Support Work in Schools Level 2 Certificate

The course is available to learners 16+ who are interested in working within a school, particularly in the role of a Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant or Learning Support Assistant. This is a knowledge based qualification; it can be taken by learners not yet employed in a school, as well as providing initial training/induction for those new in post.

Aims

This is a knowledge based qualification suitable for all support staff roles in schools, including site staff, administrators etc as well as those who work directly with children and young people. It seeks to develop the knowledge and understanding that all those working in a school setting will need and covers areas such as safeguarding, communication and understanding the school context.

The course is designed for home study or distance learning and is comprised of comprehensive printed course notes presented in an A4 ring binder, together with course assignments and study guide. Tutor support and a student helpline facility are integral to the course, and students have a full 12 months in which to complete their studies. Actual study time will be of the order of 90-100 hours.

The course is divided up into five study units, each with one tutor marked assignment to be completed. Each assignment contains approx 8-10 written tasks to be completed which are then submitted to a subject tutor for marking. Where required assignments can be re-submitted after amendment in the event that the assessment standards are not full met on first submission

The course units and topics are as follows:

1. Understand Schools and Colleges as Organisations

• Know the different types of schools and colleges in the education sector.

• Understand the organisation of schools and colleges in terms of roles and responsibilities.

• Understand how schools and colleges uphold their aims and values.

• Know about the range and purpose of school and college policies and procedures

2. Understand Children and Young People's Development

• Understand significant stages of development for children and young people from birth to 19 years of age.

• Understand the kinds of influences that affect children and young people’s development.

• Understand the potential effects of transitions on children and young people’s development.

3. Understand Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults

• Understand how to develop professional relationships with children and young people.

• Understand how to communicate with children and young people.

• Understand how to develop professional relationships with adults.

4. Understand Children and Young People’s Health and Safety
• Know the legislative and policy framework for health and safety within a learning environment.

• Recognise and understand how to manage risks to children and young people’s health, safety and security.

• Know how to support children and young people in relation to risk management.

• Know about current policies and procedures for confidentiality and sharing information, including data protection.

5. Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Know about safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

• Understand action to take when children and young people are ill or injured, including emergency procedures.

• Understand child protection procedures.

• Know about current policies and procedures for confidentiality and sharing information, including data protection.

6. Understand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People

• Understand the importance of promoting equality and diversity in a learning environment.

• Understand how to promote anti-discriminatory practice with children and young

• Understand how to use inclusive practices in work with children and young people.

The course is designed for learners 16+ who are interested in working within a school, particularly in the role of a Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant or Learning Support Assistant. This is a knowledge based qualification; it can be taken by learners not yet employed in a school, as well as providing initial training/induction for those new in post.

There are no study pre-requirements as the course is intended for learners who have not studied this topic beforehand.

The course is suitable for anyone embarking upon a career in teaching or learning support in schools, and who require a recognised qualification.