Course Overview

Are you ready to take your career as a TA to the next level? This Ofsted approved RQF will give you the opportunity to boost your salary, recognition, and responsibilities. Also ideal for those seeking management or mentoring roles, this course will build upon your existing experience and allow you to work unsupervised in a classroom setting. Designed for TAs already practicing at a level 3 standard, it’s specially structured so that you can continue to earn as you learn – simply incorporate your online studying into your working day, and put your newfound skills and knowledge to good use along the way!

The smarter, easier way to become a higher level teaching assistant

You’ll discover how to support children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing, uncover the roles and responsibilities of a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), and further improve on your working relationship with family members and other education professionals. You’ll complete a detailed research project which will help you to reflect on how to implement positive change in an academic setting, and explore leadership and management skills. As you continue to work as a TA, you’ll complete workplace observations that will be signed off by your Oxbridge tutor.

Why study this level 4 advanced practitioner certificate?

  • After completion, you can boost your salary and responsibilities
  • It’s internationally recognised, accredited, and Ofsted approved
  • You can study while you continue to work as a TA
  • You can advance into management or leadership positions
  • You’ll receive unlimited tutor support as you study.

Why it’s better to study STL4 instead of HLTA

HLTA Level 4 Advanced Practitioner in Schools & Colleges
Work as a Higher Level Practitioner/Teaching Assistant Tick or Yes Tick or Yes
Internationally recognised qualification Tick or Yes
Course credits for University Tick or Yes
Can be assessed solely by your course tutor Tick or Yes
Requires an assessment by your local council Tick or Yes
Limited to practice only in your local LEA area Tick or Yes
No limits on where you can practice Tick or Yes

Course at a glance

Course duration

12

On average it takes our students 4 months to complete this course, however you have up to 12 months.

Awarded by

Study Method

Study using our award-winning online learning platform, with the option to receive your course materials in the post!

To find out more about paper-based study click here

Student Card

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Student card available with this course. Find out more here!

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Success Story

Jackie Shackell, 53, wasn’t always a keen learner. In fact, she left school at 16 with minimal qualifications. She was very intelligent, but the organised structure of schooling just didn’t fit in with the way she liked to learn. Nevertheless, she secured a civil service job at the Department of Work and Pensions, where she worked happily for 22 years. During this time, Jackie also gave birth to six beautiful and much-loved children, who eventually had children of their own.

Jackie Shackell
Higher Level Teaching Assistant

How to Become a Teaching Assistant

Working as a teaching assistant is rewarding, challenging, and offers real progression. If you love the idea of having a positive impact on children's lives, why not find out more about this career?

View Career Guide

Course Content

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Whichever career path you decide to choose, our 5‑step process can help you achieve your goals.

Step One

We'll take the time to understand your goals

Step Two

Together we'll develop your learning journey

Step Three

You'll get access to our award-winning learning portal, MyOxbridge. If you like, add a printed version of your course too!

Step Four

Our team of highly qualified tutors are as passionate about your success as you are. That’s why you’ll receive as much one-to-one support as you need from the moment you enrol, right through to receiving your certificate

Step Five

Once you've passed, we’ll review your learning journey, and provide free resources such as our Job Ready or University Ready Pack.

What about the normal things?

Study anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Our courses are ready when you are.

Receive a real certificate from an internationally recognised awarding body.

Flexible finance options.

A free six month study break.

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£695
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12

On average, students complete this course in 4 months, but we'll give you up to 12 months.

25mins/day

The learning hours for this course are up to 150 hours, which is around 25 minutes per day for months.

This course can start as soon as you enrol.

We'll give you plenty of time to finish this course, but if you need more time, just ask!

Awarding Body

CACHE stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education, and are the leading specialist Awarding Organisation for the Care and Education Sector.

Course Outcomes

In 2015, NCFE acquired CACHE. As of September 2017, our CACHE courses will now be known as NCFE CACHE, and you will receive your certificate from both awarding bodies.

This qualification comes with NCFE CACHE Level 4 certification. NCFE CACHE has been developing courses in the childcare, education and healthcare sectors since 1945 and are one of the most reputable awarding bodies for qualifications in the UK and overseas. Practitioners working in these areas are much more employable having gained NCFE CACHE certification and many employers specifically ask for their qualifications when taking on members of staff.

NCFE CACHE is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by the qualification regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are: The Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Welsh Government, and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Learners may progress within the workforce in the following job roles and responsibilities:

  • Higher Level Practitioner / Teaching Assistant
  • Internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities
  • Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities
Our course code
X400
Qualification Code
603/2474/0
Official Qualification Title
NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
Credits
21

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How is this course assessed or examined?

This Level 4 certificate is designed to provide you with everything you need to develop professionally as an Advanced Practitioner, and to expand the career opportunities available to you.

This course takes place across five mandatory units, with learners achieving a total of 21 credits. As you demonstrate your ability to work at level 4 in a school or college environment, you will be assessed by written assignments, professional discussion, and during observations that should take place as part of your everyday routine. Your Oxbridge tutor will sign off your observations, as well as mark your assignments.

Your performance in the workplace can be assessed by a workplace assessor who has held a supervisory role for over two years, and has a Level 4 or above support teaching qualification or full teaching qualification. Alternatively, you can be assessed by a colleague who has an assessing qualification such A1 or CAVA, alongside a Level 4 or above support teaching qualification or a full teaching qualification. Oxbridge will verify the suitability of your assessor, and we offer free guidance in how to observe and write in a format suitable for marking by your tutor, if needed. An Oxbridge assessor can also be provided for you if needed, for an additional fee. Find out more about what’s required of an assessor here.

When you submit your written work, you will be required to include a bibliography using clear citations and references. You will also need to provide documentation of your work, such as an evidence record, and a log of placement hours. Your tutor will explain exactly what is needed.

Entry requirements

Difficulty
Level four: the equivalent difficulty of a foundation degree, usually suitable for learners who have completed study at level 3.
Entry requirements

Students should be at least 18 years old and must be working in learning support in a school and should have completed (or be completing) a Level 3 Teaching Support qualification such as: NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools.

Minimum age
18 years old.

FAQs

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Why study with Oxbridge?

  • We'll get you qualified faster

    On average Oxbridge students pass three times quicker than those attending a traditional college.

  • Your grades are higher

    Our method of teaching produces pass rates 20% higher than the national average.

  • Proper job-ready qualifications

    Every course is designed to advance your employability or skills.

  • Unlimited Tutor Support

    You'll get as much help and support as you want—from experts—every step of the way.

  • We've bottled Mr Motivator

    Our courses are designed to be stimulating, engaging, and adapt to the pace and style of your learning.

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