Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

The Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a nationally recognised qualification for people who work directly with children and young people in schools or colleges. It is aimed at those who help the class teacher carry out daily routines and learning activities. This qualification reflects real job roles in education and is based on demonstrating skills as well as knowledge.

It is a work-based qualification. This means you need to be already working or on a practical placement in a school or college to complete it. Most people on the course work as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant, special educational needs (SEN) assistant or similar role.

The Level 3 Diploma builds on the knowledge and skills gained at Level 2. It has a greater focus on child development, safeguarding, assessment and working with children and young people who have additional needs. It also expects a higher level of independence and professional judgement.

The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.

Units and Answers

Purpose of the Qualification

The course prepares you to carry out your role more effectively. It develops your confidence and ability to plan, deliver and evaluate learning support. It gives you a deeper knowledge of how schools and colleges work and how children learn.

It also acts as proof to employers that you meet the required standards for working at a Level 3 role in education. For some people it can lead to higher job responsibilities or opportunities to progress to higher-level study in teaching or education.

Entry Requirements

There are no set formal entry requirements, but you must:

    • Be working or doing a long-term placement in a school or college

    • Work with children or young people between the ages of 5 and 19

    • Be able to get support from your employer or placement supervisor to carry out observations

You will often need enough literacy and numeracy skills to complete written assignments and read course materials. Some providers assess this before enrolment.

How the Diploma is Structured

The Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning usually has a set of mandatory units and sometimes optional units depending on your centre.

Mandatory units often include:

    • Child development from birth to 19

    • Safeguarding children and young people

    • Health and safety in schools

    • Supporting positive behaviour

    • Developing professional relationships with children and adults

    • Supporting learning activities

    • Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

    • Supporting assessment for learning

Optional units might include:

    • Supporting literacy development

    • Supporting numeracy development

    • Supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs

    • Supporting pupils with autism

    • Supporting gifted and talented learners

The qualification is worth 53 credits in total. You need to complete all mandatory units and enough optional units to meet this requirement.

Assessment Methods

This course uses work-based assessment. This means your assessor looks at how you work in your real job rather than through a traditional exam.

Assessment methods include:

    • Direct observation of your practice by an assessor

    • Written assignments

    • Professional discussions with your assessor

    • Reflective accounts where you describe and evaluate your work

    • Work products such as lesson resources, records and planning documents (with permission to use them)

Your assessor will compare your evidence against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria set for each unit.

Skills and Knowledge Developed

Through the course you will develop:

    • A practical understanding of safeguarding policies

    • The ability to support the learning and development of children with different needs

    • Ways to encourage positive behaviour and manage disruptions

    • Skills for supporting literacy, numeracy and digital learning

    • Communication skills to build rapport with pupils, parents, carers and colleagues

    • Understanding of different assessment methods and how to help pupils achieve targets

    • Teamwork and the ability to follow and adapt plans

You will also learn to reflect on your own practice and make improvements.

Safeguarding and Welfare

Safeguarding is a key part of the qualification. You will learn how to follow statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education. This includes:

    • Recognising signs of abuse or neglect

    • Knowing the right procedures to follow if concerned about a child

    • Maintaining confidentiality while sharing information with the right people

    • Putting the safety and wellbeing of the child first

You will study how school policies link to safeguarding laws like the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004.

Child Development

Understanding how children grow, learn and change is important. The course covers:

    • Physical, social, emotional and intellectual development

    • Stages of development from birth to 19

    • Factors that affect development such as health, environment, relationships and socio-economic background

    • Theories of child development and how they apply to the classroom

This knowledge helps you adapt support to individual pupils’ needs.

Supporting Learning Activities

A significant part of your role is helping with learning activities. The course teaches you to:

    • Prepare resources before a lesson

    • Support pupils during activities without completing the work for them

    • Give feedback that encourages improvement

    • Adapt materials for pupils with specific learning needs

    • Work with the teacher to review and improve lessons

You will be expected to show that you can work independently in line with agreed plans.

Communication and Professional Relationships

Positive relationships are key in education. You will learn to:

    • Communicate with children in a way that matches their age and understanding

    • Use active listening

    • Show respect for different cultures, languages and beliefs

    • Handle sensitive conversations with parents and carers

    • Work effectively as part of a team

You will also cover professional boundaries and the teacher’s overall responsibility for the class.

Behaviour Support

The course includes techniques for supporting positive behaviour such as:

    • Using praise and recognition

    • Setting clear rules and expectations

    • Encouraging self-regulation by pupils

    • Following agreed responses to poor behaviour

    • Understanding triggers and working to prevent behavioural issues

You will link this learning to school behaviour policies and your day-to-day role.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

You will learn how to create a safe environment for pupils and staff. This includes:

    • Carrying out risk assessments

    • Setting up and tidying away resources safely

    • Knowing first aid arrangements

    • Following fire evacuation procedures

    • Supporting children’s physical and emotional wellbeing

This part of the qualification ensures you understand legal and organisational responsibilities for safety.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

You will explore how to give all pupils equal access to learning opportunities. This might mean:

    • Making reasonable adjustments for a pupil with a physical disability

    • Providing materials in different formats for pupils with visual impairment

    • Challenging discrimination and biased language

    • Encouraging respect between pupils

This supports a positive and respectful learning environment.

Supporting Assessment for Learning

Assessment for learning is about helping pupils see where they are in their learning and how to improve. You will support this by:

    • Observing pupils during activities

    • Recording their progress

    • Giving constructive feedback

    • Encouraging them to reflect on their own work

    • Helping them set targets in discussion with the teacher

This helps pupils take ownership of their progress.

Working with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Many schools include pupils with SEND. Your role may involve:

    • Understanding different types of special needs such as autism or dyslexia

    • Using strategies to help pupils access the curriculum

    • Supporting individual education plans (IEPs)

    • Liaising with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

    • Being aware of relevant legislation like the SEND Code of Practice

You will be assessed on your practical ability to provide appropriate support.

Professional Practice and Development

The course also focuses on your own professional development. You will learn to:

    • Reflect on your work and identify areas for improvement

    • Set goals for professional growth

    • Keep up to date with school policies and new teaching methods

    • Respond positively to feedback from teachers and assessors

Professional development is ongoing during the course and your career.

Evidence Collection

To complete the qualification you will gather evidence of your skills and knowledge. Good practice for collecting evidence includes:

    • Organising written tasks in a folder

    • Recording dates and details of observed practice

    • Keeping copies of resources or plans you have worked on

    • Writing reflective accounts soon after activities

    • Gaining permission before including any pupil work or personal data

Being organised will help you meet the criteria for each unit.

Support from Your Assessor

Your assessor will guide you through the course. They will:

    • Explain the assessment criteria

    • Plan visits to see you in practice

    • Give feedback to help you improve

    • Sign off units when you meet the required standard

It is important to keep in contact with your assessor and ask for clarification if you are unsure about a task.

Benefits of Completion

Completing the Level 3 Diploma can lead to:

    • Greater confidence in supporting pupils and teachers

    • More responsibility in your current role

    • Access to higher-level training such as HLTA status

    • Improved career prospects in education

It is a respected qualification that shows you have both knowledge and practical skills.

Final Thoughts

The Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a practical, work-based qualification aimed at people already active in a school or college setting. It focuses on giving you the skills, understanding and confidence to provide effective learning support. You complete it through evidence gathered in your day-to-day role. This makes it directly relevant to your work and meaningful to your professional growth.

If you are committed to supporting children and young people’s education, this qualification is a valuable step. It reflects real responsibilities in the classroom and gives you recognition for the important work you do. By the time you finish, you will have a stronger knowledge base, improved practice skills and a qualification that confirms your ability to work well at a Level 3 standard.

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