Level 2 Certificate Supporting Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistant)

Applications are now open for September 2025. Apply online via our "Apply Now" button. 

This qualification will enable learners to develop the knowledge and skills needed when supporting teaching and learning in primary, secondary, or special educational needs schools. It covers a wide range of areas including children and young people's development, supporting those with disabilities or special educational needs, and communication and professional relationships. 

This qualification is an introduction to the information and knowledge needed to work in a school environment. It can apply to the many varied roles that full and part-time support staff may fulfill including administrative roles, site support roles, technical roles, and volunteers, as well as roles that work directly with children and young people in the school environment.

It is aimed at learners not yet employed in a school, as well as providing initial training and induction for those new in a post in primary, secondary, or special educational needs schools. 

Each unit is given a varying amount of credits and in total, you must achieve a minimum of 5O credits to achieve the level 2 qualification. 24 of the credits must come from the mandatory unit selection.

Course Length

1 year 

Monday afternoons 12.00pm - 2.00pm 

Who is this course for?

Anybody who is currently working in a role that supports pupils learning including teaching assistants learning support assistants and special educational needs assistants.

Why should you join this course?

You can progress to the Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 3 course. The College also offers a Foundation Degree in Education (Teaching Assistants). This is a 2-year program delivered at the college part-time. On completion of a Foundation Degree, it is possible to then 'top up' to gain a full BA (Hons) degree. Progression opportunities very much depend on what other qualifications you have.

Support in the workplace

A designated key person/s from the school is useful to support you by providing policies, guidance on work practices, opportunities to experience a range of activities, to complete witness testimonies, and to confirm your competency during general duties in the setting.

How will you be assessed?

You are assessed by your tutor or assessor using a range of methods. This could include direct observation in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments, or a task.

Entry requirements 

It is recommended that you hold or are working towards a Functional Skills qualification at level 2 or a GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English.
You must be in employment (paid or voluntary) in a school for a minimum of 1 full day per week, working in a classroom setting with children aged 5 and above. (Any day of your choice)
lt is recommended that you have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a school setting prior to starting the course.

Cost

Study for free if you are 19 or older, and live in Greater Manchester if/and: 

This is your first Level 2 qualification (which equates to 5 GCSE's grade 9-4/A*-C, one A-level, or two or three AS levels, BTEC or NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.). 
You are in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). 
You are not in paid employment or your take-home pay is less than £345 a month and you are receiving a means-tested benefit (e.g. Universal Credit). 
Or you are in paid employment but with an annual gross salary of less than £23,104.

Please contact the Admissions Team by calling 0161 666 8215 or emailing AdultEd@asfc.ac.uk for more information.