Understanding Behaviour that Challenges (Teaching Assistant Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you preparing for a role in education and want to better understand how to support children and young people who display behaviour that challenges? This course is ideal for aspiring teaching assistants and school support staff who want to create inclusive, positive learning environments. It offers practical knowledge and strategies to help manage behaviour effectively and promote emotional wellbeing in the classroom.

This course explores the causes and impact of challenging behaviour, including how to respond with empathy and consistency. You’ll gain insight into behaviour triggers, communication techniques, and how to support individuals in a way that encourages positive change. This qualification can be studied independently but also complements other courses in the Teaching Assistant pathway and is a valuable step toward working confidently in mainstream education settings.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
23 Oct 2025	Bispham Campus	8 Weeks	Apply now
07 Oct 2026	Bispham Campus	10 Weeks	Apply now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is a valuable qualification for those looking to support children and young people in mainstream education. It equips learners with the skills to manage and respond to behaviour that may impact learning, making it ideal for aspiring teaching assistants, classroom support staff, or those already working in educational settings who want to enhance their practice.

Completing this course can lead to specialised roles such as SEN support assistant or behaviour mentor, and provides a strong foundation for further study and career development 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

Progression options include:

These next steps support career development in mainstream and specialist education settings, helping you move into more senior or specialised roles.

Employment Opportunities

These roles are commonly found in primary and secondary schools, colleges, and youth support services. They offer a strong foundation for gaining hands-on experience while continuing to build your qualifications and career in education.

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

Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges

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 help you understand the reasons behind behaviour that challenges and how to respond in a calm, supportive, and effective way. Through four focused units, you’ll explore the causes, communication strategies, and the importance of reflection and support in managing behaviour in educational settings.

Unit 1: Understand Behaviour That Challenges
Explore what is meant by behaviour that challenges, why it may occur, and the impact it can have on individuals and those around them. You’ll examine potential triggers and contributing factors, including environmental, emotional, and social influences.

Unit 2: Understand How to Support Positive Behaviour
Learn about proactive strategies to encourage positive behaviour and reduce the likelihood of challenging incidents. This unit covers the importance of consistency, clear boundaries, and supportive environments.

Unit 3: Understand the Importance of Effective Communication and Management of Behaviour That Challenges
Discover how communication styles and techniques can influence behaviour. You’ll gain insight into how to de-escalate situations and respond appropriately to challenging behaviour using person-centred approaches.

Unit 4: Understand the Role of Reflection and Support for Those Involved in Incidents of Behaviour That Challenges
Reflect on the emotional impact of behavioural incidents and the importance of support for both staff and learners. This unit highlights the value of learning from experience and maintaining wellbeing in challenging roles.

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 school or similar environment can significantly enhance your understanding of the course content and improve your employability.

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.