The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is a prestigious qualification tailored for individuals who are either currently working in or aspiring to take on specialist support roles within the education sector. This comprehensive diploma equips learners with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in roles that significantly contribute to the success and well-being of students in schools.
Regulated by Ofqual, the Level 3 Diploma ensures that learners meet the rigorous standards required in the education sector. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including safeguarding, child development, and effective professional communication, providing a solid foundation for those in teaching assistant, learning support assistant, and related roles. The qualification also emphasizes supporting children and young people in their learning journey, with a particular focus on specialist areas such as Special Educational Needs (SEN) and behavioral support.
This diploma is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working in education but do not necessarily wish to pursue a formal teaching qualification. It is particularly suited for those already working in schools or those seeking to transition into roles such as teaching assistants, classroom support workers, or SEN assistants. By completing the program, learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise that can be immediately applied in educational settings.
Achieving the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools offers numerous benefits. It opens up a wide range of career opportunities, from general classroom support roles to specialized positions focusing on areas like SEN or behavioral management. Additionally, it enhances professional credibility and demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, improving employability and earning potential. Most importantly, it empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact on students’ academic and personal development by delivering high-quality support.
The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is more than a qualification—it is a pathway to making a significant contribution to the education sector. Whether you are beginning your career or looking to advance your existing skills, this diploma provides a robust framework to achieve professional success and positively influence the lives of the students you support.
The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is a well-rounded and comprehensive qualification designed for individuals eager to make a significant impact in the education sector. It is particularly suited for those aspiring to support teachers and enhance the learning experiences of children and young people in schools. This diploma, regulated by Ofqual, ensures learners receive high-quality training that meets modern educational standards and practices.
The program covers essential aspects of specialist support, focusing on areas such as safeguarding, child development, behavior management, and strategies for working with students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Learners also develop skills in fostering effective communication and collaboration between teachers, students, and parents, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The emphasis on both academic and personal development ensures participants are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of students in schools.
A key feature of this diploma is its flexibility. Many training providers offer it through online or blended learning formats, enabling individuals to balance their studies with work or personal commitments. The inclusion of practical elements allows learners to apply their knowledge in real-world educational settings, ensuring they gain valuable hands-on experience. This practical approach prepares graduates for roles such as teaching assistants, SEN support workers, and classroom aides.
Upon completion, the Level 3 Diploma opens doors to numerous career opportunities in education and provides a foundation for further advancement. Graduates can pursue specialized positions, higher-level teaching support roles, or even additional qualifications to progress their careers. For those passionate about education, this diploma not only equips them with the skills to excel in their current roles but also positions them for long-term success and meaningful contributions to the academic and personal growth of students.
The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) qualification, learners must complete all mandatory units totalling 44 credits.
Mandatory Units
| Unit Title | GLH | Credits | ||
| Mandatory units | ||||
| Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults | 10 | 2 | ||
| Schools as organisations | 15 | 3 | ||
| Support learning activities | 20 | 4 | ||
| Promote children and young people’s positive behaviour | 15 | 3 | ||
| Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults | 10 | 2 | ||
| Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people | 10 | 2 | ||
| Support assessment for learning | 20 | 4 | ||
| Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 10 | 3 | ||
| Support children and young people’s health and safety | 15 | 2 | ||
| Understand child and young person development | 30 | 4 | ||
| Understand how to safeguard the well-being of children and young people | 25 | 3 | ||
| Group A | |||||
| Unit Title | GLH | Credits | |||
| Plan and deliver learning activities under the direction of a teacher | 21 | 4 | |||
| Support literacy development | 18 | 3 | |||
| Support numeracy development | 18 | 3 | |||
| Support teaching and learning in a curriculum area | 12 | 3 | |||
| Support delivery of the 14 – 19 curriculum | 15 | 3 | |||
| Provide literacy and numeracy support | 16 | 3 | |||
| Support gifted and talented learners | 21 | 4 | |||
| Support children’s speech, language and communication | 30 | 4 | |||
| Group B | |||||
| Support bilingual learners | 23 | 4 | |||
| Provide bilingual support for teaching and learning | 32 | 6 | |||
| Group C | |||||
| Group C1 Mandatory Unit(s) | |||||
| Support disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs | 24 | 5 | |||
| Group C2 Optional Unit(s) | |||||
| Support children and young people with behaviour, emotional and social development needs | 25 | 4 | |||
| Support learners with cognition and learning needs | 21 | 4 | |||
| Support learners with communication and interaction needs | 21 | 4 | |||
| Support learners with sensory and/or physical needs | 21 | 4 | |||
| Support individuals to meet personal care needs | 16 | 2 | |||
| Group D | |||||
| Support children and young people during transitions in their lives | 18 | 4 | |||
| Develop interviewing skills for work with children and young people | 21 | 3 | |||
| Facilitate the learning and development of children and young people through mentoring | 30 | 4 | |||
| Improving the attendance of children and young people in statutory education | 40 | 5 | |||
| Promote the well-being and resilience of children and young people | 30 | 4 | |||
| Provide information and advice to children and young people | 22 | 3 | |||
| Support children and young people to achieve their education potential | 30 | 4 | |||
| Support children and young people to make positive changes in their lives | 27 | 4 | |||
| Support young people in relation to sexual health and risk of pregnancy | 10 | 2 | |||
| Support young people to develop, implement and review a plan of action | 25 | 3 | |||
| Support young people who are socially excluded or excluded from school | 10 | 2 | |||
| Group E | |||||
| Assist in the administration of medication | 25 | 4 | |||
| Invigilate tests and examinations | 19 | 3 | |||
| Lead an extra-curricular activity | 16 | 3 | |||
| Maintain learner records | 12 | 3 | |||
| Monitor and maintain curriculum resources | 14 | 3 | |||
| Organise travel for children and young people | 12 | 2 | |||
| Supervise children and young people on journeys, visits and activities outside of the setting | 15 | 3 | |||
| Work in partnership with parents to engage them with their children’s learning and development in schools | 31 | 6 | |||
| Group F | |||||
| Work with other practitioners to support children and young people | 15 | 3 | |||
| Plan, allocate and monitor work of a team | 25 | 5 | |||
| Provide leadership and direction for own area of responsibility | 30 | 5 | |||
| Set objectives and provide support for team members | 35 | 5 | |||
| Support learning and development within own area of responsibility | 25 | 5 | |||
| Team working | 23 | 3 | |||
Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is designed for individuals who aspire to or currently work in roles that provide specialized support within educational settings. This course is ideal for:
- Aspiring Teaching Assistants: Those who want to begin a career in schools supporting teachers and students in their learning journey.
- Existing Support Staff: Individuals already working as teaching assistants, learning support assistants, or classroom aides who wish to formalize their skills or advance their qualifications.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Workers: Professionals focusing on helping students with additional needs, disabilities, or learning difficulties.
- Career Changers: Individuals transitioning from other industries who are passionate about contributing to education and children’s development.
- Volunteers in Schools: Those who have experience volunteering in schools and seek to gain a formal qualification to advance their career prospects.
This course is tailored for anyone committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students by supporting their academic, social, and emotional development in schools.
The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) lays a strong foundation in educational support, preparing participants to excel in school environments. By completing this program, learners achieve key learning outcomes that enable them to make meaningful contributions to the education sector. These outcomes include:
1. Comprehend Child and Young Person Development
Understand the stages of child development, encompassing physical, emotional, and cognitive milestones. Recognize how these stages influence students’ learning, behavior, and interactions in school settings.
2. Apply Safeguarding Principles
Gain a thorough understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of children and young people. Be equipped to identify risks and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
3. Support Inclusive Learning
Develop strategies to assist students with diverse needs, including those with special educational needs (SEN), disabilities, and language barriers. Foster an inclusive environment that supports all learners to thrive academically and socially.
4. Promote Positive Behavior
Learn and apply effective techniques for managing classroom behavior, encouraging a positive learning environment, and supporting students in developing self-discipline and engagement with their studies.
5. Build Professional Relationships
Cultivate excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with teachers, students, parents, and other professionals. Foster strong partnerships that support students’ educational and personal success.
6. Understand the School System
Acquire knowledge of school organizational structures, including staff roles, governance policies, and the curriculum framework. Understand how schools operate to better integrate into the educational environment.
7. Contribute to Assessment and Learning
Support teachers in evaluating and promoting students’ academic progress. Learn how to monitor, observe, and provide constructive feedback to aid in effective teaching and learning strategies.
8. Adapt to Specific Educational Contexts
Develop the ability to tailor support and teaching methods to the unique needs of the school or classroom, ensuring adaptability and relevance in diverse educational settings.
These comprehensive learning outcomes prepare graduates to excel in specialist support roles, enabling them to make a positive impact on the academic and personal development of students. By fostering these skills, participants are positioned to contribute significantly to the success and inclusivity of educational environments.
