Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges – October Start

Are you looking to start your learning journey in supporting teaching and learning in a school, college or other provider by gaining an entry level qualification? Or are you maybe looking for a new career? Do you feel you have the necessary study skills and professional behaviours to embark on a course leading to a vocational starting point?

This course is a fantastic introduction to supporting the education and development of young people in schools and colleges. It is the first step on the ladder to developing your knowledge and understanding of what is involved in enhancing the learning experience in educational settings.  The course leads to a variety of other programmes that could allow you to become qualified as a Teaching Assistant. 

This qualification is an introduction to the knowledge and understanding needed to work in a school or college environment. It can apply to the many varied roles that full and part-time support staff may fulfil including administrative roles, site support roles, technical roles and volunteering, as well as roles that work directly with children and young people in the learning environment.

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/4 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 in your preparation for qualification in an occupational area. 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 young people with whom you work
• Introducing you to what is required to begin your career as a Teaching Assistant

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

• A commitment to and interest in support work in schools
• A good standard of written and spoken English

Education Support Workers work in primary, special, secondary and further education across all age ranges and encompassing special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities. By being introduced to the key principles and knowledge of being an Education Support Worker, you can begin promoting self-belief, social inclusion and a high self-esteem. These play an integral part in pupils’ wellbeing, ensuring they thrive in a positive, nurturing, safe environment. 

Education Support Workers take an active role in 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 a variety of learning environments 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 schools and colleges as organisations
• Understanding children and young people’s development
• Understanding communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults
• Understanding children and young people’s health and safety
• Safeguarding children and young people
• Understanding equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people

This course will be delivered on-site and is classroom based.

N/A

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 skills, improve your communication and build your confidence.  

After completing this course, you could:

• Secure progress to a formal Teaching Assistant qualification with the requirement of gaining valuable hands-on experience on placement
• Prepare for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools contract with a school or other educational provider

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk