Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate Course

Are you a teaching assistant looking to move forward in your career? If you already work in a school and feel ready to take on more responsibility, then the Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate is for you. The qualification is designed to help teaching assistants to develop new skills.

Higher level teaching assistants work closely with teachers to manage their workload and create lesson plans. Extra online study will give you the confidence to set learning objectives, control a class and take the lead in activities. In return, you’ll have more earning power and the chance to focus on areas that interest you. Whether you want to put together learning materials or support children with special needs, many schools will be flexible about your role.

This distance learning course takes an in-depth look at child development and ways to promote positive behaviour in different age groups. You’ll find out more about how to react to challenging situations and communicate effectively with parents, teachers and pupils.

Placement Information

To complete the online Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate, you’ll need to undertake a period of work experience, which can be paid or unpaid. This could be within your current school, or in a local infant, primary or secondary school. You’ll also study theory from home and can make the most of interactive content through PEARL, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Altogether your placement should take up 50 hours. It is essential that you gain this experience if you want to pass the course. It is worth noting that there are a number of educational institutions which we do not deem suitable. We recommend that you double check with us before arranging your placement, but in general we ask that you do not arrange to work in the following establishments:

• Nursery
• Pre-school
• After School Club
• Holiday Club
• College
• University
• Any other external learning sources i.e. open learning colleges, Sunday schools etc.

What can I do after the Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate?

Once you have finished your distance learning course, you can apply to become a higher level teaching assistant. Take on new professional challenges and build a broad range of experience working in a school environment.

If you have always wanted to lead your own class and make an impact in education, this course is your first step towards a rewarding career. In the future, you may decide to continue your studies at Level 5. If you have ambitions to become a teacher, you could also go on to university to work towards a PGCE. Other opportunities in the education sector include jobs in community work, assessment and coaching.

Syllabus

Unit 1: Professional Knowledge and Development for Higher Level Teaching Assistants

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what a Higher Level Teaching Assistant is and what is required of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• Understand the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Higher Level Teaching Assistants
• Understand how to work as a team member and identify opportunities for working with colleagues, managing their work where appropriate and sharing the development of effective practice with them

Unit 2: Child Development and Wellbeing 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the different stages of child development
• Understand the factors that can influence and affect children’s development and how these practice
• Understand how to recognise and respect the contribution that parents and carers can make to the development and wellbeing of children and young people
• Understand how frameworks that support the development and wellbeing of children and young people impact upon their practice

Unit 3: Supporting Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to support learners in accessing the curriculum in accordance with the special educational needs (SEN) code of practice and disabilities legislation
• Understand how to promote equality, diversity and inclusion when working with children and young people
• Understand how to support children and young people with learning difficulties
• Know and understand the special educational needs for learners with sensory and/or physical needs
• Understand how to support children and young people with English as an additional language

Unit 4: Promoting children and Young Peoples Positive Behaviour

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the policies and procedures for promoting positive behaviour
• Be able to promote the positive values and attitudes and behaviour expected from children and young people
• Be able to respond to inappropriate and challenging behaviour from children and young people
• Be able to contribute to reviews of behaviour and behaviour policies

Unit 5: Working with Individual and Groups of Learners

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand ways of working with individuals and small groups

Unit 6: Positive Working Relationships

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with children, young people, colleagues, parents and carers

Unit 7: Curriculum Planning, Monitoring, Delivery and Assessment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to teach challenging, well-organised lessons across the age and ability range
• Be able to use ICT skills to advance learning
• Be able to use an appropriate range of strategies for setting learning objectives and monitoring progress and attainment
• Be able to maintain and analyse records of learners’ progress

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 110.04 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.
• Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO) EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding. As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme. Please click here for more information

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.
• Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS) DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career. Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag... Learners really enjoy their learning Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills Employers provide a high quality working environment Consistent, high level of achievement for learners As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme. Please click here for more information

What's included

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).

Qualifications

Qualification: Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF)

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Focus Awards

Focus Awards is regulated by Ofqual, who are the regulator of qualifications (other than degrees), exams and assessments in England, and of vocational qualifications. Focus Awards draws on more than 80 years’ combined experience and expertise delivered by its founders. They come from a diversity of backgrounds, including the health and fitness sector, social services, academia, commerce and industry, and the Armed Forces.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Focus Awards

Focus Awards is regulated by Ofqual, who are the regulator of qualifications (other than degrees), exams and assessments in England, and of vocational qualifications. Focus Awards draws on more than 80 years’ combined experience and expertise delivered by its founders. They come from a diversity of backgrounds, including the health and fitness sector, social services, academia, commerce and industry, and the Armed Forces.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

• Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
• Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course
• Business Administration
• Certificate in Education and Training
• Counselling Skills
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Foot Health Care Practitioner
• Health and Social Care (Adults)
• Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Playwork (NVQ)
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Principles of Customer Service course
• Principles of End of Life Care Course
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

For more information on CTP, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 110.04 hrs.

Further Information

If you would like any further information regarding this course, please call an advisor today on 0121 392 8288 ( or email enquiries@stonebridge.uk.com

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

• Access the Student Learning Community which allows you to connect with fellow students and gain the help and support you need.
• View your tutor's feedback on your marked assignments.
• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills; Job Interview Skills; The Effective Learner; Goal Setting and Time Management; and Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper.
• Find details on our generous Referral Programme.
And don’t forget our Facebook page where you will find tips, resources, games, competitions, and plenty of engagement and interaction from fellow students.