Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)

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Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) Overview

The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is a comprehensive qualification designed for individuals who want to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support teaching and learning in school environments. It is ideal for those working in, or preparing to work in, roles that involve supporting pupils, teachers, and the wider educational community.

This course provides a strong understanding of how schools operate and the important role support staff play in helping students achieve their full potential. Learners explore key topics such as child development, safeguarding, promoting positive behaviour, supporting learners with additional needs, and contributing to effective learning activities. The programme also focuses on building confidence in working with children and young people across different age groups and educational settings.

Combining theoretical knowledge with practical workplace application, the qualification helps learners understand the responsibilities and expectations of specialist support roles within schools. It encourages professional development while providing valuable insight into creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the skills and understanding needed to provide effective support within educational settings. The qualification can enhance career opportunities within schools and serves as a strong foundation for further study and professional development in education and child support services.

Prerequisites

Course Entry Requirements

These clear entry requirements ensure the programme is well-suited to working professionals with relevant knowledge, experience, or academic backgrounds.

  • Age Requirement: Learners should normally be 16 years of age or older at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Requirements: A Level 2 qualification or equivalent is generally recommended, although individual providers may have their own requirements.
  • Experience: Learners are usually expected to be working or volunteering in a school setting to complete the practical aspects of the qualification.
  • English Language Proficiency: A good standard of English is needed to understand course materials, communicate effectively, and complete written assignments.

Course Content

Step-by-step modules for clear understanding

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 

  1. Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
  2. Schools as Organisations
  3. Support Learning Activities
  4. Promote Children and Young People’s Positive Behaviour
  5. Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
  6. Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People
  7. Support Assessment for Learning
  8. Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings
  9. Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety
  10. Understand Child and Young Person Development
  11. Understand How to Safeguard the Well-being of Children and Young People

Group A:

  1. Plan and Deliver Learning Activities Under the Direction of a Teacher
  2. Support Literacy Development
  3. Support Numeracy Development
  4. Support Teaching and Learning in a Curriculum Area
  5. Support Delivery of the 14–19 Curriculum
  6. Provide Literacy and Numeracy Support
  7. Support Gifted and Talented Learners
  8. Support Children’s Speech, Language and Communication

Group B:

  1. Support Bilingual Learners
  2. Provide Bilingual Support for Teaching and Learning

Group C:

  • Support Disabled Children and Young People and Those with Special Educational Needs

Group C2 Optional Unit(s)

  1. Support Children and Young People with Behaviour, Emotional and Social Development Needs
  2. Support Learners with Cognition and Learning Needs
  3. Support Learners with Communication and Interaction Needs
  4. Support Learners with Sensory and/or Physical Needs
  5. Support Individuals to Meet Personal Care Needs

Group D:

  1. Support Children and Young People During Transitions in Their Lives
  2. Develop Interviewing Skills for Work with Children and Young People
  3. Facilitate the Learning and Development of Children and Young People Through Mentoring
  4. Improving the Attendance of Children and Young People in Statutory Education
  5. Promote the Well-being and Resilience of Children and Young People
  6. Provide Information and Advice to Children and Young People
  7. Support Children and Young People to Achieve Their Education Potential
  8. Support Children and Young People to Make Positive Changes in Their Lives
  9. Support Young People in Relation to Sexual Health and Risk of Pregnancy
  10. Support Young People to Develop, Implement and Review a Plan of Action
  11. Support Young People Who Are Socially Excluded or Excluded from School

Group E:

  1. Assist in the Administration of Medication
  2. Invigilate Tests and Examinations
  3. Lead an Extra-Curricular Activity
  4. Maintain Learner Records
  5. Monitor and Maintain Curriculum Resources
  6. Organise Travel for Children and Young People
  7. Supervise Children and Young People on Journeys, Visits and Activities Outside of the Setting
  8. Work in Partnership with Parents to Engage Them with Their Children’s Learning and Development in Schools

Group F:

  1. Work with Other Practitioners to Support Children and Young People
  2. Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work of a Team
  3. Provide Leadership and Direction for Own Area of Responsibility
  4. Set Objectives and Provide Support for Team Members
  5. Support Learning and Development Within Own Area of Responsibility
  6. Team Working

Course Features

Credits: 44

11 Mandatory Modules

Online Learning

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Learning Outcomes

Build confidence through practical knowledge

Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with children, young people, and adults.
  • Develop positive and professional relationships within educational settings.
  • Apply communication techniques appropriate to different age groups and needs.
  • Promote respectful interactions that support learning and wellbeing.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Schools as Organisations

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the structure and function of educational organisations.
  • Explain the roles and responsibilities of school staff and stakeholders.
  • Recognise policies, procedures, and legislation affecting schools.
  • Understand how schools contribute to children's learning and development.
  • Support organisational objectives within educational settings.

Support Learning Activities

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Assist in planning and delivering learning activities.
  • Support learners in achieving learning objectives.
  • Adapt support to meet individual learning needs.
  • Monitor learner participation and progress.
  • Contribute to a positive learning environment.

Promote Children and Young People’s Positive Behaviour

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand factors influencing behaviour in children and young people.
  • Promote positive behaviour through supportive strategies.
  • Apply behaviour management techniques effectively.
  • Encourage self-discipline and positive relationships.
  • Respond appropriately to challenging behaviour.

Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Build and maintain effective professional relationships.
  • Communicate appropriately with children, families, and colleagues.
  • Demonstrate respect, empathy, and professionalism.
  • Work collaboratively to support learner development.
  • Reflect on and improve professional practice.

Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Promote inclusive practices within educational settings.
  • Challenge discrimination and barriers to participation.
  • Support the diverse needs of learners.
  • Foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment.

Support Assessment for Learning

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Support assessment activities in learning environments.
  • Use assessment information to assist learner progress.
  • Provide constructive feedback to learners.
  • Record assessment outcomes accurately.
  • Contribute to effective assessment practices.

Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Reflect on their own professional practice.
  • Identify personal development needs and opportunities.
  • Develop and implement professional development plans.
  • Apply learning from development activities.
  • Promote continuous improvement in practice.

Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand health and safety requirements in educational settings.
  • Identify potential risks and hazards.
  • Support safe environments for children and young people.
  • Respond appropriately to accidents and emergencies.
  • Promote health, safety, and wellbeing.

Understand Child and Young Person Development

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand stages of child and young person development.
  • Identify factors influencing growth and development.
  • Recognise developmental needs and variations.
  • Support children's holistic development.
  • Apply developmental knowledge in educational practice.

Understand How to Safeguard the Well-being of Children and Young People

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand safeguarding legislation and procedures.
  • Recognise signs of abuse, neglect, and harm.
  • Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  • Promote the welfare and protection of children and young people.
  • Maintain professional responsibilities in safeguarding practice.

Group A

Plan and Deliver Learning Activities Under the Direction of a Teacher

  • Support the planning and delivery of structured learning activities.
  • Assist learners in achieving learning outcomes.
  • Adapt activities to meet diverse learner needs.
  • Monitor participation and engagement.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of learning support provided.

Support Literacy Development

  • Apply strategies to support literacy skills.
  • Assist learners with reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
  • Identify literacy development needs.
  • Promote confidence in literacy learning.
  • Monitor literacy progress effectively.

Support Numeracy Development

  • Support the development of mathematical understanding.
  • Apply numeracy support strategies.
  • Assist learners in solving mathematical problems.
  • Encourage confidence in numeracy skills.
  • Monitor learner progress in numeracy.

Support Teaching and Learning in a Curriculum Area

  • Support learning within specific curriculum subjects.
  • Apply subject-specific knowledge appropriately.
  • Assist learners in achieving curriculum objectives.
  • Adapt support to individual needs.
  • Contribute to effective classroom learning.

Support Delivery of the 14–19 Curriculum

  • Understand the structure and purpose of the 14–19 curriculum.
  • Support learners in vocational and academic pathways.
  • Promote learner progression and achievement.
  • Assist with curriculum-related activities.
  • Encourage participation and engagement.

Provide Literacy and Numeracy Support

  • Deliver targeted literacy and numeracy assistance.
  • Identify learner support needs.
  • Use appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Promote learner confidence and achievement.
  • Evaluate support effectiveness.

Support Gifted and Talented Learners

  • Recognise characteristics of gifted and talented learners.
  • Provide appropriate challenge and enrichment opportunities.
  • Support high achievement and potential.
  • Promote learner motivation and engagement.
  • Monitor progress towards advanced learning goals.

Support Children’s Speech, Language and Communication

  • Understand speech, language, and communication development.
  • Apply strategies to support communication skills.
  • Assist learners with communication needs.
  • Promote effective interaction and participation.
  • Monitor communication development.

Group B

Support Bilingual Learners

  • Understand the needs of bilingual learners.
  • Support language acquisition and learning.
  • Promote inclusion and participation.
  • Apply effective bilingual support strategies.
  • Encourage learner confidence and achievement.

Provide Bilingual Support for Teaching and Learning

  • Use bilingual skills to support teaching and learning.
  • Facilitate communication between learners and staff.
  • Support curriculum access for bilingual learners.
  • Promote inclusion and engagement.
  • Assist learner progression effectively.

Group C

Support Disabled Children and Young People and Those with Special Educational Needs

  • Understand a range of disabilities and special educational needs.
  • Promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
  • Adapt support to meet individual needs.
  • Work collaboratively with professionals and families.
  • Support learners to achieve their potential.

Group C2 Optional Units

Support Children and Young People with Behaviour, Emotional and Social Development Needs

  • Identify behavioural, emotional, and social development needs.
  • Apply strategies to support positive outcomes.
  • Promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
  • Support inclusion and participation.
  • Monitor learner progress and development.

Support Learners with Cognition and Learning Needs

  • Understand cognition and learning difficulties.
  • Adapt learning support to individual needs.
  • Promote learner engagement and achievement.
  • Apply appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Monitor educational progress.

Support Learners with Communication and Interaction Needs

  • Recognise communication and interaction difficulties.
  • Implement appropriate support strategies.
  • Facilitate effective communication.
  • Promote social interaction and participation.
  • Evaluate support outcomes.

Support Learners with Sensory and/or Physical Needs

  • Understand sensory and physical support requirements.
  • Adapt environments and resources appropriately.
  • Promote learner independence and participation.
  • Support access to learning opportunities.
  • Maintain learner wellbeing and safety.

Support Individuals to Meet Personal Care Needs

  • Provide support for personal care needs respectfully and safely.
  • Maintain dignity, privacy, and independence.
  • Follow care plans and organisational procedures.
  • Promote wellbeing and comfort.
  • Monitor and report concerns appropriately.

Group D

Support Children and Young People During Transitions in Their Lives

  • Understand the impact of transitions on development.
  • Provide effective support during periods of change.
  • Promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
  • Work collaboratively with families and professionals.
  • Facilitate successful transitions.

Develop Interviewing Skills for Work with Children and Young People

  • Apply effective interviewing techniques.
  • Build trust and rapport with children and young people.
  • Gather information ethically and professionally.
  • Communicate sensitively and appropriately.
  • Reflect on interviewing practice.

Facilitate the Learning and Development of Children and Young People Through Mentoring

  • Apply mentoring principles and techniques.
  • Support personal and educational development.
  • Build positive mentoring relationships.
  • Encourage goal setting and achievement.
  • Evaluate mentoring outcomes.

Improving the Attendance of Children and Young People in Statutory Education

  • Understand factors affecting attendance.
  • Apply strategies to improve engagement.
  • Work with families and agencies to support attendance.
  • Monitor attendance patterns.
  • Promote positive educational participation.

Promote the Well-being and Resilience of Children and Young People

  • Understand factors affecting wellbeing and resilience.
  • Apply strategies that support emotional health.
  • Encourage positive coping mechanisms.
  • Promote self-esteem and confidence.
  • Support positive life outcomes.

Provide Information and Advice to Children and Young People

  • Deliver accurate and relevant information.
  • Communicate advice effectively and appropriately.
  • Support informed decision-making.
  • Recognise referral needs.
  • Maintain professional boundaries.

Support Children and Young People to Achieve Their Education Potential

  • Identify barriers to educational achievement.
  • Support learners in reaching their goals.
  • Encourage motivation and engagement.
  • Promote effective learning habits.
  • Monitor learner progress.

Support Children and Young People to Make Positive Changes in Their Lives

  • Facilitate goal setting and action planning.
  • Support personal development and decision-making.
  • Encourage positive behaviour and choices.
  • Promote confidence and independence.
  • Evaluate progress and outcomes.

Support Young People in Relation to Sexual Health and Risk of Pregnancy

  • Understand issues relating to sexual health and wellbeing.
  • Provide appropriate information and support.
  • Promote informed and responsible decision-making.
  • Recognise safeguarding considerations.
  • Support access to relevant services.

Support Young People to Develop, Implement and Review a Plan of Action

  • Assist young people in setting realistic goals.
  • Support planning and implementation processes.
  • Monitor progress towards objectives.
  • Encourage reflection and review.
  • Promote personal responsibility and achievement.

Support Young People Who Are Socially Excluded or Excluded from School

  • Understand factors contributing to exclusion.
  • Promote inclusion and re-engagement.
  • Support social, emotional, and educational development.
  • Work collaboratively with support services.
  • Encourage positive participation and achievement.

Group E:

Assist in the Administration of Medication

  • Understand procedures for medication administration.
  • Support safe handling and recording of medication.
  • Follow legal and organisational requirements.
  • Promote learner health and wellbeing.
  • Respond appropriately to medication-related concerns.

Invigilate Tests and Examinations

  • Understand examination regulations and procedures.
  • Maintain examination security and integrity.
  • Support fair assessment conditions.
  • Respond appropriately to examination incidents.
  • Complete examination documentation accurately.

Lead an Extra-Curricular Activity

  • Plan and deliver engaging extra-curricular activities.
  • Promote participation and inclusion.
  • Manage resources and safety effectively.
  • Support learner development beyond the curriculum.
  • Evaluate activity outcomes.

Maintain Learner Records

  • Maintain accurate and confidential learner records.
  • Apply data protection requirements.
  • Monitor and update learner information.
  • Support effective record management systems.
  • Contribute to educational administration processes.

Monitor and Maintain Curriculum Resources

  • Manage educational resources effectively.
  • Monitor resource availability and suitability.
  • Maintain safe and organised learning materials.
  • Support curriculum delivery through resource management.
  • Recommend improvements where necessary.

Organise Travel for Children and Young People

  • Plan safe and efficient travel arrangements.
  • Conduct risk assessments and safety checks.
  • Ensure compliance with organisational procedures.
  • Support learner wellbeing during travel.
  • Maintain appropriate records and documentation.

Supervise Children and Young People on Journeys, Visits and Activities Outside of the Setting

  • Ensure safety and wellbeing during off-site activities.
  • Apply risk management procedures.
  • Promote positive behaviour and participation.
  • Respond effectively to emergencies.
  • Maintain supervision responsibilities appropriately.

Work in Partnership with Parents to Engage Them with Their Children’s Learning and Development in Schools

  • Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
  • Promote parental involvement in learning.
  • Communicate effectively regarding learner progress.
  • Support collaborative approaches to development.
  • Encourage positive educational outcomes.

Group F:

Work with Other Practitioners to Support Children and Young People

  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Share information appropriately and professionally.
  • Contribute to coordinated support plans.
  • Promote positive outcomes for learners.
  • Maintain effective working relationships.

Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work of a Team

  • Plan and organise team activities effectively.
  • Allocate tasks according to skills and responsibilities.
  • Monitor performance and progress.
  • Address challenges and support team effectiveness.
  • Evaluate team outcomes.

Provide Leadership and Direction for Own Area of Responsibility

  • Demonstrate effective leadership skills.
  • Set clear objectives and expectations.
  • Support continuous improvement within the team.
  • Manage resources efficiently.
  • Evaluate leadership effectiveness.

Set Objectives and Provide Support for Team Members

  • Establish achievable performance objectives.
  • Provide guidance and constructive feedback.
  • Support professional development of team members.
  • Monitor progress towards goals.
  • Promote high standards of performance.

Support Learning and Development Within Own Area of Responsibility

  • Identify development needs within the team.
  • Facilitate learning opportunities and training.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of development activities.
  • Support workforce capability and performance.

Team Working

  • Demonstrate effective teamwork skills.
  • Communicate and collaborate with colleagues.
  • Contribute positively to team objectives.
  • Resolve conflicts constructively.
  • Support a productive and inclusive working environment.

Course Benefits

Improve your professional growth and confidence

Benefits of Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)

This course helps you build the knowledge, confidence, and practical understanding needed to support children and young people effectively in a school environment. It combines professional skills with real-world educational practice, making it valuable for anyone working in or aspiring to work in schools.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of how children and young people learn, develop, and thrive in educational settings.
  • Learn how to provide effective support to teachers and contribute positively to classroom activities.
  • Develop the skills needed to support pupils with different learning needs and abilities.
  • Improve your understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and student wellbeing.
  • Build confidence in managing behaviour and creating a positive learning environment.
  • Strengthen your communication skills when working with pupils, parents, teachers, and other professionals.
  • Learn how to promote inclusion and support equality within the school community.
  • Gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in a school or educational setting.
  • Enhance your professional credibility with a recognised qualification in teaching and learning support.
  • Create a strong foundation for career progression and further study within education and child support services.

Core Skills You Will Develop

Strengthen your problem-solving abilities

This course helps you develop the practical skills needed to support teaching, learning, and student wellbeing in a school environment. It focuses on building confidence, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with children, young people, and education professionals.

  • Classroom support skills to assist teachers with learning activities and help students achieve their educational goals.
  • Communication skills to interact effectively with pupils, teachers, parents, and other professionals.
  • Behaviour management skills to encourage positive conduct and support a productive learning environment.
  • Safeguarding awareness to help protect children and promote their safety and wellbeing.
  • Inclusive support skills to work effectively with learners who have different abilities, backgrounds, and educational needs.
  • Observation and assessment skills to monitor student progress and provide valuable feedback when required.
  • Teamwork skills to collaborate with teaching staff and contribute positively to the wider school community.
  • Organisational skills to manage classroom resources, learning materials, and daily support activities efficiently.
  • Problem-solving skills to respond appropriately to challenges that may arise within educational settings.
  • Child development awareness to understand how children learn, grow, and develop throughout different stages of education.

Career Opportunities

Open doors to multiple industry roles

This qualification can help you build a rewarding career in education by preparing you to support teachers and students in a variety of school settings. It provides the practical knowledge and workplace skills needed to make a positive contribution to children's learning and development.

  • Teaching Assistant: Support teachers in delivering lessons, preparing learning materials, and helping students participate in classroom activities.
  • Learning Support Assistant: Provide additional support to learners who need help with their studies, confidence, or classroom engagement.
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Assistant: Work closely with students who have additional learning needs, helping them access education effectively.
  • Classroom Assistant: Assist with daily classroom tasks, student supervision, and learning activities across different age groups.
  • Behaviour Support Assistant: Help students develop positive behaviour and provide support in maintaining a productive learning environment.
  • Pastoral Support Assistant: Support students' wellbeing, attendance, and personal development within the school community.
  • Inclusion Support Worker: Promote equal learning opportunities and help ensure all students feel supported and included.
  • School Administrative Support Officer: Combine educational support with administrative responsibilities within a school setting.

With experience, you can progress into senior support roles, specialist educational support positions, or further training within the education sector. It also provides a strong foundation for higher-level qualifications in teaching, education, and child development.

FAQs About Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)

This course develops the practical knowledge and workplace skills needed for support roles in schools. It helps learners gain recognised experience, improve professional confidence, and prepare for greater responsibilities, creating opportunities for career growth within educational and child support environments.

You will gain skills in classroom support, communication, behaviour management, safeguarding awareness, teamwork, organisation, and supporting learners with diverse needs. These practical abilities are highly valuable for working effectively within school and educational settings.

Yes, this diploma provides a pathway to higher-level qualifications in education, teaching support, child development, and related fields. It helps build the academic foundation and practical experience needed for further professional and educational progression.

This programme is suitable for individuals working in schools, aspiring teaching assistants, or anyone interested in supporting children's learning and development. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking a recognised qualification to strengthen their knowledge and career prospects.

For detailed information about course fees, payment options, and enrolment, please feel free to contact our team through our Contact Page: 👉 Contact Us or whatsapp us.

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