NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning

Understanding how schools and colleges operate is an important first step towards becoming an effective teaching assistant. In this unit, you’ll explore the structure of the UK education system, from early years through to post-16 education, and discover the different roles and responsibilities of staff working within educational settings. You’ll also develop an understanding of the legislation that influences how schools operate, including the Equality Act and Education Act, helping you recognise your place within the wider school community.

Creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment is essential for helping children learn and develop. This unit explores schools’ and staff’s health and safety responsibilities, introducing the legislation, policies, and procedures that help protect everyone in an educational setting. You’ll learn how to recognise potential risks, understand your own responsibilities and consider health and safety when preparing and supporting classroom activities.

Safeguarding is one of the most important responsibilities of anyone working with children and young people. In this unit, you’ll learn how to recognise potential signs of abuse, neglect and harm, understand the appropriate procedures for reporting concerns and explore ways to identify and respond to bullying. You’ll also consider the importance of online safety, emotional wellbeing and resilience, developing the awareness needed to contribute to a safe and supportive school environment.

Positive professional relationships are central to a successful learning environment. This unit explores the communication skills, behaviours and professional boundaries needed to build trust and work effectively with children, young people and adults. You’ll develop an understanding of how to adapt your communication to different individuals and situations, helping you establish respectful relationships with pupils, colleagues and other members of the school community.

Every child develops at their own pace, and understanding the different stages of development can help you provide more effective support. In this unit, you’ll explore how children grow and change from birth through adolescence, examining their physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. You’ll also be introduced to influential theories from thinkers such as Freud, Piaget, Skinner and Watson, helping you understand different perspectives on learning, behaviour and development, alongside some of the challenges children may experience as they grow.

Encouraging positive behaviour helps create a classroom where children feel secure, respected and ready to learn. This unit explores the approaches, policies and procedures schools use to promote appropriate behaviour and respond to challenging situations. You’ll develop an understanding of how to encourage positive interactions, support pupils in managing their behaviour and contribute to a consistent, supportive learning environment.

Teaching assistants play a valuable role in helping pupils participate in lessons and make progress with their learning. In this unit, you’ll explore how to support educational activities from the initial planning and preparation stages through to delivery, assessment and review. You’ll learn how to work alongside teachers, respond to different learning needs and help create engaging activities that encourage participation, confidence and achievement.

Strong English and maths skills give children an important foundation for their education and everyday lives. This unit explores practical strategies to support pupils as they develop their reading, writing, communication, and maths skills. You’ll learn how to encourage confidence, reinforce classroom learning and provide appropriate support to help children overcome difficulties and strengthen their understanding of these essential subjects.

Digital technology is an increasingly important part of teaching and learning, offering new ways to engage pupils and support their development. In this unit, you’ll explore how information and communication technology (ICT) can be used effectively within educational settings, including preparing digital resources and following relevant school policies and procedures. You’ll also consider how to support pupils when using technology, encourage their participation and help them reflect on their learning and achievements.

Assessment helps teachers understand how pupils are progressing and identify where they may need additional support. This unit explores how assessment can support learning, including observing progress, giving constructive feedback, and encouraging pupils to recognise their achievements. You’ll also develop an understanding of how teaching assistants work alongside teachers to review assessment activities, evaluate learning outcomes and help pupils take their next steps with confidence.

This unit explores the importance of continually developing your knowledge, skills and confidence to become an effective teaching assistant. You’ll learn how to understand the expectations of your role, reflect on praise and constructive feedback from colleagues, and evaluate your own performance. You’ll also discover how recognising your strengths and identifying areas for improvement can support your ongoing personal and professional development.

• Understanding the Requirements of Your Role
• Reflecting on Praise and Feedback Within an Organisation
• Evaluating Your Own Performance and Identifying Areas for Development