Course Summary

Have you worked in learning support for a period of time?  Are you passionate about your role in developing educational opportunities for future generations? Are you now supporting teachers and other professionals, perhaps delivering some planned lessons?  Would you like to develop your skills and knowledge further and be recognised for the hard work you already do?  Do you wish to enhance your expertise in supporting learning and gain a professional qualification?  Then this is the course for you.

The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants is aimed at teaching assistants who wish to progress to a HLTA role.

DCG has an excellent track record for high-calibre, inclusive teaching and learning. We strive for excellence and deliver superb lessons, support and feedback as well as continuous professional development.

Completing this course with us gives you a Level 4 qualification, exclusive access to high-quality course resources, library and career development services, as well as a busy Student Union with all the benefits and discounts that come with membership.  

A course completed with Derby College Group sets you a cut above the rest.  Our reputation for developing excellent teaching assistants is very good, and our pass rate is 100% consistently.

What are the benefits?

• You will develop knowledge and effective skills in handling the challenges that you are likely to encounter
• Your school will secure additional high-quality support for pupils and staff
• Children and young people in education will benefit from effective professional support to maximise their potential

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over and have evidence of:

• Usually at least a grade C/4 in GCSE English and Maths
• Employment and experience in a teaching assistant/learning support role - part time or full time - within a school or provider setting.  EYFS is allowed.
• The full support of your head teacher/line manager - a supporting letter will be needed at interview stage
• Significant experience in working as a teaching assistant with a range of children and young people
• Capacity to attend College fortnightly for three hours in the evening
• Confidence in using standard IT equipment
• Ability to work at Level 4

Our courses require a minimum of 12 enrolments to run. You will be notified one week prior to the start date if the course is NOT going to run.

Course Content

You will develop knowledge, skills and professional behaviours holistically during this course, and use your experience and employment to practise what you learn.  Your work in classrooms with children, young people or adults is critical in enabling you to apply theory to practice.  Alongside this, you will work towards your Level 4 qualification, thematically studying the following units:

• Professional Knowledge and Development for Higher Level Teaching Assistants
• Child Development and Wellbeing
• Supporting Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs
• Promoting Children's and Young People's Positive Behaviour
• Working with Individuals and Groups of Learners
• Positive Working Relationships
• Curriculum Planning, Monitoring, Delivery and Assessment

A Level 4 qualification requires you to engage in academic reading and writing and to adopt Harvard referencing systems.  We will support you to develop or refresh your academic writing skills during this course.

How will I be assessed?

A range of assessment methods is used, including group presentations, group tasks, academic posters, written tasks, professional discussions, assessment of skills during observations of your practice in your school, reflective practice, and professional and personal development plans.  The assessment methods used are designed for you to experience what your learners may experience, and will build your academic skills, communication and confidence.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

No

What can I do after this course?

Once you have completed the HLTA course, you can:

• Progress in your current job role
• Advance to a Foundation Degree (Teaching Assistants, Early Years, Children and Young People or SEND Pathway)
• Develop a teaching career

There are also other opportunities/courses you may want to progress to:

• Level 2 Award in Specific Learning Difficulties
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
• Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance
• Level 5 Specialist in Teaching Disabled Learners

For those teaching in the FE sector:

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (14+)
• Level 5 Certificate in Education (14+)
• Level 7 PGCE (14+)

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