Education and Training

The part-time courses offered in the area are designed to support the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours in roles that support learning in primary, secondary, specialist schools and colleges. To start these courses you must be 19 years old on the 31st August in the academic year in which to commence your learning. We will check this with you.

Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

This is a knowledge and skills-based qualification, and as part of this you will be employed or attend a work or volunteer placement a minimum of two days per week. This course will develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required of a Teaching Assistant to effectively support the learning and development of children and young people in a school environment to enable you to begin your career or progress in work as a volunteer or to sustained employment as a Teaching Assistant.

This qualification includes key topics such as:

• Safeguarding and keeping children safe
• Schools as organisations
• Communication and professional relationships
• Children and young people's development
• Supporting positive behaviour.

This is a knowledge and skills-based qualification, and as part of this you will be employed or attend a work or volunteer placement a minimum of two days per week.

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

This course is designed for you to further develop the specialist knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required of a Teaching Assistant to effectively support the learning and development of children and young people in a school environment. 

The qualification includes all aspects of support, including:

• Planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support group or individual learning alongside the class teacher
• Support for learners who have English as an additional language
• Special needs support
• Personal development and reflective practice.

This is a knowledge and skills-based qualification, and as part of this course you will typically be employed. However, employers may support you for a volunteer placement for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges

This course provides a professional development opportunity for experienced practitioners employed in the school and college workforce. It embraces your skills and experience, and challenges you to reflect and review your everyday practice and theoretical understanding for change. This will support the development of your knowledge, skills and behaviours as your prepare your next steps in your career in a mentorship or leadership role  This course provides you with an understanding of higher level study skills and can prepare you for higher education programmes.

You will learn about topics such as:

• Coaching and Mentoring
• Reflective practice
• Professional working
• Evidence based practice and research.

Award in Education and Training Level 3

This level 3 teaching qualification is a perfect starter course for anyone looking to teach in the adult education and skill sector.  This course will help you start your career path and enhance your credibility in the sector, whilst giving you an insight into the roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training.

Designed for individuals who would like to work or currently work within FE colleges, independent training providers or local authorities, the qualifications can meet the needs of a range of trainee teachers, including:

• Individuals not currently teaching or training
• Individuals currently teaching and training, including those new to the profession
• Individuals currently working as assessors, who wish to achieve a qualification that provides an introduction to teaching

The qualification is also supported by the Education and Training Foundation, and can either support a role in the workplace or prepare learners to progress to a qualification in the same subject area but at a higher level.

Topics covered include:

• The teaching role and responsibilities in education and training
• Ways to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
• The relationships between teachers and other professionals in education and training
• Inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
• Ways to create an inclusive teaching and learning environment

These courses are assessed and quality assured internally by the college, and also undergo external quality assurance.

You will be assessed using a range of methods. This can include:

• Observations within your work placement (Levels 2 and 3)
• Written assignments/questions
• Professional discussions
• Research Project (Level 4 only)

You will produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your knowledge and skills competency.

Award in Education and Training Level 3

This course will be delivered remotely with classes each week. Classes will typically last 3 hours each week. Additionally there will be time required to conduct reading and independent writing of assignments. the course duration is 16 weeks. 

One-to-one support will also be provided by the class tutor. This qualification is assessed by a portfolio of evidence which must cover all assessment criteria of the units selected. The portfolio of evidence will be assessed and internally quality assured by the Centre.

Successfully achieving the Level 3 qualification will provide you will a variety of options. You will be open to job opportunities as a Teaching Assistant, or you can use the qualification as a stepping stone into higher levels of study - either in further education, or on a higher level apprenticeship. You can progress onto the Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges or there is a range of education and training options available at the College or UCO.

Award in Education and Training Level 3

After completing a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, the most common progression route is to pursue a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, which allows individuals to further develop their teaching and training skills and potentially take on more advanced roles within the education sector; further progression could then lead to a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training for more specialised teaching positions.