This course is available to learners aged 16+ who are interested in working within a school as a teaching assistant, classroom assistant or learning support assistant. The aims of the course are to enable students to understand the roles and responsibilites to those invoved in suporting teaching and learning in schools and provides an opprtunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to do this effectively in a self directed way. It prepares students to support the teaacher and the delivery of curriculum within a school as well as developing skills to help children and young people to develop self-esteem, independance and skills for learning. It seeks to further develop professional and technical skills and knowledge and an understanding of the importance of positive relationships within a school.

A school placement is required to complete this course. If you do not have a placement you need to complete our Level 3 Teaching Assistant course. Click here.

Students must complete the following mandatory units

Unit 1: Develop and maintain professional skills and knowledge for supporting teaching and learning in schools

Learners will develop their understanding of the roles involved in supporting teaching and learning in schools. They will engage in self evaluation and reflection to enable them to learn and develop their own practice and identify their continuing professional development needs. They will look at the importance of equal opportunities and will implement strategies to support and promote equality and diversity within the setting. Additionally students will explore how to promote and contribute to the protection of children from abuse.

Unit 2: Develop and maintain effective working relationships for supporting teaching and learning in schools.

In this unit students will develop their communication skills to assist them in building and promoting positive relationships with children, colleagues and other professionals. They will identify barriers to communication and how they might be overcome as well as taking an active role in supporting and developing team effectiveness, including taking part in team meetings.

Unit 3: Contribute to the management of pupil behaviour.

Students will explore the various stages of childrens social and emotional development and how these stages can impact oupon behaviour. They will implement agreed behaviour management strategies to promote positive behaviour and support children to manage their own behaviour including responding to incidents of challenging behaviour.

Unit 4: Contribute to pupils learning

Students wil look at legislation and policy relating to schools. In particular they will explore the health and safety factors, standards and resources relating to children. This unit will also help students to provide support to the teachers and pupils engaged in the process of learning. It will assist them in preparing and maintaining the learning environment, identify what they need to do to support planned learning activities and encourage independant learning. It will support students to carry out observations of childrens performance, providing the agreed support and giving feedback to the teacher on progress made by the children.

Unit 5: Support pupils with specialist educational needs or disabilities

Students will examine areas of educational need including additional learning needs and special educational needs. They will explore the meaning of inclusion and the statement process as well as the types of difficulties that pupils with special educational needs may encounter. students will devise and carry out strategies for supporting pupils with special educational need.

Unit 6: Support the development and application of pupils literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.

Students will implement strategies to help whole-class, group and individual pupils with the development and application of their literacy, numeracy and IT Skills. Working under the direction of the teacher, learners will support pupils during activities to aid their developing knowledge, Understanding and skills and provide feedback to the teacher and pupils on progress and contributions to the activities undertaken.

A fully qualified Teaching Assistant can expect to earn a salary of between 13K - 17K dependant on location. See the table below as a guideline. Please remember this is only a guide of potential earnings and your eventual salary could be less or more than displayed

Q: When can I enrol?

The beauty of distance learning means that students can enrol at anytime they wish 365 days of the year. Enrolments and payment can be made online or by calling our office on 0800 0131030.

Q: How soon after enrolment can I start studying?

Students would normally receive their course materials within seven days of enrolment. Materials for this course are posted out via Royal Mail second class post.

Q: Is this course accredited?

Yes! This course is accredited by NCFE. See our qualifications page for full details.

Q: Is there any funding available towards the course fees?

UK Open College is a privately run college therefore we do not have access to funding

Q: Do you offer any discounts for the unemployed or low income households?

Unfortunately discounts are not available

Q: Can I pay monthly for my course?

Yes! We do offer payment plans for this course to students resident in the UK only.  See fees page for further details.

Q: How do I know whether this is the right course for me?

In truth we cannot be sure if this course or indeed home learning will meet every students needs. To help we have a money back guarantee scheme in place which allows students to receive and try the course materials for seven days to establish whether this course is the ideal course for them. If it's not simply notify us via email or telephone within the seven day period for a full refund. Please be aware this is a strict seven day scheme and no refunds are processed once this period has expired.

Q: Is this course available to International students?

Yes! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college. With todays technology distance is no barrier at all. Students outside of the UK will need access to email to submit course assignments. Additional charges for delivery of paper course materials will apply if required.

Q: Are there any deadlines for course assignments?

No! You can submit course assignments at your own pace. The only deadline is for completion of the whole course which requires students to finish within one year of registration.

Q: What if I have questions relating to my course or have problems understanding some of the questions?

No problem! All students have access to a personal tutor for the duration of their course with whom they may correspond with. You are not on your own when you study with us! We really do want you to pass your course!

Q: Will I have to purchase any additional books or materials?

No! We provide all the required course materials to enable you to complete your studies. 

Course Fee: Starting at: £499.00