LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN SPECIALIST SUPPORT FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SCHOOLS

Course Introduction

The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop and confirm your occupational knowledge, competence and skills when working in a job role in a specialist area and/or across a varied range of responsibilities under the direction of a teacher who has overall responsibility for teaching and learning in a classroom.

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The IAO Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools leads to the full RQF qualification and provides progression into employment. Learners may also progress to achieve HLTA status. The course provides you with the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to work as teaching assistant; classroom assistant; learning support assistant; additional needs assistant; pastoral/welfare support assistant; bilingual support assistant; foundation stage assistant; learning guide; learning coach; induction mentor; team leader.

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Please Note: a work placement of at least 50 hours is required to complete this option. This workplace MUST be in a school setting. This can either be a primary, secondary or special school, however you MUST also ensure that the pupils you work with are aged 5+ and are studying at Key Stage 1 or above.

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As part of this work placement you must first ensure that a member of staff with occupational competence is able to provide supervision, prepare and sign the witness testimonies, to prove you have achieved the work based learning outcomes of this course. 

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The course is designed for study by distance learning at work and at home. Students receive course manual, assignments and tutor support by mail and email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of enrolment. In addition, students of this qualification will need to arrange and undertake a work placement of a minimum of 50 hours during their course.

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Although unit titles vary slightly the course follows the syllabus set by IAO for this national qualification. Assessment is through the production of a portfolio of evidence and candidates can choose appropriate forms of evidence for each assessment criteria but will include written description of knowledge, witness testimonies, observation reports, professional discussion records and similar.

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The good news is that there is no previous knowledge required to complete this course.

This course is designed for those already employed or on placement within a school setting and as such will assume that the learner is already working in this environment.

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Assessment

Students will be required to complete a number of assignments. Your personal tutor will review, mark and provide you with feedback on your work.

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All units are internally assessed. Assessment enables the learner’s workplace practice to provide evidence for individual units as well as the whole qualification. This course requires an assessment of your practical skills within your working environment. It is essential that you secure a placement that can provide you with a suitably qualified teacher and workplace assessor who can observe you, comment on your skills and write a report to meet the assessment requirements. This direct observation will be used as evidence towards your qualification. Methods of assessment could include:

• Direct observation of practice

• Witness evidence when directed by the sector skills assessment strategy

• Professional discussion

• Reflection on own practice in real work situations

• Written assignments

 

Awarding organisation

Innovate Awarding is one of the newest, most dynamic awarding organisations in the industry, seeking to bring a fresh approach and excellent service to training providers, colleges and learners. Innovate Awarding qualifications are designed by leading professionals and delivered to centres and learners with integrity and compliance in mind. Innovate Awarding have rigorous quality assurance controls and procedures in place and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service, qualification delivery and assessment.

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Innovate Awarding are fully approved as an awarding organisation by Ofqual and award RQF courses in a number of sectors. RQF courses have various credit values which can be applied to the National Credit Transfer System. Innovate Awarding accredit courses which are developed by industry experts and work hand in hand with organisations ensuring the calibre and worth of courses provided.

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Course modules - Mandatory

Unit 1: Understand Children’s and Young People’s Development
Unit 2: Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People
Unit 3: Support Children’s and Young People’s Health and Safety
Unit 4: Engage in personal development in children & young people’s settings
Unit 5: Support learning activities
Unit 6: Promote children’s and young people’s positive behaviour
Unit 7: Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults
Unit 8: Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people
Unit 9: Support assessment for learning
Unit 10: Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults
Unit 11: Schools as organisations
Unit 12: Support children’s speech, language and communication
Unit 13: Support disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs
Unit 14: Support children and young people with behaviour, emotional and social development needs

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Learner support

The course is designed for study by distance learning at work and at home. Students receive course manual, assignments and tutor support by mail and email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of enrolment.

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FAQs

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and, therefore, you can study anytime, any place, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a full-time job, or other commitments, that won’t allow them time off to study.