Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges - Level 4 Summary Where can this subject lead? Key information What will I learn? How will I learn? How will I be assessed? Summary This level 4 qualification aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the school and college workforce. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience, proven knowledge and skills of the learner in a teaching and learning environment. It will challenge the learner in both daily practice and theoretical understanding. Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. Upon achievement of this qualification, the learner will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the school or college workforce. This qualification will not only support employment opportunities, but also the possibility of progressing on to the Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support. This course is ideal for those already working in schools as a level 3 practitioner and who are looking at progressing into roles in the future such as higher-level teaching assistants and teachers. You will be assigned a subject specialist course tutor who will deliver the scheduled sessions. The tutor will also be available for weekly support and to guide you from the beginning to the completion of your qualification. You will also have an assessor assigned to support with the competence element of the qualification. The qualification is internally assessed using a range of methods including written assignments. You will also complete observations and professional discussions as part of your qualification. Expert tuition is delivered by our industry specialists on this programme, with access to continued support to assist in completing your assignments. Course code SC1FE457 Duration 27 Weeks Day/s of week Tuesday Time 18:00 - 21:00 Next course dates Start date Location Duration 04 Nov 2025 Bispham Campus 27 Weeks Enquire now £18,000 Average annual salary in this sector Industry expert tutors 3,000 Annual job openings in the North West What Uni Reviews I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and tutors have been amazing. I would recommend this to anyone. ***** - Hayley Butterworth Enjoyable learning things and issues such as the world around us, being able to find information easily, getting not only learning support but general support such as mental health, e.g really supportive teachers. ***** - Anonymous Good mentors. **** - Kyle Cameron Prev Next Tutor Profile - Sarah Addicott Area of Expertise:Behaviour Management, Inclusion, Special Educational Needs, Pastoral Care and learning theories within education.Enjoys teaching at B&FC because:I can have an influence on a wider range of children and students through teaching those involved in the education of others. Where can this subject lead? Career progressionUpon achievement of this qualification, you will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner to work in schools or colleges. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the school or college workforce.Students can also progress to a foundation degree in Teaching & Learning Support. Key information Entry RequirementsYou must be over 19 years of age on the 31st August before the course start date.Students should have a level 3 qualification - Teaching Assistant or Education or significant experience as a Teaching Assistant in school or Learning Support Worker in college, and must have level 2 functional skills English or equivalent.Students will be required to undertake a written task and interview to confirm their ability to study at this level for a vocational qualification.Students will need to be employed in a Level 3 role in a learning environment (school or college), as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge in order to achieve this qualification. Qualification obtainedCertificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges Fees and fundingFor more information, visit our page on Financial Support. Extra costs and equipmentStudents will need to purchase study essentials such as a notepad and stationery. It is desirable for students to have access to an electronic device (e.g. laptop) for completing their assignments, however college facilities such as the library are available for you to access computers. Regulation and AccreditationAccrediting Institution: N/AAwarding Body: NCFE Terms and conditionsRead our full terms and conditions for more information. Student case study - Lorraine What have been the benefits of studying here?The tutors make it really relevant and interesting as they know their subjects inside and out. The tutors really made it for me.What are you hoping to do in the future?From September, I'll be in primary school training to teach. I'm really excited as I've missed being in school. What will I learn? Industry placement, field trips and guest speakersStudents will need to be employed in a Level 3 role in a learning environment (school or college), as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge in order to achieve this qualification. Study Support - at a glance Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)One-to-one and group study support sessionsPre-degree preparation workshopsIT Support Discover available Study Support Close Previous Next Previous 1 2 3 Next How will I learn? You will study the following mandatory modules:Unit 1 APSC4C1: Enabling individuals to learnUnit 2 APSC4C2: Understand how to support children and young people to improve their mental health and well-beingUnit 3 APSC4C3: Working with others to support individuals with additional needs and disability in a school or collegeUnit 4 APSC4C4: Working with families and other professionals in a school or college settingUnit 5 APSC4C5: Implementing change in school or college settingThis programme will be delivered 3 hours per week, 6pm-9pm with an additional 1 hour workshop online each week to support assessment completion. Each unit will be taught consecutively over 4 weeks with a 5th week as an in person workshop to support assessments. Although unit 5 will be introduced at the start of the programme to give sufficient time to work on the research task (total programme over 25 weeks). In addition to written evidence, there is a requirement for one observation and one professional discussion to be completed.As students will be current qualified and experienced practitioners, they will be offered the opportunity to either study remotely or face to face in a simultaneous session. This will enable those who are unable to leave their workplace to access this programme. Although there will need to be some direct delivery of some of the theoretical aspects such as legislation, most of the session will be based on relevant case studies, and real-life experiences of the students. They will be encouraged to reflect on practice and evaluate its efficacy. Qualifications Explained Our Degree-level courses come in all shapes and sizes. Visit our guide that explains what all these different qualifications mean. Learn about our Degree-level qualifications Higher and Degree Apprenticeships Higher and degree apprenticeships are a high-quality alternative to the traditional degree route, combining skilled on-the-job training with higher level study. More on Apprenticeships One Day a Week Degrees Study towards a degree by committing to one day a week. You don't need to disrupt your home life or sacrifice your job. So what's stopping you? Explore our One Day a Week Degrees Preparing for a Degree Free workshops and short courses to help prepare you for the next stage of your educational journey. Learn how we can prepare you for a Degree Plan your Degree Pathway Flexible learning built around you. Study for one, two or three years and get a qualification at every stage. More info on Degree Pathway Admissions - Higher Education Everything you need to know about our admission procedure, application process, entry requirements and more. Explore HE Admissions Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey. Not the course for you? Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination. Supporting Children with Special Needs in Early Years - Level 4 View course Early Years Lead Practitioner - Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship View course Children, Young People and Families - Certificate of Higher Education View course How will I be assessed? How will I be assessed?All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which will include:Direct observation by an assessor within the workplaceWritten assignmentsProfessional discussionEach student must create a portfolio of evidence generated from appropriate assessment tasks, which demonstrates achievement of all the learning outcomes associated with each unit.Unit 5 requires them to carry out small scale action research and so they will need to identify an area of practice that they might want to enhance. This will be confirmed in conjunction with their teacher / headteacher.