This qualification is part of the new suite of Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications.
​
This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments. It covers all aspects of specialist support including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher; bilingual support; special needs support; and personal development and reflective practice.
​
How is this qualification structured?
To achieve the Diploma the learner must complete 16 mandatory units.
How long will it take to complete this qualification?
The Diploma can usually be completed in 1 year to 18 months.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
Learners achieving the Level 3 Diploma can progress onto the Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges, a foundation degree, or specialist roles within the workforce.
​
Career opportunities: This qualification provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work in a variety of unsupervised job roles that support children and young people’s learning in schools or colleges. Roles this qualification will prepare you for include:
• Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Special Needs Assistant.
​
Qualification number: 603/2496/X
Aim
This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments. It covers all aspects of specialist support, including: planning; delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher; bilingual support; special needs support; and personal development and reflective practice.
It is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.
​
Total Qualification Time (hours): 530
Guided Learning (hours): 380
Credit value: 53
​
Age ranges covered by the qualification. From five years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners’ understanding.
Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation: As learners need to show competence in both skills and knowledge, they will need to be working or be on a practical placement during the taught programme of study in a learning environment (school or college). At Diploma level, CACHE recommends that the learner undertakes an additional 100 hours of placement in a real work environment to that taken at the Certificate level, to total 200 hours.
The hours above are recommendations, not mandatory minimum placement hours. They are therefore not a part of the TQT calculation.
​
Progression including job roles (where applicable): Learners can progress onto the Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges, a foundation degree or specialist roles within the workforce.
​
How long will it take to complete? The Diploma can usually be completed in one year to 18 months.
