Working with children or young people in a school or classroom setting
Course aims
These qualifications will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills needed when supervising teaching and learning in the school environment. They will support you in working in schools either as a special needs assistant, teaching assistant or learning support assistant.
What could these courses lead to?
These courses can lead to employment as an assistant in a school setting and as a route into higher education.
Job roles include: Classroom Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Worker within a Special Educational Needs team.
In 2018-2019, the average salary was £23.058.
Course details
Working with Children - Entry 3
Course length
70 hours – usually 14 weekly sessions of 5 hours
Learners will spend 2 weeks completing a free separate short course ( 10 hours) Preparing for placement. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and provide an overview of what is involved when working in the field. Successful learners then progress to the main course.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is for those who wish to discover more about this type of work and who may have no previous experience of working with children. It is also suitable for learners who need to gain literacy and numeracy qualifications before progressing onto higher level childcare courses.
Entry requirements
Learners must be at least 16 years old.
You must have English and Maths at Entry 3 or above.
All applicants must be interviewed prior to being accepted onto the course.
Course content
You will learn about:
- the sequence of growth and development from birth to old age
- the role adults play in the development of children’s communication
- resources to support storytelling and children’s communication development
- the safe preparation and storage of food
You will also be supported in the further development of your English and Maths skills.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an Ascentis Entry 3 Certificate in Progression.
Working with Children and Adults - Level 1
Course length
125 hours – usually 25 weekly sessions of 5 hours
Learners will spend 4 weeks completing a free separate short course ( 20 hours) Developing Thinking Skills. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and provide an overview of what is involved when working in the field. Successful learners then progress to the main course.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is for those working, or looking to work, in the care sector with children or adults.
Entry requirements
Learners must be at least 16 years old. You must have English at Level 1 or above and Maths at Entry 3 or above.
All applicants must be interviewed prior to being accepted onto the course.
Course content
You will learn about:
- the principles of care and the role of the care worker
- the physical and psychological needs of children.
- how play and craft activities can be used to support a child’s development.
You will also be supported in the further development of your English and Maths skills.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an Ascentis Level 1 Certificate in Progression.
Supporting Teaching & Learning - Level 2 Certificate
Course length
160 hours – usually 32 weekly sessions of 5 hours – and 200 placement hours.
Learners will spend 4 weeks completing a free separate short course ( 20 hours) Developing Thinking Skills. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and provide an overview of what is involved when working in the field. Successful learners then progress to the main course.
Who is this course for?
The course is aimed at those who wish to gain qualified employment in supporting learning in schools.
Important: This course requires a serious commitment; applicants should think carefully about their ability to undertake and achieve the objectives of the course before enrolling.
Entry requirements
You should already have knowledge of classroom practice. You should already hold English at level 2 and be prepared to work towards maths and be prepared to upgrade to GCSEs at grade 9-4 by the time you qualify at level 3.
All applicants must be interviewed prior to being accepted onto the course
Course content
You will learn about:
- how children and young people develop
- the importance of safeguarding children and young people in schools and colleges
- how and why equality, diversity and inclusion are vital in work in schools
- schools & colleges as organisations.
- Provide displays in a learning environment
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain a Level 2 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning which is identified as a progression towards a Level 3 Diploma.
Support of Teaching & Learning in Schools - Level 3 Diploma
Course length
195 hours – usually 39 weekly sessions of 5 hours – and 200 placement hours.
Learners will spend 4 weeks completing a free separate short course ( 20 hours) Developing Thinking Skills. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and provide an overview of what is involved when working in the field. Successful learners then progress to the main course.
Who is this course for?
The course is intended to be a progression route for assistants and workers already employed in this role in school settings on a paid or voluntary basis. To achieve success on the course it is essential that all learners have a working knowledge of the impact of the support of teaching and learning in schools or colleges, and that they have some hands-on experience of working in such a setting.
Important: This course requires a serious commitment; applicants should think carefully about their ability to undertake and achieve the objectives of the course before enrolling.
Entry requirements
You would normally be expected to hold level 2 - Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools or equivalent, and have level 2 qualifications in English and Maths. You will need to have a good command of written and spoken English. It is also advisable that you upgrade these skills to GCSE grade 9-4 by the time you qualify. Proof of at least 200 placement hours is required.
All applicants must be interviewed prior to being accepted onto the course
Course content
You will learn about:
- communication and professional relationships with children and young people
- how to plan and deliver learning activities under the direction of a teacher
- the delivery of the national curriculum in your school setting
- how to promote children and young people’s positive behaviour.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
How will I learn?
You will be taught and supported by a tutor. You will be expected to attend your group once a week and take part in group and paired activities and discussions. You will build a portfolio of evidence and complete specific tasks with the guidance of your tutor. A substantial amount of independent study and research is required.
Your commitment as a learner
To achieve success on the course you will need to attend regularly and on time. If you need to miss a class, please let us know in advance.
You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set. You will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): DBS checks are carried out on everyone who works with, or trains to work with, children, young people, and vulnerable adults. BAES will carry out these checks before you start a work placement that is part of a social care course, along with a right to work check.
For enrolment on social care courses and for your DBS check you must provide original, approved documents which give evidence of your identity and address.
To get a full DBS check you must have been resident in this country for at least five years. If you have not been resident for at least 5 years, you must also produce a Statement of Good Conduct (written in English) from your previous country BEFORE you can be enrolled onto a social care course.
If you have a criminal record which may bar you from working with children, please discuss this with a member of staff before enrolling, as all previous convictions and cautions will be disclosed and this could prevent you from qualifying.
A Right to Work check will also be carried out.
