Supporting Teaching & Learning - Level 3 Diploma

If you are looking for a rewarding career, then training to become a Teaching Assistant is exciting, fulfilling and provides the unique opportunity to help support and inspire young children at the very start of their educational career.

  • Course Information
    • Course Code
      XDD3TLS
    • Validated By
      NCFE
    • Price
      *£1,417
    • Attendance Pattern
      Evening
    • Course Level
      Level 3
    • Study Mode
      In person
    • Course Location
      Leyland Campus
    • Age Group
      Adults (19+)
    • Course Duration
      34 weeks
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  • Overview

    *Payment options: 

    • Pay in full
    • 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £354.25)
    • Sponsor
    • Advanced Learner Loan

     

    Sessions Available

    Start End Day Session Time Venue
    Sep 2026 Jun 2027 Tues Evening 17.00 – 20.30 Langdale Road, Leyland / Online
    Evening class – Planned lesson delivered on site. 16 units. New unit every 2 weeks. Assignment every 2 weeks

    Delivery method

    Fully delivered in the classroom over 34 academic weeks / Placement – Minimum 7 hours per week for duration of course

    Important Information

    • All students on this course must complete and receive a clear enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS) DBS = £73.50 approx.
    • Learners are expected to undertake independent research and directed study.
    • Students are required to source and secure their own placement within the first 4 weeks of the course.
  • Entry Requirements
    • Students must be aged 19+
    • GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above or equivalent
    • Previous course of study at Level 2 or above

    Pre-IAG task: 1000 words on a specified unit (including Harvard referencing) and a reflective account on their life journey to this point. Information will be issued once application is complete.

  • How will I be assessed?
    • Unit written assignments
    • Practice Observations
    • Practice Reflective Testimonies
    • Practice Witness (Mentor) Statements
  • Progression Pathway
    • Teaching Assistant level 3 position in Primary or secondary school
    • Further study at Level 4 and above including degree level
  • Programme Specification

    Course units:

    • Unit 3.1 Schools and Colleges as Organisations
    • Unit 3.2 Support Health and Safety in a Learning Environment
    • Unit 3.3 Understand How to Safeguard Children and Young People
    • Unit 3.4 Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
    • Unit 3.5 Understand how Children and Young People Develop
    • Unit 3.6 Support Positive Behaviour in Children and Young People
    • Unit 3.7 Support Children and Young People During Learning Activities
    • Unit 3.8 Support English and Maths Skills
    • Unit 3.9 Support the use of ICT in the Learning Environment
    • Unit 3.10 Support Assessment for Learning
    • Unit 3.11 Engage in Personal and Professional Development
    • Unit 3.12 Support Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication
    • Unit 3.13 Understand how to Support Bilingual Learners
    • Unit 3.14 Understand how to Support Learning of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
    • Unit 3.15 Support Children and Young People During Transitions
    • Unit 3.16 Support the Role of Play, Leisure and Extra-Curricular Activities for Children and Young People

     

    Students will learn:

    • In depth knowledge needed to progress into employment as level 3 TA or HLTA or further study at Higher Diploma or degree level
    • Hands on work experience in a real classroom environment
    • Organisational structures in educational establishments
    • How children learn and develop and the importance of play and leisure activities
    • Aspects of safeguarding including policies and procedures for abuse, illness and accidents
    • How to create an inclusive environment and approach, including SEND and Culture, developing good professional and purposeful relationships to promote an effective learning environment
    • How to support and apply different teaching methods, approaches and assessments for Maths, English and ICT
    • Understanding of and methods to support Communication and language development, including bilingual learners
    • Challenging behaviour and how to address and manage this appropriately and strategically including supporting children through difficult times such as transitions
    • Aspects of Teamwork and how to maintain good working relationships
  • DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check

    You must be prepared to comply with the vetting procedures for those working with vulnerable adults, children and young people as required by current legislation (ie undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check).

    You will need to complete an enhanced DBS for this course and in doing so will need to provide 3 ID documents. These can include; Birth Certificate, Driving License, Passport, Bank statement or a letter.

    Please note that if the course is fully funded for you, you may get your DBS for free, if not, there may be an additional fee for this to be processed.

    Please contact our Adult Admissions Team to find out more on how to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through the college.

    To find out more information on DBS checks, please visit https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/enhanced-dbs-checks

  • Health, Safety & Well-Being

    Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

    We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.

  • National Careers Service

    For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.

  • FAQs - Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning

    I don’t currently hold both GCSE/Functional Skills maths & English, can I still study the course?

    You must gain these qualifications prior to applying for this level 3 course.

     

    Evening course – do I have to live locally to Runshaw College to enrol to this course?

    No, but reliable transport is a must to ensure you can attend classes for the stated times.

     

    Do classes take place throughout the year?

    No, Runshaw College observes term times in line with local educational. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.

     

    Do I have to do any homework?

    Students must dedicate an equal amount of time to independent study as they do to in-class sessions.

     

    Do I need to complete a placement to pass the course?
    Yes, placement is integral to the course and you cannot complete the course without this element.

     

    Where do I go on placement?
    Anywhere as long as it is a Primary, Secondary or College setting.

     

    How do I source my placement?
    Students are required to source and secure their own placement within the first 4 weeks of the course.

     

    What resources will I need to complete the course?

    You will need to have access to a laptop or computer and a printer and be able to access the internet and general stationary items such as files, dividers, paper, pens.

     

    I have a criminal record will I be able to complete the course?

    This will depend on the conviction. While the course is designed to support participants in securing employment, some employers may have policies that restrict hiring individuals with a criminal record.

     

    What is an Advanced Learner Loan?

    An Advanced Learner Loan is a government loan which helps with the cost of further education courses.