Teaching Assistant Pathway | Blackpool and The Fylde College

Summary

The mainstream Level 2 Teaching Assistant pathway provides essential training for individuals who will be supporting teachers in primary or secondary schools with children and young people from 4-19 years of age. The pathway covers the key aspects involved in working as a teaching assistant such as child development, safeguarding and how to promote positive behaviour within the classroom. This qualification is suitable for those looking to work in mainstream education, equipping them with practical skills to support students effectively and enhance their learning experience.

Qualifications covered within the pathway are:

NCFE L1 AWARD PREPARING TO WORK IN SCHOOLS

NCFE L2 CERT UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR THAT CHALLENGES

NCFE L2 CERT UNDERSTANDING SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

NCFE L2 AWARD SUPPORT WORK IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

NCFE L3 DIP SUPPORT TEACHING AND LEARNING

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
01 Aug 2025	Community Based		Apply now
01 Aug 2026	Community Based		Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The Teaching Assistant Pathway has been designed to combine a series of qualifications that provides a comprehensive package of training allowing individuals to acquire the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to work successfully as a teaching assistant.

As well as providing the opportunity to enter the workforce directly, completing this course can also lead to advanced qualifications and moe specialised roles, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for career progression in the sector.

Next steps at B&FC

At B&FC, you can progress to:

Level 4 Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Leadership and Management
Level 5 Teaching Further Education and Skills

Employment Opportunities

This pathway supports progression into the following roles:

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.

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. 

What will I learn?

This Pathway is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with children and young people.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no mandatory work placement required at the start of this pathway, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in an educational setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in a relevant environment such as a school, could significantly enhance your understanding and employability and will be required at level 3. 

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from across educational sectors, including representatives from local schools.

These guest lectures and live discussions provide valuable insights into real-world practice, current challenges in education, and emerging movements in the sector. They also offer opportunities to ask questions, build connections, and gain a clearer understanding of the diverse career paths available in education. 

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.