least once while working in a school. You will need to collect evidence based on their work within the schools. These tasks will then build into a portfolio of evidence submitted at the end of the course. There are no explicit formal examinations.

Alongside the Supporting Teaching and Learning course, you will need to complete the Level 2 Award in Safeguarding ( also known as a Prevent Strategy). This is an added qualification that will support you in understanding the personal responsibilities needed to keep young people safe, the role and responsibilities of different agencies, the legal context of safeguarding and the national guidelines for recognising and reporting situations where young people may be at risk of harm, abuse and exploitation.

Qualifications

Applicants should be working in learning support at a primary, secondary or specialist schools for the equivalent of one to two days per week. This course is perfectly suited to those who work in a voluntary capacity or who are new to the role of Teaching Assistant. A good standard of English is often something that is required and may be tested prior to a course.

For entry-level positions, you’ll be required to have basic literacy and numeracy skills, usually GCSE or equivalent (National 4 or 5 qualifications in Scotland) in maths or English, and experience of working with children.

Despite the fact that you don’t need a degree to become a teaching assistant, having one can be an advantage as this shows a competent level of skills. Qualifications and experience in related topics such as childcare, nursery, play or youth work can also be handy.

Despite not being essential, the following qualifications can offer a useful introduction to the sector and an understanding of the knowledge and skills you need to work with children or young people in primary, secondary or special schools:

Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools
Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

This Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course will offer participants a level in understanding in regards to working in classrooms supporting both learners and teachers, discussing theories and practices to best support the learning environment. When working classrooms or you want to make a start in this field, a Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course will cover a range of modules and provide multiple examples for assessment to get you started.

Course Syllabus

The Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course is often split into the following modules:

Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people.
Maintain and support professional relationships with children and young people.
Communication and professional relationship with children, young people and adults
Child and young person development
Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
Support children and young people’s positive behaviour
Support children and young people’s health and safety
Supporting learning activities
Help improve own and team practise in schools
Schools as organisations
Prepare and maintain learning environments

Assessment

To assess your ability and knowledge to effectively comprehend the topics contained within the Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course, in some cases at the end of the course, learners will also take an online assessment test but this is something that varies from course to course depending on where you choose to do it.

CTC Training & Development – We Offer Education and Training With Adult Learning Courses

The TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is ideal for anyone wanting the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed for a wide variety of learning support roles. Completion of this qualification will enable individuals to work in the following wide range of roles: teaching assistant, classroom assistant, learning support assistant, additional needs assistant, pastoral or welfare support assistant, bilingual support assistant or foundation stage assistant. Here at CTC Training & Development, we offer a range of flexible online training courses from CTC Training and Development. Available nationwide, our distance learning courses are built from a combination of online support, including a student portal, plus local tutors located across the UK offering face-to-face support. Our fees include everything within the course, giving you complete transparency with no hidden costs for assessment, re-assessments or certification. If you’d like to find out more about our range of online courses, get in touch with us today.