Course overview
This SCQF Level 6 course is designed for people who want to work as classroom assistants or education support assistants in Scottish schools.
Education support assistants are generally employed in schools to support class teachers in learning activities. They support and supervise tasks set by teachers for individuals and groups of pupils, including learners with a range of additional support needs. This can be in primary schools, secondary schools, additional support needs schools, and sometimes in the early learning and childcare sector.
Placements can be in a Primary or Secondary school. We work closely with applicants to understand their preferences and find the best match.
This course is also designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to progress to a higher level, such as the HNC Childhood Practice (Practitioner or Primary Teaching Focus).
The classes will typically be delivered one day on campus and one day online, with two days on placement.
If you would like to apply for this course, please consider the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme (completed by Edinburgh College once a place on the course is confirmed). This scheme helps to protect children and adults within our sector; therefore, we require a clear PVG to enable you to proceed with an application for this course. If you have any questions regarding this, please get in touch with us to discuss.
The PDA Education Support Assistance Group Award allows registration with the Scottish Social Services Council at the Support Worker Level.
Upon meeting the entry requirements, we will contact you to share the dates of our Information Sessions and Open Days. We will also arrange an individual induction meeting (online or on campus) to discuss the course and your placement requirements, and to answer any questions you may have.
Please note that we strongly encourage you not to book holidays during term time, and arrangements should be made before commencing the course to ensure that you can attend all days/times timetabled.
You can find out more about being a classroom assistant on the My World of Work website.
Course description
What you will learn
You will gain the nationally recognised SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) in Education Support Assistant at SCQF Level 6.
You will learn:
- How to work effectively with a class teacher
- How to support children with additional support needs, classroom organisation and administrative tasks
- You will take part in a work placement that will enable you to put these skills and learning into practice
Subjects include:
- Child development
- Supporting behaviour in an educational setting.
- Supporting children and young people who require additional support for learning
- Supporting children with autism
- Developing professional practice in an educational setting
- Children's rights.
The course will also include the following essential Core Skills, which are necessary for this role:
- Communication
- Numeracy (SCQF 5)
Throughout the course, there will be some self-study elements.
Before starting your placement in October, you’ll spend part of your week working independently on tasks online.
Ask yourself:
- Is this something I feel confident and comfortable doing?
- Am I self-motivated and ready to take responsibility for my learning?
- Do I have access to a suitable study space, a digital learning device, and the internet? (this could be on-campus)
- Am I willing to join online sessions, with my camera on and engaging in the session?
Entry requirements
- You must consider whether you are suitable for this type of work when applying for the course. Think back to the video at the beginning and what is involved in the role – can you work in a busy/noisy environment? Are you able to be flexible to changing needs? Do you have good communication skills to work with both adults and children? Can you use your initiative?
- You are required to hold certification in English or Communications and two other subjects at SCQF level 5 or above (or equivalent)
- You are required to hold certification in Maths or Numeracy at SCQF level 4 or above (or equivalent)
- Progression from a suitable Edinburgh College course at National 5 (eg, Childhood Practice Level 5, SCP Early Learning and Childcare Level 5)
- You should hold qualifications or have experience that demonstrates your ability in basic report writing and research.
- Applicants must be aged 16 or over by October 2024 so they can apply for an adult PVG, attend a placement, and meet the work placement requirements. See note above re PVG requirements.
- Experience working with children is preferred but not required. Please detail any experience in your personal statement.
- For mature applicants who may not have formal academic qualifications, you may still be considered if you can demonstrate significant experience working with children.
- Please detail this experience in your personal statement
Progression
- HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7) (Primary School Teacher Focus)or (Practitioner).
- If you have Higher English and National 5 maths, you may consider applying for primary school teacher training at university.
- Suitability for progression will be determined by achievement, including the workplace element, attendance record, conduct and a successful progression discussion.
Career opportunities
- Classroom Assistant role in a primary, secondary, or additional support needs school.
- Eligible for registration with the SSSC as a Support Worker.
- Registered SSSC Support Workers can also be employed in playgroups, private nurseries, out-of-school care, and play schemes.
Course options
Course Type: Full-time
Details
Venue details
Sighthill Campus
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh
Course provider
Edinburgh College
Sighthill Campus
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh