All Courses for £49The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is an Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification. It is designed for people who want to work, or already work, in a school support role.
Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is an Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification for people who want to work in a school support role.
This course is ideal if you want to become a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, or school support worker. It is also suitable if you already work in a school and want to formalise your knowledge with a recognised qualification.
You will learn how schools work, how to build positive relationships with children and adults, and how to support pupils’ well-being. The course also covers key areas such as safeguarding, child development, school policies, communication, confidentiality, and data protection.
This is a knowledge-based qualification. You do not need to be working in a school before you start. It is a strong first step for learners who want to build confidence and show employers that they understand the core principles of supporting teaching and learning in schools.
By completing this qualification, you can gain recognised knowledge that supports your career goals in education and school support.
Qualification Information
Awarding Body: Focus Awards
Qualification Title: Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
Qualification Number: 601/6103/6
Qualification Level: Level 3
Credit Value: 12 credits
Guided Learning Hours: 80 hours
Total Qualification Time: 120 hours
Number of Units: Four mandatory units
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence
Minimum Age: 16
Qualification Status: Available to learners
Regulation: Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification
These details are confirmed in the official Focus Awards qualification specification
Please note: NextGen Learning is the affiliate partner of Apex Learning. Under the affiliate partnership/program, this Qualification will be delivered and assessed by Apex Learning.
About This Level 3 Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is designed for people who work, or want to work, in a role that supports pupils’ teaching and learning.
The qualification develops the knowledge required to understand how schools operate and how support staff contribute to a safe, positive and effective learning environment. It covers important areas such as:
- Communicating with children, young people and adults
- Developing professional relationships in schools
- Understanding school structures and responsibilities
- Supporting child and young person development
- Recognising safeguarding and wellbeing concerns
- Following professional procedures and reporting concerns
Because this is a knowledge-based qualification, learners can begin without being employed in a school. It is also suitable for existing school staff who want to strengthen their knowledge or prepare for further study.
Who Is This Course For?
This Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is suitable for:
- Aspiring Teaching Assistants
- Learning Support Assistants
- Classroom Assistants
- Pupil Support Assistants
- School support workers
- Volunteers who want to understand school support practice
- Existing school staff who want a regulated qualification
- Learners preparing for further teaching and learning qualifications
The course is particularly suitable for beginners because current school employment is not required.
Entry Requirements
Learners should be aged 16 or over. Focus Awards does not set any other specific entry requirements, although the training provider may apply its own enrolment criteria.
You do not need previous school experience or an existing teaching qualification. Basic English, digital and independent study skills will help you complete the online learning and portfolio assessments.
Key Features of the Course
Ofqual-Regulated Qualification
Work towards a regulated Level 3 qualification awarded by Focus Awards.
Suitable for Beginners
Begin without previous school employment or a formal teaching qualification.
Flexible Online Learning
Access the course online and organise your studies around work, family and other responsibilities.
Knowledge-Based Study
Develop essential school support knowledge without needing to hold an existing school role before enrolment.
Portfolio-Based Assessment
Show your understanding through structured evidence completed during the course.
Relevant School Support Topics
Study communication, professional relationships, school organisation, child development and safeguarding.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this qualification, learners will be able to:
- Explain how effective communication supports positive professional relationships with children, young people and adults.
- Describe how schools are organised and how staff roles, policies and procedures support teaching and learning.
- Explain the key stages of child and young person development and the factors that may affect individual progress.
- Identify potential safeguarding and wellbeing concerns and explain how they should be reported.
- Explain how confidentiality, information sharing and professional conduct support safe school practice.
Course Curriculum
Learners must successfully complete all four mandatory units to achieve the qualification. Together, the units provide 12 credits and 80 Guided Learning Hours.
Unit 1: Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
Unit Reference: F/601/3327
Level: 3
Credit Value: 2
Guided Learning Hours: 10
Develop your understanding of effective communication in a school environment. Explore how professional relationships are created and maintained with children, young people, colleagues and other adults.
Unit 2: Schools as Organisations
Unit Reference: A/601/3326
Level: 3
Credit Value: 3
Guided Learning Hours: 15
Learn how different types of schools are structured and managed. Understand the roles of school staff and how policies, procedures and wider responsibilities influence everyday school practice.
Unit 3: Understand Child and Young Person Development
Unit Reference: L/601/1693
Level: 3
Credit Value: 4
Guided Learning Hours: 30
Explore the main stages of child and young person development. Consider how personal circumstances, external influences and individual needs may affect development and learning.
Unit 4: Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People
Unit Reference: Y/601/1695
Level: 3
Credit Value: 3
Guided Learning Hours: 25
Develop your understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in schools. Learn how to recognise possible concerns, respond appropriately and follow reporting procedures designed to protect children and young people.
Assessment
This qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence. Your portfolio must show that you have achieved the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for all four units.
Depending on the assessment plan and your circumstances, evidence may include:
- Worksheets
- Written assignments
- Projects or reports
- Records of oral or written questions
- Learner work products
- Assessor observations
- Witness testimonies
- Learner or peer reports
- Recognition of prior learning, where appropriate
Course Duration and Study Time
The qualification includes:
Guided Learning Hours: 80 hours
Total Qualification Time: 120 hours
Guided Learning Hours cover learning completed with tutor direction or structured support. Total Qualification Time includes guided learning, independent study, research and assessment preparation.
Your actual completion time will depend on your previous knowledge, available study time, assessment progress and the course access period.
Certification
After successfully completing all four mandatory units and the required assessments, you will receive the:
Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
The certificate is awarded by Focus Awards and provides formal recognition of your knowledge in communication, school organisation, child development and safeguarding.
You may use the qualification to strengthen your CV and demonstrate relevant knowledge when applying for school support positions. Employment is not guaranteed, and individual schools may set their own experience, safeguarding, background-check and recruitment requirements.
Career Relevance
This qualification can support learners who are interested in roles such as:
- Teaching Assistant
- Learning Support Assistant
- Classroom Assistant
- Pupil Support Assistant
- School support worker
- Learning mentor
- Volunteer school support worker
Order Your Certificate
To order your Certificate, we kindly invite you to visit the following link
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Focus Awards. The qualification number is 601/6103/6.
Yes. It is an RQF qualification awarded by Focus Awards. Its qualification number is 601/6103/6.
Yes. Previous school experience is not required, and the qualification can be taken by learners who are not currently employed in a school.
No. This is a knowledge-based qualification, so you do not need to be working in a school before you start. It is suitable for learners who are new to the education sector.
Yes. This course can help you build key knowledge for Teaching Assistant and school support roles. It covers communication, child development, safeguarding, school organisation, and professional relationships.
You will learn how to support children and young people in a school setting. The course covers safeguarding, communication, child development, confidentiality, school policies, and how schools are organised.
This qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence. You will complete work that shows you have met the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.
No. There is no final written exam for this qualification. Assessment is completed through portfolio evidence, assignments, worksheets, reports, questioning records, or other suitable evidence.
After successful completion, you will receive the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools certificate. This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
This qualification is worth 12 credits. It has 80 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 120 Total Qualification Time (TQT).
Guided Learning Hours are the hours spent learning with tutor support or guided study. Total Qualification Time includes guided learning plus independent study, research, and assessment preparation.
The course includes four main units: communication and professional relationships, schools as organisations, child and young person development, and safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people.
Yes. This course is delivered online, so you can study at your own pace. This makes it suitable for learners with work, family, or other commitments.
This qualification can support career goals linked to Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, SEN support, and general school support roles. It can also help current school staff show formal knowledge.
Yes. This course is suitable for beginners. You do not need previous school experience to start, as the course explains the key knowledge needed for supporting teaching and learning in schools.
Yes. After this Award, learners may progress to a Level 3 Certificate, Cover Supervisor qualification, specialist support qualification, or other teaching and learning pathways.
It is an Ofqual-regulated, knowledge-based qualification for people who work, or want to work, in school support roles. Its official title is the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF).
Course Curriculum
| Induction Form | |||
| Registration Entry Form | |||
| Unit 1: Communication and Professional Relationships With Children, Young People and Adults | |||
| Support Materials | |||
| 1. The Principles of Developing Positive Relationships With Children, Young People and Adults | 00:09:00 | ||
| 2. Communication with Children, Young People and Adults | 00:09:00 | ||
| 3. Legislation, Policies and Procedures for Confidentiality and Sharing Information, Including Data Protection | 00:15:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Unit 01 Assignment | 00:03:00 | ||
| Unit 2: Schools as Organisations | |||
| Support Materials | |||
| 1. The Structure of Education from Early Years to Post-compulsory Education | 00:21:00 | ||
| 2. How Schools are Organised in Terms of Roles and Responsibilities | 00:36:00 | ||
| 3. Ethos, Mission, Aims and Values of a School | 00:09:00 | ||
| 4. Laws and Codes of Practice Affecting Work in Schools | 00:42:00 | ||
| 5. The Purpose of School Policies and Procedures | 00:27:00 | ||
| 6. The Wider Context in Which Schools Operate | 00:21:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Unit 02 Assignment | 00:06:00 | ||
| Unit 3: Understand Child and Young Person Development | |||
| Support Materials | |||
| 1. Different Aspects of Development From Birth to Adulthood | 00:21:00 | ||
| 2. Personal and External Factors That Affect Child Development | 00:18:00 | ||
| 3. Theories of Development and Frameworks to Support Development | 00:30:00 | ||
| 4. Monitoring and Assessing Children | 00:09:00 | ||
| 5. Barriers to the Development of Children and Young People | 00:15:00 | ||
| 6. Early Intervention | 00:24:00 | ||
| 7. Possible Effects of Different Transitions on Children and Young People’s Development | 00:09:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Unit 03 Assignment | 00:06:00 | ||
| Unit 4: Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People | |||
| Support Materials | |||
| 1. Current Legislation and National Guidelines for Safeguarding | 00:27:00 | ||
| 2. Safeguard Children and Young People | 00:06:00 | ||
| 3. Inquiries and Serious Case Reviews and Sharing the Findings to Inform Practice | 00:12:00 | ||
| 4. Data Protection, Information Handling and Sharing | 00:15:00 | ||
| 5. A Person-Centred Culture | 00:21:00 | ||
| 6. Partnership Working and Safeguarding | 00:06:00 | ||
| 7. Roles and Responsibilities of Different Organisations | 00:39:00 | ||
| 8. Policies and Procedures to Protect Children and Young People and Adults Who Work With Them | 00:09:00 | ||
| 9. How to Report Concerns about Practice in the Work Setting | 00:30:00 | ||
| 10. Child Abuse Indicators | 00:30:00 | ||
| 11. Responding to Children and Young People’s Disclosures of Abuse | 00:24:00 | ||
| 12. Concept of bullying | 00:27:00 | ||
| 13. Develop Self-esteem and Self-confidence | 00:06:00 | ||
| 14. Resilience | 00:18:00 | ||
| 15. Strategies to Help Children Protect Themselves | 00:09:00 | ||
| 16. Empowerment | 00:15:00 | ||
| 17. Importance of E-safety | 00:27:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Unit 04 Assignment | 00:09:00 | ||
| Submit Your Assignments - Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools | |||
