Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (Teaching Assistant Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you looking to support children and young people with learning differences in an educational setting? This course is ideal for aspiring teaching assistants and school support staff who want to better understand specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. It provides the foundational knowledge needed to create inclusive, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.

This course explores how these conditions are identified, the impact they can have on learning and behaviour, and how to provide effective support. You’ll gain insight into the challenges individuals face, the importance of early diagnosis, and strategies to help learners overcome barriers. This qualification can be studied independently but also complements other courses in the Teaching Assistant Pathway and is a valuable step toward working confidently with learners who require additional support in mainstream education.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
08 Jan 2026	Bispham Campus	11 Weeks	Apply now
08 Oct 2026	Bispham Campus	10 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?

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

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

SPECIAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT PATHWAY

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 advanced qualifications and leadership roles.

Progression options include:

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

Employment Opportunities

On completing this course, learners can explore a variety of entry-level roles in educational and support settings. These positions allow you to apply your knowledge of learning differences and inclusive support strategies in real-world environments:

These roles are commonly found in primary and secondary schools, colleges, and youth services. They provide a strong foundation for gaining hands-on experience while continuing to build your qualifications and career in education, particularly in supporting learners with additional needs.

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 Specific Learning Difficulties

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 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 develop a deeper understanding of specific learning difficulties and how they affect individuals in educational settings. You’ll explore a range of conditions, including dyslexia, ADHD, and dyspraxia, and learn how to provide effective, inclusive support.

Understand the Effects of Specific Learning Difficulties
Examine how specific learning difficulties impact learning, behaviour, and daily life. You’ll explore the challenges individuals may face and how these can vary depending on the condition and context.

Understand the Diagnosis of Specific Learning Difficulties
Learn about the processes involved in identifying and diagnosing specific learning difficulties. This includes the roles of professionals, the importance of early intervention, and the impact of diagnosis on individuals and families.

Understand Supporting Individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties
Discover practical strategies for supporting learners with specific needs. This unit focuses on adapting learning environments, using appropriate resources, and promoting independence and confidence.

Understand the Context of Specific Learning Difficulties
Explore the wider social, emotional, and educational context of specific learning difficulties. You’ll consider how attitudes, policies, and support systems influence the experiences of individuals with learning differences.

Essential skills: English and Maths

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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.  

Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios.  

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.