Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Diploma)

Supporting Teaching and Learning

Start DateSeptember 2026
LevelLevel 3
Study ModePart-time
Duration1 year
Awarding Body Northern Council For Further Education
Location Blended Learning

Course Overview

This qualification prepares you to enter roles within schools and colleges by developing the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to support teaching and learning. This qualification will help you to: 

  • Focus on the study of supporting teaching and learning in educational settings
  • Gain both breadth and depth of knowledge, including core principles of child and young person development
  • Develop a wide range of practical and technical skills used in school and college environments

As part of the course, you will complete 200 hours of mandatory placement in an Primary School, High School or College setting, where you will collect evidence to support your studies.

What You Will Study

To achieve the qualification, you will complete a series of mandatory units that develop both knowledge and practical skills:

  • Schools and Colleges as Organisations
  • Support Health and Safety in a Learning Environment
  • Safeguarding Children and Young People
  • Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
  • Understand How Children and Young People Develop
  • Support Positive Behaviour 
  • Support Children and Young People During Learning Activities
  • Support English and Maths Skills
  • Support the Use of ICT in the Learning Environment
  • Support Assessment for Learning
  • Engage in Personal and Professional Development
  • Support Speech, Language and Communication
  • Support Bilingual Learners
  • Support Learning for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
  • Support Children and Young People During Transitions
  • Support Play, Leisure and Extra Curricular Activities

Learning will take place one day per week in the classroom, one early evening session online, through Microsoft Teams and within an education setting. You are expected to attend all sessions both face to face and online and attend 6 hours of placement per week.

Learners will complete a portfolio of evidence alongside continuous assessment which includes written tasks and activities, case studies and project work and observations in placement.

GCSE English at Grade 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English

If you are 19 or over and do not already have a Level 3 qualification or higher, you may be able to access this qualification for free with us. 

If you are not eligible for a free Level 3 course, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available to cover your course fees.

This qualification supports progression into roles such as:

  • Teaching Assistant
  • Assistant Teacher
  • Learning Support Assistant
  • Specialist Curriculum Support
Start DateSeptember 2026
LevelLevel 3
Study ModePart-time
Duration1 year
Awarding Body Northern Council For Further Education
Location Blended Learning