The Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals already working part-time, full-time, on a permanent or temporary basis, or as volunteers in roles supporting children and young people in schools. It is also ideal for those looking to start a career as a teaching assistant or learning support assistant. This qualification is accredited by UK-OFQUAL.
The certificate provides essential skills and knowledge across a range of areas, including communication, child development, activity planning, monitoring, classroom management, and supporting pupil learning.
Everything you need to know about this Level 2 certificate in Teaching Assistant, including its significance, function, and employment opportunities, will be covered in this blog.
Why This Level 2 Certification Matters
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (Level 2 TA) is an opportunity to lay a foundation for an impactful career in education. Here is why it stands out:
Empowers Career Development
This certification opens numerous opportunities for career progression within the education sector. It serves as an excellent starting point for those aiming to secure roles such as teaching assistant, learning support assistant, or support staff. As a recognised qualification, it paves the way for future career advancement, including the possibility of pursuing higher-level certifications or securing permanent positions in educational settings.
Offers Flexibility and Accessibility
This distance learning course, delivered online through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), allows learners to gain the qualification while balancing everyday life, making it perfect for busy individuals. Whether managing a job, family responsibilities, or other commitments, you can set your own pace, ensuring you achieve your goals without disruption.
Focuses on Practical Knowledge
This work-based qualification is designed for individuals who support teachers in the classroom, assisting with learning in primary, secondary, and specialist schools. The course content focuses on competence and skills-based learning outcomes tailored to real-world school settings. Topics include child development, safeguarding, communication, and classroom support techniques, ensuring that learners are fully equipped to make an immediate impact in your role as teaching assistants.
Promotes Personal
Beyond developing professional skills, this certification boosts confidence, enhances problem-solving abilities, and strengthens organisational and time management skills. It also promotes teamwork and collaboration, improves digital competencies, and fosters a deeper understanding of children’s needs, all of which contribute to personal growth.
Target Audience
This course is an ideal starting point for school leavers seeking their first role in education, parents returning to work, or professionals considering a career change. This competence-based qualification is suitable for a wide range of roles within schools, including administrative staff, site staff, and those working directly with children and young people. The Level 2 Certificate is also particularly beneficial if you aim to specialise in positions such as an additional needs assistant, pastoral or welfare support assistant, bilingual support assistant, or foundation stage assistant, offering a solid pathway into these rewarding roles.
Which course is required to assess occupational competence at work and why?
For practical qualifications in the UK, which require competent work placements for assessment, the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment is one of the best-suited qualifications. This award is designed specifically for individuals responsible for assessing learners’ occupational competence in real workplace settings. It focuses on evaluating practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours through methods such as direct observation, professional discussions, and the review of workplace evidence.
Unlike the full-time assessor qualifications, the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), this award concentrates exclusively on work-based assessments and does not cover classroom-based or theoretical components. It is particularly beneficial for assessors working with apprentices, trainees, or employees in roles that demand hands-on performance aligned with occupational standards.
By equipping assessors with the skills to conduct reliable and valid assessments, this qualification supports the development of learners while ensuring that industry and regulatory benchmarks are consistently met.
Who should take this course?
This Level 3 Assessor Qualification is suitable for individuals who are:
- Workplace trainers or assessors evaluate apprentices, trainees, or employees.
- Responsible for ensuring that workplace performance meets industry benchmarks and organisational goals.
What if my job role does not include any practical aspect?
Unlike broader assessor qualifications, this course does not cover classroom-based or theory assessments. If your job does not involve hands-on practical skills, you can sign up for the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (AVRA) qualification. This qualification is designed for learners who want to be the assessor in educational or other vocational-related environments, where pupils are assessed on the base of knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject.
Conclusion
In a competency-based work environment, learners are assessed on their ability to demonstrate specific skills and behaviours aligned with job roles and industry standards. This approach prioritises measurable performance and practical application, ensuring readiness for real-world challenges. Assessment plays a crucial role in verifying that learners possess the required competencies to perform their tasks with precision and consistency.