Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning – Level 2

Required qualifications

English and maths GCSE grade D/3 and above or functional skills at level 1 and be prepared to work towards level 2.

What skills will I develop?

As a student teaching assistant, you will develop skills and knowledge in college and your placement setting such as:

• Good understanding of areas of learning (e.g. literacy, numeracy, science and SEN)
• Use of other equipment technology (such as using video and a photocopier)
• Interpersonal skills to be able to relate well to a wide range of people
• Work constructively as part of a team whilst being able to demonstrate initiative
• Good communication skills
• Effective use of ICT to support learning
• Understanding of relevant policies/codes of practice
• The ability to manage behaviours effectively
• Developing your English, writing and research skills and self-confidence
• The ability to learn from experiences and challenges
• Continuous development of self by keeping up to date and sharing knowledge, and seeking new opportunities
• The knowledge to safeguard the welfare and well-being of learners in your care.

Careers

As a level 2 teaching assistant your salary will vary depending on your role, responsibilities and educational setting. Many TAs are employed on part-time or term-time only contracts.

There isn’t a national pay scale for TA salaries. Most schools tend to go with wages set by the local authority (LA), although this varies depending on the type of school.

After completion of the level 2 course, you can progress onto the level 3 in supporting teaching and learning and/or into the workforce.

Work experience

In order to complete the qualification, you will need to arrange a placement with a school or college for a minimum of 1 day a week for 27 weeks. You will be observed by your assessor at the school or college placement on how you are supporting learners with their maths, English and ICT development and you will need to plan and implement a display.

The placement must be supporting in year 1 or above.

English and maths

The supporting teaching and learning course will give you the opportunity to reflect on your own maths and English abilities and take the opportunity to refresh your skills and develop them further which will enable you to support your learners effectively. English and maths are embedded in lessons and are an integral part of assignment writing.

You will be taught relevant topics through classroom activities and discussions giving you the opportunity to develop skills such as independent research, spelling, punctuation and grammar awareness and note taking. Your tutor will assess your work by written assignment.

Other important information

You will be expected to attend college 1 day a week 9.30 – 3.00 for 30 weeks.

You will need to arrange an enhanced DBS Check through your placement school at a cost of £40.

To complete your written assignments you will need access to a computer or laptop, the internet and a printer. The recommended textbook for this course costs approximately £21.

You will need an A4 ring binder and dividers for your portfolio.