This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

This course is suitable for those who currently work or volunteer in a role where they support teachers and pupils in their learning within a school environment. This course will allow you to gain a formal qualification which will allow you to develop and demonstrate your skills and knowledge.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

This course is work-based and has flexible start dates throughout the year. You will need to be in paid employment or have a volunteer placement within a school or college supporting children and young people aged 5 to 19 years of age. The course is mainly assessed in the workplace.

The duration of the course is usually one year, however, on this work-based learning route, you may complete earlier. At the beginning of the course you will be assigned an assessor who will work with you throughout the programme.

More information can be provided upon application.

What will I study?

You will develop the theoretical understanding gained from a range of mandatory units, including:

  • Schools and colleges as organisations
  • Support health and safety in a learning environment
  • Understand how to safeguard children and young people
  • Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults
  • Understand how children and young people develop
  • Support positive behaviour in children and young people
  • Support children and young people during learning activities
  • Support English and maths skills
  • Support the use of ICT in the learning environment
  • Support assessment for learning
  • Engage in personal and professional development
  • Support children and young people’s speech, language and communication
  • Understand how to support bilingual learners
  • Understand how to support learning of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
  • Understanding the importance of play

How is it assessed?

You will be fully supported by your tutor/assessor during delivery sessions. You will link the theory that has been taught on the course to your practical work in the form of direct observation case studies, activities, reflective logs, diaries and practice files.

During the course you will build an online portfolio of evidence and will need access to a laptop or PC.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

No formal qualifications are necessary, although you may find having a relevant level 2 qualification or experience within an educational setting, as well as a good standard of English and maths beneficial.

What are the course fees?

The total cost of this course is £2,225. You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, please visit our financial support pages.

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated pages.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Successful completion of this course will allow you to progress onto the HLTA status, increasing your employability and credibility in the workplace. You will also be able to progress onto foundation degrees. You could also choose to study at University Centre St Helens to undertake the FdA Early Years Practice.

Are you ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.


Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. Knowsley Community College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

Ref: Tammy Halliday / Nic Johnson