What Will Happen At My First Lesson
The first week of your course will include Study Skills. Good Study Skills are vital to ensure you gain the best from your course. The Study Skills session will give you the opportunity to discover the best way that you can learn and fully understand the requirements of the course.This session will be booked separately by the centre when you enrol.

Qualification Aim/Level
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (QCF)

Who is this course for?
Those who are considering or who would like to work in a school as a: - Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Support Assistant , Special Needs Assistant or a Mid -Day Assistant. Learners must be at least 19 years of age and should have attained at least Level 1 in English. (where learners are unable to provide certification we can give access to assessment please ask at your local centre). This is a knowledge based qualification that can be accessed by a wide range of candidates not yet involved in working or volunteering in school. It is therefore a valuable opportunity for individuals considering this as a career choice. While there is no placement requirement, candidates will find it useful to visit or volunteer to gain a first hand view of working in school. If you do decide to do this, please note that it is your responsibility to arrange a visit and the necessary checks the school will require. This is a very useful but not essential requirement of the programme. If you are already in paid employment as a teaching assistant/learning support assistant or are undertaking a substantial and varied volunteering role in school it is important that you speak to our Vocation Training Unit to ascertain if this course is the most appropriate programme for you. They can be contacted on 0333 01 39502 English and maths are important requirements for progression to higher level qualifications and work within school. Where learners have not yet attained an English qualification they will be asked to undertake formal assessment and encouraged to follow a study path that is recommended as part of this assessment. We also recommend where learners have not yet achieved at least a Level 2 (GCSE A-C) qualification in maths they have a commitment to working towards this in the near future

What can I expect to Learn?
The qualification is an introduction to the information and knowledge needed to work in a school environment. The programme contains 5 units: 1. Child and young person development 2. Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people 3. Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults 4. Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people 5. Schools as organisations.

How will I learn?
Please note learning may take place online as opposed to a classroom delivery. You will need a stable internet connection, an email address and a laptop, pc or tablet to attend online classes. There is also an electronic portfolio. Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will also have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.

How will I know how well I am doing?
Your tutor will discuss your progress with you providing written and verbal feedback on your work. You will be formally assessed through set tasks which are marked by your tutor and moderated by an internal moderator. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own learning and development.

Will I need to do extra work at home?
Yes. You will need to complete homework tasks and background reading and research on a regular basis throughout the course.

What will I need to provide?
Pens, paper, A4 project folder. PC, laptop or tablet with camera and microphone. We may be able to support you with the required equipment if you are unable to access any of these.

What is the cost of the course?
If you are in receipt of JSA (Job Seekers Allowance), ESA- WRAG (Employment & Support Allowance) or Universal Credit, this course will be free. If you are working or not in receipt of a State Benefit that allows the course to be free then the cost of this course will be £300. If you have completed and/ or received funding for this qualification before, or have not lived in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years, or do not have the right to remain in the UK then the cost of this course will be £672 Please contact 0345 603 7635 if you wish to seek further advice on the amount that you will be paying for this course. If you qualify to receive the course for free then you will be asked to complete a declaration form regarding your circumstances

Are there any other costs?
The tutor will recommend appropriate course texts which you may wish to purchase or obtain from the library (approximate price £20-25). You may find it advantageous to have an up to date library card to access a wider range of texts and to secure internet access if you do not have this at home.

What can I do next?
Seek employment as a: Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Special Needs Assistant or Mid-day assistant The 5 units achieved in the award can be carried forward to the level 2 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. Candidates must be in an appropriate job role to collect the relevant evidence, working/volunteering for a minimum of 12 hours per week for the length of the course which is one year. To obtain more information on the Certificate please contact the working lives team on 0345 603 7635 or email ACL working Lives team

Who can I contact for more information?
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact our Vocation Training Unit on 0333 01 39502