Teaching Assistant General

About the course

Teaching Assistant Pathway
Take your first step into a rewarding career in education.

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people, the Teaching Assistant Pathway is the perfect place to start. This short, supportive course is ideal for anyone looking to begin a career in schools or colleges and on completion, you'll receive a guaranteed interview and support to help you move into employment.

Whether you're returning to work, changing careers, or taking your first steps into education, we'll help you build confidence, skills and real-world understanding of life in the classroom.

Qualifications

• Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1
• Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

About the course:
This course will help you develop a strong understanding of the teaching and learning environment in schools and colleges.

You'll explore the role of a teaching assistant and the vital impact they have on the development, wellbeing and learning of children and young people. Along the way, you'll gain insight into how educational settings work, what's expected of staff, and the essential knowledge needed to support learners effectively.

It's a practical, confidence-building introduction to working in education, designed to prepare you for the realities of the role and the next step in your career.

• Explore a career in education
• Build confidence before moving into a school-based role
• Gain relevant knowledge and skills employers are looking for

This pathway is the first step on the ladder, helping you understand what's involved in enhancing the learning experience and supporting children and young people in educational settings.

What you will learn:
Throughout the course, you'll cover key topics including:

• Roles and responsibilities of schools and colleges as organisations
• Communication and teamwork
• Safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Child development under the curriculum
• Health, safety and wellbeing
• Building professional relationships
• Child development and transitions
• Legal requirements, policies and procedures
• Employability information, advice and guidance
• Guaranteed interview and support to gain employment in the sector on completion of the course

How you will learn:
This course is delivered in-person, through engaging, tutor-led sessions in a classroom setting.

Learning is interactive and supportive; there's no sitting through long PowerPoint presentations. Instead, we focus on collaborative teaching methods and the needs of individual learners, helping you learn through discussion, activities and real-life scenarios.

You'll also have the chance to network with others who are considering a career in education, share experiences, and build confidence together. Our friendly, experienced tutors will guide you throughout the programme, and you'll have access to resources to support your learning every step of the way.

Eligibility:
You must be unemployed or employed and earning less than £24,570 per year. If you are employed and earn above this threshold, you may still be eligible.
You must be a South Yorkshire resident, aged 19 or over on 31 August 2025, be ordinarily resident in the UK, and have the right to live and work in the UK.