Working with children and young people is a rewarding career that can go in a number of directions. We provide a range of introductory and level 2 courses which can lead into roles in this sector.
Level 1 Preparing to Work in Schools (Teaching Assistant)
This introductory course is ideal if you are interested in working in a school or would like to find out more about the role of a teaching assistant. It is a great first step for adults who want to support children and young people in education.
Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistant)
The ideal qualification if you want to work in a school as a Teaching Assistant. As part of your course, you will undertake a placement in school. Due to our strong links with recruitment agencies, you will be guaranteed interview when you are ready to apply for jobs at the end of your course.
Many previous learners have successfully secured roles in local schools. Last year, 100% of our learners passed.
Level 1 Caring for Children Under Five qualification
This qualification is designed for those preparing for further study or those who would like to pursue a career within early years and childcare. As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to attend council run specialist sessions in child development.
NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools
Course duration
18 weeks, 2.5 - 3 hours a week.
What will I learn?
You will learn about the school environment, the different roles within schools and how staff support children’s learning, wellbeing and development.
This course is suitable for you if:
- You are thinking about working in a school
- You would like to become a teaching assistant in the future
- You want to build confidence before progressing to a higher-level qualification
- You are returning to learning and want a supportive starting point
- You want to better understand how children are supported in education
You will explore topics such as:
- How schools are organised
- The role of staff in schools
- Supporting children’s learning
- Safeguarding and wellbeing
- Communication in a school setting
- Preparing for further study or employment
How will I be assessed?
You will complete a portfolio of evidence that will be internally assessed.
Entry requirements
No previous experience, however, you must be able to understand and follow spoken and written instructions in English and write in short paragraphs as a minimum.
Progression
After completing this course, you may be able to progress to a Level 2 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, further adult learning courses, volunteering or employment opportunities.
Apply now or phone 01942 489758.
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Course duration
We have two intakes for this course:
- September start: Full academic year, 2.5 - 3 hours per week class time
- January/February start: 24 weeks, 4 - 5 hours per week
You will be required to secure a voluntary or paid placement in a learning environment (school or college) for a minimum of 6 hours per week. Learners starting in January/February may be required to complete more hours in a shorter period of time in order to meet minimum hours required. The course runs term time only.
What will I learn?
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a combined knowledge and practice qualification for those support staff roles that directly support teaching and learning, for example teaching assistants or learning support assistants. It is designed to provide:
- Education and training for those with a responsibility to support teaching and learning within educational settings
- Opportunities for those supporting teaching and learning to achieve a nationally recognised level 2 vocational qualification
- The knowledge, understanding and skills learners need to provide effective support for teaching and learning in educational settings
- Opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life
It is a suitable qualification for those wishing to change career or move into employment within the education sector. This qualification will help you to develop the transferable skills, attributes and behaviours needed for you to progress to further study and ultimately to employment. In addition, all learners will develop key numeracy, literacy and ICT skills as appropriate.
How will I be assessed?
Every learner will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which sets out their learning and personal goals. The tutor will, at regular intervals, check progress made towards these learning goals and record this in the ILP. All units are internally assessed via a portfolio of work, and the award is validated by NCFE Awarding Body.
Entry requirements
You will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, which we will arrange.
You will need to have basic stationery e.g. A4 lever-arch file, pens, pencils, file paper.
No previous experience, just a commitment to learn. You must be able to understand and follow spoken and written instructions in English and write in short paragraphs as a minimum. We will assess you before starting the course to check that you have the language, literacy and numeracy skills necessary to achieve the qualification.
Progression
This qualification is designed to support learners in progressing to higher-level study, such as the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification.
Learners also secure employment working in the education sector. We have strong links with recruitment agencies and learners are guaranteed interviews when ready to apply for jobs at the end of the course.
Learners who do not already have a Level 2 in Maths, English or Level 1 in Digital Skills will be given the opportunity to enrol to these too.
Apply now or phone 01942 489758.
Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award in Caring for Children Under Five
Course duration
18 weeks, 2.5 - 3 hours a week.
Courses are either a full day for 12 weeks or half a day for 18 weeks.
What will I learn?
The purpose of these qualifications is to develop the transferable skills, attributes and behaviours needed for you to progress to further study and ultimately to employment in childcare.
- Unit 1 - Developing a Personal Progression Plan
- Unit 2 - Providing a pre-school children’s reading activity
During this course you will solve problems when planning a reading activity suitable for a group of pre-school children and practise reading a story in a manner suitable for young children.
In addition, all learners will develop key numeracy, literacy and ICT skills as appropriate.
How will I be assessed?
You will complete a portfolio of evidence that will be internally assessed.
Entry requirements
No previous experience, however, you must be able to understand and follow spoken and written instructions in English and write in short paragraphs as a minimum.
Progression
These qualifications prepare learners for further learning at a higher level in the early years sector. Progression routes include:
- Pearson BTEC Level 2 qualifications in this sector
- Pearson BTEC Level 2 Apprenticeship in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Pearson Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (Teaching Assistant) course
- Employment in the early years sector
The development of transferable skills means that learners can also choose a study programme from alternative sectors. Learners who do not already have a Level 2 in Maths, English or Level 1 in Digital Skills will be given the opportunity to enrol to these too.
Course fees - all courses
Free for all eligible learners, including those completing qualification courses for the first time. Please note that if you have not been a British resident for the past three years, additional criteria will apply. Visit learner services for further information.
Apply now or phone 01942 489758.