Technical Occupational Entry in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

This qualification is designed for learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.

Adults need to either be working in a school environment or are interested in moving into this career.

The course duration is 15 - 18 months, all learning is done remotely and personal appointments will be made with a named assessor to comlete set tasks.There are no delivered sessions in a classroom environment.

There are 16 units of competence that students need to achieve for this qualification at Level 3 standard. Students will be in a responsible role within the classroom working under supervision of a teacher.

All units support the students role in school, SEN or college and will build up knowledge, skills and behaviours in preparation for a career as a teaching assistant.

As learners need to show competence in both skills and knowledge, they will need to be working or be on a practical placement during the duration of the programme of study (school or college).

Students will need to work through al units on this qualification and will be asked to build up evidence to support specific unit criteria.

This could be written tasks, booklets, work products, discussion, reflective accounts, direct observations. Students will also be observed in their placements carrying out specific tasks supported by a college assessor to check competency.

Work for this qualification will be uploaded onto an electronic ILP

Once qualified students can then consider looking for work in primary, secondary, SEN or college in the following roles:

• teaching assistant
• classroom assistant
• learning support assistant
• specialist curriculum support
• special educational needs
• teaching and learning

Students could also then consider stepping onto a Level 4 programme.

The course is only available for adults 19+ due to available funding.

It is preferred that students have a good level of English and maths as working in schools requires a good level.

Students on this programme could also consider updating their English and maths for career prospects.

Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College in the following circumstances:

• If the course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and they have given us permission to offer it at no cost to you and live in the WMCA area.
• If the course is part of the ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ government scheme and you are unemployed or working for a low wage.
• If the course is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) / WMCA and you meet certain criteria (such as this being the first qualification of this type and level you are studying, or unemployed, or working for a low wage).

Your personal circumstances and the funding available to you will be discussed at enrolment, if would useful if you bring evidence including proof of income / benefits; proof of age (i.e. driving licence); prior qualifications.

English & Maths: If you have not previously achieved GCSE grade C or above in English and/or maths, you can study these for free.