Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · online with Education Training
Duration: 6 Months or 9 Months Fees from: £950 Start: enrol any time
Education Training offers the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (qualification number 603/7690/9), online over 6 or 9 months. This qualification is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils learning in primary, secondary or special schools. Fees from £950. Principles of safeguarding the well- being of children and young people. is one of 11 units (44 credits).
What is this qualification?
Interested in a rewarding career in educational support? The Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools is your pathway to success. This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide specialised assistance to teachers and students in diverse educational settings. Gain expertise in areas such as behaviour management, special educational needs, and curriculum support. With practical training and industry-focused curriculum, you'll be prepared for roles as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant, or inclusion support worker. Take the next step towards a fulfiling career in educational support by enroling in this highly regarded course today.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is a valuable qualification designed for individuals who want to work as teaching assistants or provide specialist support in educational settings. This course provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support teaching and learning, particularly for learners with additional needs.
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Aspiring Teaching Assistants: If you are interested in a career as a teaching assistant, this diploma is an ideal choice. It equips you with essential knowledge and skills to support teachers in delivering lessons, implementing individual education plans, and creating inclusive learning environments.
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Learning Support Assistants: Individuals currently working as learning support assistants in schools can benefit from this diploma. It deepens your understanding of different learning styles, behaviour management strategies, and effective communication techniques, enabling you to provide targeted support to students with diverse needs.
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Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Workers: This course is relevant for individuals working as support workers in special educational needs settings. It covers topics such as SEN legislation, working with learners with specific disabilities or learning difficulties, and adapting teaching and learning approaches to meet individual needs.
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Career Changers: It provides a recognised qualification and equips you with the necessary skills to work as a teaching assistant or learning support practitioner.
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Parents and Guardians: This qualification is also suitable for parents and guardians who want to gain a deeper understanding of how to support their child's educational journey. It provides insights into effective learning strategies, inclusive practices, and ways to collaborate with teachers and schools.
By completing this qualification, you can enhance your employability and make a positive impact on students' educational experiences. This qualification is highly regarded within the education sector and provides a solid foundation for working as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant, or SEN support worker in schools or other educational settings.
Qualifi publishes its full target audience for this qualification on its own page.
Why choose this qualification
The "the qualification" is essential for aspiring teaching assistants and support professionals in educational settings. This course is required to gain expertise in providing specialised support to students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. It covers crucial skills such as behaviour management, SEN support, and learning strategies, making graduates valuable assets in schools. With accredited qualifications and flexible study options, this diploma enhances career prospects and empowers individuals to create inclusive and effective learning environments. Enrol now to make a positive impact on students' education and unlock rewarding opportunities in the education sector.
Qualification structure and units
The qualification totals 44 credits. Unit details are published in the Qualifi specification.
| Unit | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Working relationships with children, young people and adults. Schools as business organisations. | Mandatory | — |
| Support for learning activities | Mandatory | — |
| Promoting positive behaviour to children and young people | Mandatory | — |
| Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion when working with children and young people. | Mandatory | — |
| Support for assessment for learning. | Mandatory | — |
| Understanding children’s and young people’s development. | Mandatory | — |
| Supporting the health and safety of children and young people | Mandatory | — |
| Delivering learning activities in collaboration with a teacher. Supporting gifted learners. | Mandatory | — |
| Supporting children’s communication. | Mandatory | — |
| Personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings. | Mandatory | — |
| Principles of safeguarding the well- being of children and young people. | Mandatory | — |
| Total for the qualification | 44 | |
Source: Qualifi qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/7690/9.
How you study
Standard study plan: 6 Months; extended plan: 9 Months.
At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.
How you are assessed
Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by Qualifi. There are no examinations.
Entry requirements
- Entry to the qualification will be through centre interview and applicants will be expected to be aged 16 or over and hold a Level 2 qualification
- International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK higher education postgraduate programmes.
Qualifi publishes its full entry requirements for this qualification on its own page.
Fees and payment plans
| Duration | Total fee | Payment option | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Months | £1,250 | 3 × £416 monthly | £1,248 |
| Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full) | £1,187.50 | ||
| 9 Months | £950 | 5 × £190 monthly | £950 |
| 2 × £475 quarterly | £950 | ||
| Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full) | £902.50 |
A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.
Refund policy · Complaints procedure
What is included
| Item | Included |
|---|---|
| Tuition and learning materials for every unit | Included |
| Tutor support and assignment feedback | Included |
| Assessment and marking | Included |
| Qualifi registration and certificate | Included |
| Instalment plan | Available at no extra charge |
| Application fee | £10 enrolment fee |
Progression and career routes
Successful completion supports progression to the next level and to employment in specialist support for teaching and learning in schools roles.
Related job profiles on the National Careers Service (pay, hours and entry routes are published there):
Qualifi publishes its full progression routes for this qualification on its own page.
How this qualification compares
Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.
- Mandatory and optional units across Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools qualifications (as of 23 October 2026)
- the qualification: 11 mandatory, 0 optional
- Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026)
- Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)
- Share of course-page views by RQF level (all time) (as of 23 October 2026)
- Level 0: 2%; Level 3: 6%; Level 4: 1%; Level 5: 90%; Level 6: 1%
- Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026)
- Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH
Awarding body and regulation
This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 603/7690/9 — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, Qualifi verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about Qualifi recognition.
Additional requirements
Learning outcomes
- Understand the principles underpinning the development of positive relationships with children, young people and adults.
- Be able to support learning activities.
- Understand the role and features of assessment for learning.
- Understand the main legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people.
- Be able to reflect on their own practice.
- Be able to plan and prepare learning activities under the supervision of a teacher.
How to apply
Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).
- Apply online
Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted. - Course activation
Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours. - Course fee
Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.
Frequently asked questions
What is this qualification equivalent to?
How many credits is this qualification?
How long does this qualification take?
Is this qualification recognised?
Are there exams?
What are the entry requirements?
What does it cost and how can I pay?
How do I apply with Education Training?
When can I start?
What can I progress to afterwards?
Progression path
- Level 3 Diploma
- Level 4 Diploma
Related pages
Browse every Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification or all Level 3 qualifications.
Who awards and delivers this qualification
- Awarding organisation
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Qualifi, regulated by Ofqual.
Qualification number 603/7690/9.
- Source
Qualifi qualification specification (PDF). Facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.
Last reviewed 22 October 2026Published by the Education Training admissions team
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