Introduction to Being a Teaching Assistant (November start)

Derby College Group offers a range of high-quality teacher assistant and learner support training programmes.  Our Academy of Professional Education is continually considered to be outstanding in ensuring trainees achieve positive destinations by progressing into education roles, the world of work and further study. 

Are you ready to take your first steps to a new career supporting children, young people and/or adults to make good progress with their education?  Is the time now right for you to build your career?  This new ‘Step Into’ programme will provide you with a useful insight into educational support, the rewards it can bring and the career routes available.  You will be prepared and ready for your next steps towards a full qualification in Learning Support and an exciting and challenging career.  The programme will provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours to support learning across a range of educational institutions. 

Course content includes:

• Building confidence, interview skills and employability
• How to gain a placement in a school or college so you can take the next step towards your career
• Developing study skills and getting used to writing again
• Keeping children and young people safe
• Educational policy and procedures
• SEND support and ways of working
• Theory and models of reflective practice
• Identifying and engaging with continuing professional development
• An introduction to virtual learning environments
• Developing your maths and English with BKSB

What are the benefits to you? 

Specific skills 

• Knowledge of specific educational policy applicable to the role

Transferable skills 

• Interview and employability skills
• English, maths and digital skills
• Developing effective communication with other professionals
• Reflective practice
• Building resilience
• Collaborative working

• An interest in working in an educational setting to enhance learning or support the development of pupils and/or students
• A desire to succeed and become a qualified Teaching Assistant or Educational Support Worker

The course will be designed  to provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours to support learning across a range of educational institutions. 

This course will be delivered on-site.

N/A

The programme will be delivered by our experienced specialist learning support team in a once-a-week session.  Teaching is designed to support you to build your confidence, so you are ready and motivated to take the next step.  Upon completion of this course, you will receive a College Achievement Certificate, and this can help you progress your career. 

You will be assessed through completion of an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) with agreed specific tasks that might include short pieces of written work, group discussion, a mock interview, participation in group discussions, reflections on developing self, and even collaborative presentations.  Working with your teacher, you will adapt your ILP tasks to match your starting points, career aspirations and current level of skills.    

• Progress to a Level 2 Award or Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Consider gaining an apprentice position in Supporting Teaching and Learning to earn while you learn
• Seek a placement to gain valuable on-the-job experience in a school or college

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk