Teaching Assistant
Learn the requirements to become a teaching assistant with our short online course. You'll gain an understanding of the skills required, responsibilities, and key topics such as safeguarding.
Overview
Teaching Assistants have taken a growing role within the primary and secondary school classrooms. This course will explain the requirement to become a teaching assistant, the typical role and how it can be used as a first step in a career in education. The course also introduces useful topics such as safeguarding, health and safety and behaviour management.
More detail
Course syllabus
Module 1: Becoming a Teaching Assistant
- Introduction
In the course introduction, we explore the reasons for becoming a Teaching Assistant, outline the overall structure of the course, and provide an overview of the content covered in each module.
- Setting the Scene
In this section, we familiarise ourselves with the different types of Teaching Assistant roles and the key responsibilities and skills required. We also discuss the qualifications that support the role and the potential career paths available once you begin your journey as a Teaching Assistant.
- Supporting the Curriculum
This section covers both the Early Years and National Curriculum, including guidance from the regulator and the National Literacy and Numeracy strategies. We conclude with a summary of the main responsibilities of Teaching Assistants within this area.
- Supporting the School
Here, we take an overview of the modern-day school environment—from school systems and structures to governance and policies. By the end of this section, you’ll gain a strong understanding of how schools operate and how to navigate your role effectively within them.
- Supporting the Teacher
This section focuses on lesson planning, non-teaching support duties, and behaviour management strategies. It provides an understanding of how Teaching Assistants contribute to classroom organisation and student development.
- Supporting the Pupil
In this final section, we explore key topics including factors influencing child learning, child protection, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), equal opportunities, and supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Obtaining your certificate
You will need to pass a multiple-choice exam at the end of the course in order to gain your accreditation. Once passed, we will send your official certificate by email.