Teaching and Learning Support (Teaching Assistant Pathway) - Level 3

Summary

Are you ready to take the next step in your education career and work directly with children and young people in a school or college setting? This course is ideal for those already working or volunteering in education who want to develop their skills and gain a nationally recognised qualification to support progression into more senior or specialised roles.

This course provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills needed to support learners effectively. You’ll cover a wide range of topics including safeguarding, child development, supporting learning activities, and working with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This qualification can be studied independently but is also a key component of the Teaching Assistant Pathway and is designed to prepare you for a rewarding and impactful role in primary, secondary, or specialist education settings.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
09 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	1 Year	Apply now
05 Jan 2027	Bispham Campus	22 Weeks	Apply now

A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection.

Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?

Explore our pathways in Health, Education and Childcare to see how we can help you reach your career goals.

View Career Pathways

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is designed for those looking to take on more advanced and responsible roles within the education sector. It is ideal for individuals already working or volunteering in schools who want to deepen their knowledge and progress into more specialised or senior support positions.

This course is the final stage of the structured Teaching Assistant Pathway, More details of the pathway can be found in the 'Next Steps' section opposite.

Completing this diploma can lead to roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), SEN support specialist, or pastoral support lead. It also provides a strong foundation for further study in areas such as education, special educational needs, or teacher training, supporting long-term career development in both mainstream and specialist education settings.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Teaching Assistant Pathway, which includes the following courses.

TEACHING ASSISTANT PATHWAY

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Working in Schools and Colleges Pathway, which includes the following courses.

WORKING IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having completed this course, students can continue their professional development through higher-level qualifications at Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC). These next steps are designed to support progression into leadership, specialist, or teaching roles within the education sector.

Progression options include:

These qualifications build on your existing experience and knowledge, helping you move into more senior or specialised roles in both mainstream and specialist education settings

Employment Opportunities

Upon completing this course, learners are well-prepared to take on more advanced and specialised roles within educational settings. This qualification demonstrates your ability to support teaching and learning effectively, work independently, and contribute to the wider school community.

Potential job titles include:

These roles are typically found in primary and secondary schools, specialist education settings, and further education colleges. They offer opportunities to take on greater responsibility, work more closely with teachers and learners, and contribute meaningfully to student progress and wellbeing.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider. 
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional equipment costs associated with this course. 

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This qualification is designed to provide you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to support teaching and learning in a school or college setting. Through 16 comprehensive units, you’ll develop the confidence and competence to work effectively with children and young people across a range of educational environments.

You will study the following units:

Schools and Colleges as Organisations – Understand the structure, ethos, and roles within educational settings.
Support Health and Safety in a Learning Environment – Learn how to maintain a safe and supportive space for learners.
Understand How to Safeguard Children and Young People – Gain essential knowledge of safeguarding principles and procedures.
Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults – Build effective, respectful relationships in the school community.
Understand How Children and Young People Develop – Explore physical, emotional, and cognitive development from birth to 19 years.
Support Positive Behaviour in Children and Young People – Learn strategies to encourage positive behaviour and manage challenges.
Support Children and Young People During Learning Activities – Assist in planning, delivering, and reviewing learning activities.
Support English and Maths Skills – Help learners develop core literacy and numeracy skills.
Support the Use of ICT in the Learning Environment – Use technology to enhance learning and engagement.
Support Assessment for Learning – Understand how to use assessment to support progress and inform teaching.
Engage in Personal and Professional Development – Reflect on your practice and identify areas for growth.
Support Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication – Promote effective communication and language development.
Understand How to Support Bilingual Learners – Learn how to support learners who use English as an additional language.
Understand How to Support Learning of Children and Young People with SEND – Explore inclusive strategies for supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities.
Support Children and Young People During Transitions – Help learners navigate changes such as moving between classes or schools.
Support the Role of Play, Leisure and Extra-Curricular Activities – Understand the value of play and enrichment activities in development and learning.

This in-depth programme ensures you are fully prepared to take on a proactive, skilled, and supportive role in the classroom.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

To complete this qualification, learners must be working or on a practical placement in a school or college setting. As this is a competence-based diploma, you’ll need to demonstrate both knowledge and practical skills in a real work environment. It is mandatory that learners complete a minimum of 200 hours of placement, which typically equates to approximately one day (6 hours) per week over the duration of the course.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through a range of guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from across the education sector, including representatives from local schools and support services. Guest lectures and live discussions offer valuable insights into real-world classroom practice, current challenges in education, and emerging trends. They also provide opportunities to ask questions, build professional connections, and explore the diverse career paths available within the education sector.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme. 

The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs. 

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion. 

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills. 

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules. 

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.

Grading:

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.