L2 Teaching Assistant (Fast Track)

The Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to support teachers and students effectively in the classroom. This course is ideal for individuals seeking a rewarding career in a school setting and can lead to further training and development opportunities.

This is a blended qualification with both theory and practical elements to give you the confidence to support children and young adults in a school setting. Throughout this course, you will develop your knowledge and skills across 11 units. This is through the following 5 themes: • Policies, procedures and legislation. • Health, safety and safeguarding. • Literacy, numeracy and ICT within placements. • Communication and teamwork. • Child development.

This is a vocational qualification requiring the completion of a portfolio of evidence, which will be assessed against national standards. You will complete detailed assignments at home, covering the knowledge aspect of the course. You will also need to arrange a placement of 200 hours in a school, working with children for the duration of the course. This needs to be in place within the first two weeks of starting the course. An assessor will be allocated to you. They will observe you in your placement setting performing various duties and provide feedback on your performance. There are two options for this course: • Part-time: 2.5 hours per week over an academic year. • Fast-track: One full day per week over six months. Classes are offered either face-to-face or online.

To enrol, you will need a minimum Level 1 English qualification (Functional Skills or GCSE). Ideally, you should already have or be working towards Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, as these are typically required for employment in statutory education. If you do not have proof of your qualifications (including a statement of comparability for overseas qualifications), you will be asked to complete an initial assessment in English and Maths. You will complete a vocational initial assessment to confirm your current skill level and previous experience, ensuring the course is appropriate for you. An enhanced DBS check is required for this course. If you do not already have one, we can arrange this at no cost. If you already hold one, proof will need to be provided for course entry.

Upon completion, you will be professionally qualified to work as a teaching assistant in schools. To gain employment in most school settings, you will also need Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (e.g., GCSE A-C grade or Functional Skills). If you already hold Level 2 English and Maths qualifications, you can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning. This will allow you to apply for higher-level roles and advance your career.