What level is the course and do I need any particular skills? 

This is a level 3 course and you will need English and Maths at Level 2.  

You should have completed our OCN Introduction to the role of the TA at level 2 or have an equivalent qualification or have previous experience in working in school settings. 

This course is accredited at OCN level 3. 

You will need to do a pre-course assessment to establish your level of English before enrolling onto the course 

What is the course about? 

The aim of this course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to find work as teaching assistants or learning mentors in primary or secondary schools in the UK.  

Course content: 

What topics will we cover? 

We will cover: 

• Safeguarding children and young people 

• Behaviour strategies 

• Movement in an early years setting 

• Developing neuro inclusive classrooms 

• Well-being for teaching assistants 

• Professional standards and core competences required to be a TA 

• Producing an up-to-date CV 

• Producing your own personal professional development plan 

Learning objectives 

By the end of the course you should be able to:  

• Understand how to take action if you are worried about a child or a young person 

• Explain the role of the designated safeguarding lead 

• Micro teach a short movement session for children in an early years setting 

• Outline behaviours that can occur in a learning environment 

• Explain factors that can contribute to behaviours in a learning environment 

• Explain the impact of behaviours in a learning environment 

• Explain how to ensure a neuro inclusive learning environment 

• Describe six neuro divergent conditions 

• Explain equality law as it applies to neuro divergence 

• Explain the social model of disability as it applies to neuro divergence 

• Describe the professional standards and core competences required to be a TA 

• Explain the different roles in a school and how the TA fits into this structure 

• Explain three well-being strategies that could support your own physical and mental health 

• Produce an up-to-date CV 

• Develop your own progression plan 

• Know about three recruitment agencies. 

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?  

What kind of activities will I be doing? 

Teaching and learning methods for this course will include: 

Teacher presentations, small group and whole group discussions, listening to podcasts, analysis of case studies and practical movement sessions. 

You will be required to complete weekly homework tasks.  

You should allow between 2-3 hours for completing the homework.  

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I will I need to bring? Where can I get this? What do we provide? 

You will need to bring a pen and a folder to collate all course handouts. 

We provide all course handouts and a portfolio of evidence. 

We will also provide tea and coffee.  

Will I get feedback? What could I do next? 

• You will get continuous verbal feedback. Your written work will be marked weekly. This feedback will include areas for future development.  

• You will also have one to one and small group tutorials. 

• You could progress to the Open University early years and movement course written and developed by Dr Lala Manners. 

• You will also be able to apply for employment in schools as a teaching assistant, learning mentor, additional support worker or one to one special needs support worker.