Preparing to work in Schools (Teaching Assistant Pathway) - Level 1

Summary

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? This course equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a school environment. This course covers essential areas such as supporting the well-being of children and young people, understanding their development, and effective communication within a school setting. Ideal for those considering a career in education, this qualification prepares learners for further learning and training while developing an understanding of the teaching and learning environment in schools.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
09 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	4 Weeks	Apply now
10 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	4 Weeks	Apply now
29 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	4 Weeks	Apply now

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

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 an excellent starting point for those aspiring to work in various roles within the education sector. This qualification is part of a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding career in schools and colleges.

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

TEACHING ASSISTANT PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having successfully completed this course, students can progress to several courses within the Teaching Assistant Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC). These include:

Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles.

Progression options include:

Employment Opportunities

On completing this course, students can explore various entry-level employment opportunities, including:

These roles provide a great starting point for a career in education, allowing you to gain valuable experience and further develop your skills.

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

Award in Preparing to Work in Schools

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 qualification is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with children and young people. The mandatory units cover a range of important topics:

Understand Schools as Organisations
Understand How to Keep Children and Young People Healthy, Safe and Well
Understand How to Communicate with Children, Young People, and Adults

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, 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. 

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 and schedules.

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.

These varied teaching methods ensure a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience, preparing students for future employment with children and young people.

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 related to childhood illnesses, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and 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.