Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching Learning 2025-26

Consider embarking on an exciting career path that offers a great work-life balance and ample opportunities for advancement by training to become a teaching assistant. Obtaining the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (STL) will equip you with the necessary skills. This competency-based course allows you to gain practical experience while studying, and upon completion, you will be fully qualified to seek employment as a teaching assistant.

Throughout this accredited course, you will explore health and safety legislation relevant to learning environments, child protection, and the safeguarding of children in an Ofsted-regulated setting. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of child development and examine developmental and psychoanalytical theories. Additionally, you will learn how to provide optimal support to children as they learn and grow, including guidance on supporting development through exploratory and imaginative play.

To complete the qualification learners must gain 32 credits in total. Some topics include; Curriculum, supporting pupils with particular needs, safeguarding and health and safety.

You may be able to apply for the post of Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant in a school setting.

Successful completion of the course may enable learners to gain employment in the school sector.

It is recommended that applicants have a good level of maths and English prior to joining the course. Maths and English can be studied alongside the programme.

All candidates must be interviewed, and receive a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure Barring Service). Additionally, Learners must have successfully completed and achieved the Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification.

Direct entry is only considered based on the applicants experience in the sector and completion of a skills test.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

All units are individually assessed and are graded pass or refer. All assessment criteria of the chosen units must be achieved in order to obtain a pass. Assessment methods include direct observation of practice, witness evidence, professional discussion and written assignments.

Class work including demonstrations, discussions and practical work. Subject information is given via lectures, videos, visits, speakers, handouts and demonstrations. You will need to attend placement for a minimum of 1 day or 6 hours per week. You will also be observed by an assessor whilst attending placement to meet the competency element of the course.

September 2025.

One evening per week. One year, part time.