Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate

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.

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

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).