TA College Courses

There are currently four courses offered by The Teaching Assistant College...

• NVQ Level 2 in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools
• NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools
• CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools
• CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

In general Level 2 qualifications are seen to be similar to GCSEs and Level 3 similar to 'A' Levels in standards.

NVQ Level 2 in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

UK: £1462 (May be subject to contribution towards travel expenses of a visiting assessor if more than 50 miles from Stafford.)

For countries within the EU: £1674 + VAT + cost of an economy return flight for a visiting assessor.

International: £2194 + cost of an economy return flight for a visiting assessor.

This course is ideal for those who have worked in a school on a paid or voluntary basis for about a year

The Level 2 NVQ requires the achievement of 7 units of competence. There are 5 mandatory units that must be completed. In addition, each candidate is required to achieve 2 of the optional units.

Mandatory Units: (complete all)

1. Provide support for learning activities
2. Support children's development
3. Help keep children safe
4. Contribute to positive relationships
5. Provide effective support for your colleagues

Optional Units: (Choose 2)

1. Support literacy and numeracy activities
2. Support the use of information communication technology for teaching and learning
3. Use information and communication technology to support pupil's learning
4. Observe and report on pupil performance
5. Support children's play and learning
6. Contribute to support bilingual / multilingual pupils
7. Support a child with disabilities of special educational needs
8. Contribute to moving and handling individuals
9. Support individuals during therapy sessions
10. Support children and young people's play
11. Provide displays
12. Invigilate tests and examinations

Entry Requirements

• An interest in education and supporting learning
• A clear enhanced CRB check (carried out either by The Teaching Assistant College or your school)
• A reference from a school (can be from a teacher you've worked with)
• Some experience of working within a school

All your learning materials are provided within the price of your course. This includes course handbooks, registration and certification with City & Guilds, contact with your assessor as often as you require it and the course textbook: The Teaching Assistant's Handbook: Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools (NVQ Level 2) by Louise Burnham

This course has flexible enrolment meaning you can start at any point during the school year.

Assessment:

To complete any NVQ you are required to collect evidence to show that you are competent in supporting teaching and learning in schools. You will compile your evidence within an e-portfolio system which automatically cross-reference and organise your work in preparation for assessment.

An assessor will visit you during your course and assess you working with the pupils and carrying out your role within school. Your assessor will support you throughout your course, along with helping you carefully plan, track and monitor your progress.

NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

UK: £1638 (May be subject to contribution towards travel expenses of a visiting assessor if more than 50 miles from Stafford.)

For countries within the EU: £1942 + VAT + cost of an economy return flight for a visiting assessor.

International: £2457 + cost of an economy return flight for a visiting assessor.

This course is ideal for those who have worked in a school on a paid or voluntary basis for about 2 years.

The Level 3 NVQ requires the achievement of 10 units of competence. There are 6 mandatory units that must be completed. In addition, each candidate is required to achieve 4 of the optional units (no more than 2 can be from group E).

Mandatory Units: (complete all)

1. Help keep children safe
2. Support pupil's learning activities
3. Promote positive behaviour
4. Develop and promote positive relationships
5. Support the development and effectiveness of work teams
6. Reflect on and develop own practice

Optional Units: (There are over 50 optional units to choose from in total, these are just a few from each group)

Group A: Supporting Pupil's Learning

• Plan, deliver and evaluate teaching and learning activities under the direction of a teacher.
• Support Literacy
• Support Numeracy
• Support ICT

Group B: Meeting Additional Support Needs

• Support gifted and talented pupils
• Support bilingual/multilingual pupils
• Support pupils with communication and interaction needs

Group C: Providing Pastoral Support

• Promote children's well-being and resilience
• Facilitate children and young people's learning and development through mentoring
• Contribute to improving attendance

Group D: Supporting the Wider Work of the School

• Provide displays
• Lead an extra-curricular activity
• Contribute to maintaining pupil records

Group E: Working with Colleagues

• Develop and maintain working relationships with other practitioners
• Provide leadership for your team
• Lead and motivate voluntee

Entry requirements:

• An NVQ Level 2 or equivalent related to working with children or at least 2 years experience of working in school (paid or voluntary)
• A clear enhanced CRB check (carried out either by The Teaching Assistant College or your school)
• A reference from a school (can be from a teacher you've worked with)

All your learning materials are provided within the price of your course. This includes course handbooks, registration and certification with City & Guilds, contact with your assessor as often as you require it and the course textbook: The Teaching Assistant's Handbook: Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools, (Level 3) by Louise Burnham, either primary or secondary

This course has flexible enrolment meaning you can start at any point during the school year.

Assessment:

To complete any NVQ you are required to collect evidence to show that you are competent in supporting teaching and learning in schools. You will compile your evidence within an e-portfolio system which automatically cross-reference and organise your work in preparation for assessment.

An assessor will visit you during your course and assess you working with the pupils and carrying out your role within school. Your assessor will support you throughout your course, along with helping you carefully plan, track and monitor your progress.

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

UK: £815
For countries within the EU: £994 + VAT International: £1222

Unit 1 - Teaching and Learning in Schools

1. The role of the teaching assistant in supporting teaching and learning
2. How inclusion, equality and positive behaviour can be promoted in schools
3. Child development and its effect on learning
4. The importance of learning activities
5. How to support learning in relation to the curriculum
6. The development of children and young people and factors that might affect this
7. The importance of play in development and learning
8. The importance of observation and recording to support learning and development in schools
9. How to support pupils through transitions

You will then select one age range which you currently work with and then complete the section of work which corresponds to that age range.

Birth to 3 years, 3 - 7years, 7 - 12 years or 12 - 16 years.

Unit 2 - Effective Communication within a Safe School Environment

1. How communication skills develop between the ages of 0 and 16 years
2. The importance of communication in developing positive relationships
3. The importance of developing positive relationships through managing communication with adults
4. The effects of legislation on the school's policies and procedures for keeping children safe
5. The responsibility of all staff within the school to keep children safe
6. Roles and responsibilities to provide support for colleagues
7. The difference between personal and professional relationships
8. Types of communication used within the school
9. Why and how you need to continuously improve your work

Assignments

The course has two main assignments that are graded pass, merit or distinction. Plenty of assignment guidance and support is provided by The Teaching Assistant College and there are no exams.

Along with the two main assignments there are a range of shorter tasks to complete that will add depth to your learning. These tasks include a variety of guided and independent study activities.

CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

UK: £971
For countries within the EU: £1064 + VAT International: £1454

Unit 1 - The Role of the Teaching Assistant

1. How national frameworks and local strategies effect the teaching assistant's job role
2. How the teaching assistant's role contributes to teaching and learning
3. The importance of enabling pupils' learning
4. The importance of monitoring learning, implementing changes and developing own practice
5. How to develop and promote positive behaviour
6. How to manage the risks involved in managing behaviour
7. The range of skills and tools needed to manage behaviour
8. Developing and promoting positive behaviour

Unit 2 - Key issues in working in schools

1. The context of team working in schools
2. The skills required to be effective member of the team
3. How to manage ricks involved in effective team working
4. The effects of legislation and the school's policies for keeping children safe
5. The responsibility of all staff within the school to keep children safe
6. The importance of managing pupil's behaviour to keep them safe
7. The importance of reflective practice
8. The techniques and use of reflective analysis
9. How to improve and develop own practice
10. Why and how you need to continuously improve your work

Assignments

During your studies with The Teaching Assistant College there will be many small tasks to complete during or after your study sessions, these are part of your guided learning hours and are set to assist in developing your knowledge and understanding within each topic area.

You are graded for your certificate (Grades A, B, C, D or E) on the two main assignments set by CACHE. These assignments must be completed on the deadlines set by both CACHE and The Teaching Assistant College.