The course is delivered in the workplace over a period
of six months.
Next start date on application
Who is this course for?
This course is for those who are working in a primary or secondary
school in a supervised role in the following areas:
- Administraton
- Receptionist
- Library Assistant
- IT technician or assistant
- Learning Support Assistant
- Premises officer
- Midday meals supervisors or assistant
- Laboratory assistant
What will be studied?
This course is aimed at recognising, assessing and developing the
professional status and skills of the various support roles in
schools. Students cover all key elements needed for each
profession. The Award requires completion of two mandatory units
and one optional unit. The Certificate requires completion of two
mandatory units and two optional units. While on the course
candidates must be working at a school for at least one day per
week to enable the gathering of evidence to address the three or
four units.
Subjects:
- Explore and respond to the needs of pupils (schools)
- Explore school values, policies, roles and responsibilities
(schools)
There are a range of optional units suited to each of the
support worker roles in schools. For the Award candidates will
have to select one optional unit. For the Certificate this
increases to two optional units. Some examples of optional units
are listed here:
- Support optional units - Contribute to health and safety in the
play environment
- Catering optional units - Prepare, cook and finish healthier
dishes
- Resource optional units - Maintain site security
What can I do next?
This can lead to the NVQ L2 or L3 (depending on experience
and job role) in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, or
begin the process of qualifying as a primary school teacher by
joining our Access to Education courses.
This can lead to employment in:
- Administration in schools
- Reception roles
- IT support technician
- Technical support technician
What are the entry requirements?
Candidates do not need any formal qualifications to begin this
course however, previous experience working in a school would be
beneficial. They will need to sit a language and numeracy
assessment and attend an interview. Candidates will also need
to register for a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) enhanced check two
months before they start the course. If they already work
in a school they may have already applied for the CRB on the
candidate's behalf. They will also need a letter from the
school to confirm that they work as a support worker.
How will it be assessed?
Assessment is by a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence
in each unit. Evidence will be gathered from the work place and
students are assessed in various ways, including assignments,
presentations, projects, case studies, witness testimonies and
classroom observations. Students have access to a personal tutor to
discuss progress and help them plan their studies. Students will
also be assigned a personal assessor who will meet with them in
school to observe performance.
What will it cost?
Candidates employed in a Lewisham Borough School will be
eligible for a bursary to cover the cost of the course fees. Exam
fees are only applicable to those who are not eligible for a
bursary.