About Course

Course Overview

The Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is designed for people who want to support teachers and help pupils learn. Whether you’re already working in a school or thinking about it as a career, this course covers the essentials – safeguarding, communication, child development, and how schools actually work. At SJA Academia, we’ve made it accessible so you can study even if you’re not employed yet.

Courses that might interest you:

Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants

Who Is This Course For?

This qualification’s perfect if you’re looking to work in schools but don’t have formal credentials yet. It’s also great for current school staff who want to move up. You’ll find it suits:

Complete beginners who've never worked in schools but want to start
Parent volunteers looking to turn school experience into paid work
Learning support assistants seeking a higher-level qualification
Classroom assistants ready to take on more responsibility
Career changers drawn to education and helping children
School leavers who want to support teaching before becoming teachers themselves
Anyone passionate about making a difference in children's education

Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Thinking about working with kids in schools? This Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools gives you the foundation knowledge you need. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, get in touch with our team and we'll talk through your options.

What Can You Earn as a Teaching Assistant?

Teaching Assistants with a Level 3 qualification typically earn between £18,000 and £24,000 per year in the UK. If you’re just starting out without qualifications, you might begin around £15,000-£17,000, so this course can boost your earning potential by 15-25% right away. Location makes a big difference – London and the South East pay more than other regions. Plus, once you’ve got experience and this qualification, you can progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles paying £26,000-£30,000+, or even move into specialised areas like SEN support where salaries go higher.

Course Details

Study Hours

You'll need approximately 120 guided learning hours to complete this award, though it varies based on how quickly you work through the material. Most learners finish in 4-8 months whilst balancing work or family commitments. Since it's self-paced, you control the speed.

Assessment Method

This is a knowledge-based qualification, which means you'll be assessed through written assignments, case studies, and reflective tasks rather than workplace observations. You don't need to be employed in a school to complete the assessments, though real-world examples certainly help if you have them.

Course Duration

The typical completion time is 4-8 months, but you've got 12 months from enrolment to finish everything. Some motivated learners complete it faster, whilst others take their time around other responsibilities. It's genuinely flexible - you're not racing against tight deadlines.

Course Format

Everything's delivered 100% online with 24/7 access to learning materials. You'll study through written content, videos, activities, and submit assignments digitally. No need to attend physical classes or workshops, though you will need internet access and basic computer skills.

Entry Requirements

There aren't any formal entry requirements - you don't need previous qualifications or work experience in schools. This makes it accessible for career starters or changers. However, you should be at least 16 years old and have a good grasp of written English since assignments require clear communication.

Pricing Details

The course costs £185.00 as a one-time payment covering all learning materials, tutor support, and your certificate. We also offer flexible payment plans if you'd rather spread the cost over a few months. No surprise fees or extra charges for registration.

Certification

You'll receive the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) upon successful completion. This is fully Ofqual-regulated (QRN: 601/6103/6) and recognised across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, making it valid for job applications in any school or education setting.

Support Provided

You'll have a dedicated tutor assigned to you throughout the course. They'll mark your assignments, provide feedback to help you improve, and answer questions about the content. You can contact them via email whenever you need help, and they typically respond within 24-48 hours.

This qualification is awarded by Focus Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. You can verify its accreditation status on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Still have questions about this course?

Call us at +442034323249 and we'll chat through whether this fits your career plans and answer anything you're wondering about.

WhatsApp: +447481358518

Why Choose SJA Academia for Your Teaching Assistant Training?

We’ve helped hundreds of people launch rewarding careers in schools. Here’s why learners choose us for their Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Expert Guidance from School Professionals

Our tutors have worked in schools - they're not just academic experts. They understand classroom realities, what schools look for when hiring, and how to write assignments that demonstrate genuine understanding rather than just theory.

Study Before You're Employed

You don't need a job yet to start this course. It's knowledge-based, so you can study from home, build your credentials, and then apply for positions with a recognised qualification already in hand. This gives you a head start over other applicants.

Clear Pathway to Career Progression

This award's just the beginning. Once completed, you can progress to our Level 3 Certificate, then the Level 3 Diploma, and eventually the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants. We'll guide you through the entire career ladder.

Affordable Investment in Your Future

At just £185, this is one of the most affordable ways to get a recognised qualification that opens doors to school employment. We've kept costs low without cutting corners on quality or support, and payment plans make it even easier to get started.

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Course Content

1st Unit

  • Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults
  • Schools as Organisations
  • Understand Child and Young Person Development
  • Understand how to safeguard the well being of children and young people

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What Students Say

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Mark Alen

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I am grateful for your wonderful course! Your tutors are the best, and I am completely satisfied with the level of professional teaching.

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I am grateful for your wonderful course! Your tutors are the best, and I am completely satisfied with the level of professional teaching.

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Your Journey to Becoming a Teaching Assistant

Get started in three straightforward steps

1

Enrol and Access Your Materials

Sign up online in minutes, pay in full or arrange a payment plan, and you'll immediately get access to all course materials. Download resources, watch intro videos, and meet your tutor. You're ready to start learning the same day.

2

Study and Complete Your Assignments

Work through the four mandatory units at your own pace. You'll learn about child development, safeguarding, communication, and the school context. Complete assignments as you go, submit them online, and your tutor will provide detailed feedback to help you improve and pass.

3

Receive Your Qualification and Apply for Jobs

Once you've successfully completed all units and assessments, we'll send your Ofqual-regulated certificate. Now you can apply for teaching assistant positions with confidence, knowing you've got the credentials schools want. Many of our learners secure jobs within weeks of finishing.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Award Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really do this course without working in a school?

Yes, absolutely. This is a knowledge-based qualification, so you're assessed through written work rather than practical observations. You'll learn the theory and principles that prepare you for school work, then apply them once you get a job. It's actually designed so people can study before employment.

Will schools accept this qualification for TA jobs?

Definitely. This is an Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification, which is the recognised standard for schools across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. When job adverts ask for "Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning" or similar, this is exactly what they mean. Schools trust Focus Awards qualifications.

What's the difference between the award, certificate, and diploma?

The award (this course) is 12 credits and covers essential knowledge. The Level 3 Certificate is 24 credits and goes deeper into supporting teaching. The Level 3 Diploma is 36 credits for specialist roles. Start with the award if you're new, then progress later if you want to specialise or move into higher-level positions.

Do I need a DBS check to take this course?

Not to study the course itself - you can complete all the learning and assessments without a DBS check. However, when you start applying for actual school jobs, employers will require an enhanced DBS check before you can work with children. That's a standard safeguarding requirement for all school staff.

How much time do I need to spend studying each week?

It's completely flexible. Some learners dedicate 5-10 hours weekly and finish in 4-5 months. Others do 2-3 hours and take longer. There's no minimum requirement - just consistent progress towards completing the units within your 12-month access period.

Can this lead to becoming a qualified teacher?

This qualification's specifically for support staff roles, not teaching positions. If you want to become a qualified teacher, you'd need to pursue a PGCE or undergraduate teaching degree. However, many teaching assistants use this experience to decide if teaching's right for them before committing to teacher training.

What happens after I finish this award?

You've got several options. You can start working as a teaching assistant with just this award. Or you can progress to the Level 3 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma for more advanced knowledge. Eventually, you might pursue the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants if you want to take on greater responsibilities and earn more.

Is this course suitable for SEN support roles?

This award covers general teaching and learning support. If you specifically want to work with children with Special Educational Needs, you'd benefit from the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support which includes SEN-specific units. However, this award's still valuable as a starting point and covers relevant child development principles.

Have more questions? Get in touch at +442034323249 or info@sjaacademia.co.uk – we’ll help you figure out if this is the right starting point for your school support career.