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The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is the first of the foundation courses for learners who want to become qualified teaching assistants. This qualification consists of a balanced mix of the practical part with the theoretical principle, which helps you be a well-rounded candidate in different teaching support roles all over schools.
What is a Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Assistant?
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant Certificate is regulated by OFQUAL (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), ensuring that it meets national standards. It is widely accepted by educational institutions and employers across the UK, making it a valuable credential for those seeking employment as teaching assistants. This Level 3 Certificate is recognised as equivalent to A-levels, a UK-based qualification designed for those wanting to work as full-time teaching assistants and providing a pathway for further education and professional development.
What is the role of a Level 3 Teaching Assistant?
Responsibilities of Level 3 Teaching Support are briefly defined below;
- Classroom Support: Assist teachers with lesson preparation and provide support in classrooms.
- One-on-One Learner Assistance: Offer individualised support to learners needing extra help.
- Group Facilitation: Guide small groups in focused learning sessions.
- Behaviour Management: Maintain classroom discipline and promote a positive environment.
- Supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN): Adapt materials for SEN learners to ensure inclusivity.
- Assessment for Learning: Observe learner progress and assist teachers in identifying learning gaps.
- Health and Safety: Supervise learners and promote safe practices.
- Promoting Equality and Inclusion: Foster an inclusive environment for all learners.
- Administrative Support: Manage records and assist with lesson materials.
- Parental Communication: Update parents on learner progress and behaviour.
- Supervision During Breaks: Ensure learner safety during non-class activities.
- Personal and Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training to enhance skills.
How does it align with career progression in the education sector?
With a Level 3 Certificate, you can explore various career paths. Here are some career progression opportunities:
- Specialist in SEN: Work with children who have special educational needs, implementing tailored support strategies.
- Teacher: Pursue further qualifications to manage your classroom and influence student education directly.
- Assessor: Evaluate student skills and performance in vocational settings, requiring additional assessor training.
- Private Tutor: Provide personalised instruction to students, allowing for flexible and independent teaching.
- Examination Officer: Organise and oversee school examinations, ensuring compliance with regulations and supporting students.
- Educational Researcher: Analyse educational practices and policies to improve learning outcomes, often requiring further study.
Learn more about How you can become a SEN Teaching Assistant
In the first stage of the teaching cycle, it is necessary to understand the needs of learners, the organisation and yourself as a teacher. This stage involves identifying the learners’ backgrounds, goals, and individual requirements through diagnostic assessments and learning plans. For example, understanding a student’s preference for visual aids can help you tailor your teaching methods.Teachers must first concentrate on the needs of the learners and identify the preferred method of teaching and resources.
Within this stage, a teacher will:
- Find out the backgrounds, motivation for the course, goals and aspirations of learners.
- Conduct initial or diagnostic assessment of your learner.
- Identify individual learning styles, preferences and needs.
- Develop individual learning plans.
- Identify the needs of the organisation.
- Ensures teaching style that help meeting learners their set goals and progression in learning.
What qualification level 3 certificate in TA includes?
The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools consists of 11 mandatory units that cover various aspects of supporting teaching and learning. This qualification carries 32 credits and can be completed in as little as four weeks through fast-tracking or up to nine months with part-time study.
The following are the units included in the level 3 certificate:
| Unit | Unit Title | You Will Be Able To |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults | Establish and maintain positive communication with children, young people, and adults, fostering trust and collaboration in educational settings. |
| Unit 2 | Schools as Organisations | Understand the structure and function of schools, enabling you to develop effective relationships and communication channels within the educational environment. |
| Unit 3 | Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults | Contribute to, prepare, support, observe, and evaluate learning activities, enhancing your ability to facilitate compelling learning experiences. |
| Unit 4 | Promote children and young people's positive behaviour | Implement strategies to encourage positive behaviour among learners, contributing to a supportive and respectful classroom atmosphere. |
| Unit 5 | Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults | Build and sustain professional relationships with children, young people, and adults, enhancing your effectiveness as a teaching assistant. |
| Unit 6 | Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people | Advocate for equality and inclusivity in educational practices, ensuring all learners feel valued and respected regardless of their backgrounds. |
| Unit 7 | Support Assessment for Learning | Utilise assessment strategies to monitor learner progress effectively, providing necessary feedback to support learners in achieving their goals. |
| Unit 8 | Engage in personal development in health, social care or children's and young people's settings | Reflect on your performance and create personal development plans that guide your professional growth in educational settings. |
| Unit 9 | Support children and young people's health and safety | Implement health and safety protocols to create secure environments for children and young people, promoting their well-being during activities. |
| Unit 10 | Understand child and young person development | Analyse key factors influencing development from birth to young adulthood, allowing you to support learners' growth effectively. |
| Unit 11 | Understand how to safeguard the well-being of children and young people | Recognise safeguarding principles and practices essential for protecting children's welfare in educational contexts. |
How is the Level 3 Certificate in TA different from Level 2?
The Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Assistant is a more advanced qualification compared to the Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Asssitant. Level 3 teaching assistants are equipped to work independently, supporting lesson planning, managing group activities, and contributing to learner assessments, demonstrating a higher level of autonomy and expertise.
Depth of Knowledge
The Level 3 Certificate offers more in-depth knowledge and skills. You gain a comprehensive understanding of teaching practices, including leading small group activities, assessing learner progress, and implementing behaviour management strategies effectively. In contrast, Level 2 provides a basic understanding of the teaching assistant’s role.
Responsibility Level
Level 3 teaching assistants are expected to take on greater responsibilities, such as planning lessons alongside teachers, managing classroom dynamics independently, and engaging directly with parents regarding learner development. On the other hand, Level 2 teaching assistants primarily provide general classroom support.
Practical Experience
In Level 3 qualification, you engage more actively in educational settings, handling various classroom scenarios, including addressing behavioural issues and adapting learning materials for learners with special educational needs (SEN). The Level 2 Certificate focuses more on providing general support in the classroom.
Career Progression
The Level 3 Certificate significantly enhances employability and opens doors to specialised roles such as SEN Specialist, Behaviour Specialist, Lead Teaching Assistant, or pathways into teaching with further qualifications like a PGCE. Level 2 qualifications are geared toward entry-level positions with limited advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
The Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Assistance is more than just a qualification; it is a pathway to numerous opportunities within the education sector. By equipping you with the advanced skills necessary for supporting teachers and engaging learners effectively, this certification lays the groundwork for further professional growth—whether you aspire to become a specialist, teacher, or educational researcher.
