Course Summary

Are you starting your career as a teaching assistant in a school, college or other provider?  Or are you maybe looking for a new career?  This course is a fantastic introduction to the world of the teaching assistant.  It is the first step on the ladder to developing your employability and personal skills.  The course leads to a variety of other programmes that could move you up that ladder of progression.

With DCG you will have access to a wealth of support and additional courses that can complement your career development. If you need to gain a grade C or equivalent in GCSE English and/or Maths, you can work towards that here at College.

You will enjoy free access to our library and our online resources.  You will receive training in accessing these. Additional support is on offer for you as needed.

What are the benefits?

This course will give you the confidence to see you can do great things. You will have the opportunity to build transferable skills such as:

• Developing confidence in using ICT to enhance your skill set
• Improving your interpersonal skills as a speaker, giving you the opportunity to share practical ideas and try them out in your role
• Making a difference to the educational development of your children and those children with whom you work
• Progressing your career as a teaching assistant

Entry requirements

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

• 6 - 8 hours per week (minimum) voluntary or employed work in a supporting role in a school setting. This must be classroom-based (from Year 1 upwards).  If you haven't secured a placement, haven't studied for some time or are nervous of doing so, take a look at our 'Step Up' course
• A good standard of written and spoken English

Course Content

Teaching assistants work in primary, special and secondary education across all age ranges encompassing special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities.

The primary role of the teaching assistant is to support the class teacher to enhance pupils’ learning either in groups or individually, ensuring pupils understand the work set, know their learning objectives and stay on task in order to make progress.

They promote self-belief, social inclusion and a high self-esteem as an integral part of pupils’ wellbeing, ensuring they thrive in a positive, nurturing, safe environment. It is an active role supporting the learner to access the curriculum.

They are good role models, act with honesty and integrity, take part in team meetings, and contribute to planning and class activities. Promoting Fundamental British Values through spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and positive behaviours is crucial in contributing to improved pupil progress and development.

You will develop knowledge, skills and professional behaviours holistically during this course, and use your work placement to practise what you learn.  Your work in classrooms with children, young people or adults is critical in enabling you to develop confidence, understanding and practice.  Alongside this, you will work towards your Level 2 qualification, thematically studying the following units:

• Understanding children and young people’s development
• Safeguarding children and young people
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in a learning environment for children and young people
• Understanding schools and colleges as organisations
• Maintaining relationships with children and young people
• Supporting the health and safety of children and young people
• Contributing to teamwork in a learning environment
• Supporting positive behaviour in a learning environment for children and young people
• Understanding children's and young people’s play and leisure
• Promoting an effective learning environment
• Providing displays in a learning environment

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a range of individual and group tasks, presentations, written tasks, professional discussions, observation of your practice in your school or college, reflective practice and continuous professional development.  Assessment is continuous and is designed to develop your academic and communication skills and to build your confidence.  

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

You will only need to provide stationery, including:

• 20 dividers
• Lever arch file to build a professional portfolio of practice
• Notebook and pens
• A4 plastic files to submit assignments

What can I do after this course?

You could:

• Secure a permanent position as a teaching assistant in a school, college or other provider
• Progress to a Level 3 Diploma for Teaching Assistants
• Obtain an Advanced Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools contract with a school or other educational provider

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