Regulated Qualification
Study a Focus Awards qualification with an exact Ofqual record and clear unit requirements.
SUPPORT LEARNING IN SCHOOLS
About the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Award
The Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is a knowledge-based Focus Awards qualification. It helps you understand the responsibilities of school support staff, how children develop and how schools create safe, inclusive learning environments.
This course suits people exploring a teaching assistant career and staff strengthening their knowledge. You can complete the award without school employment or a placement. It assesses understanding rather than practical classroom competence. If you need a qualification that assesses your school practice, discuss the certificate and diploma routes with HHF.
Who Is This Course For?
This award suits aspiring teaching assistants, learning support assistants, school volunteers, career changers and existing support staff who want a stronger knowledge foundation. You can begin without a school job or placement.
It is useful preparation for further qualifications and school-support applications. Employers decide which qualifications and experience they accept. A Level 3 Award does not automatically provide evidence of practical competence or qualify you as a teacher.
What You Will Learn
Communication and professional relationships: explore respectful communication with children, young people and adults, and responses to disagreements.
Schools as organisations: understand school structures, roles, ethos, policies, legislation and the wider education system.
Child development: study patterns of development from birth to 19, factors affecting progress, monitoring, early intervention and transitions.
Safeguarding: explore responsibilities, signs of harm, partnership working, bullying, online safety, resilience and wellbeing.
Entry Requirements
You must be aged 16 or above, have suitable written English for Level 3 assignments and have basic digital skills to study and submit work online. Be prepared to research school policies and professional practice.
You do not need a previous teaching assistant qualification, school employment or a placement. The qualification is available in England and Northern Ireland. Contact HHF to discuss support needs and whether this knowledge-based award matches your goals.
Assessment and Workplace Requirements
This award is assessed through a portfolio of knowledge evidence covering all four units. There is no final exam and no requirement for a school placement or practical classroom assessment.
Evidence can include assignments, worksheets, research, projects, reports and answers to questions. Use public policies and appropriate case studies, or anonymised examples from experience. Record the sources you use and explain ideas in your own words.
Each unit is assessed against its learning outcomes and criteria, with Pass or Refer decisions. Your assessor explains any evidence gaps so you can revise and resubmit. Approved prior learning may be considered through HHF’s assessment process.
Online Learning, Duration and Tutor Support
Access the four unit materials, assignment guidance and portfolio resources through HHF’s online learning portal. Study at a flexible pace, submit your work online and use assessor feedback to improve your evidence. Total qualification time is 120 hours, including 80 guided learning hours; calendar duration depends on your study schedule.
The standard course has no compulsory regular live classes. Contact your tutor by email or WhatsApp for guidance, or request a one-to-one tutorial. Organise your research and drafts by unit, keep copies of submissions and ask for help when a task is unclear.
Course Fee and Enrolment
The course fee includes online learning materials, tutor guidance, assessment and awarding-body certification after successful completion and quality assurance. Refer to the live fee card for the current price.
Before enrolment, check that a knowledge-based award meets your intended employer or progression requirements. Contact HHF to discuss the course, payment arrangements and your study plan.
VERIFY YOUR QUALIFICATION
Certification and Recognition
Successful learners achieve the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF), qualification number 601/6103/6, worth 12 credits. You must meet every assessment requirement for all four units.
Certification follows assessor confirmation, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and any required External Quality Assurance (EQA) or awarding-body approval. Supply any additional evidence requested. HHF’s usual certificate timeframe is 4–6 weeks after successful assessment and required quality checks; this is an estimate.
Awarding Organisation: Focus Awards
Qualification Number 601/6103/6
Verify this regulated qualification on the official Ofqual Register.
TRANSFORM • TRANSCEND • TRIUMPH
Why Study with HHF Training?
HHF Training offers flexible online study, clear unit guidance and access to tutor support. Learn without needing a school placement and organise study around your commitments.
Your assessor reviews evidence against the unit criteria and explains any further work required. Use feedback to develop clear, relevant answers in your own words. Assessment decisions proceed through internal quality assurance and applicable awarding-body checks.
Tutor Guidance
Receive guidance with course content, assignments and portfolio evidence throughout your study.
Flexible Online Study
Study around your commitments and agree a realistic assessment schedule with HHF.
Career Opportunities and Progression
Use the award to strengthen your knowledge when applying for teaching assistant, learning support, classroom support, school volunteer or pastoral support opportunities. Employers set their own requirements, and some roles require school experience or a practical qualification. This award does not confer qualified teacher status.
Progression may include the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support, or further development in safeguarding, SEND and behaviour support. Experienced school staff may later consider the Level 4 HLTA Certificate if their duties support the required practical evidence.
GET ANSWERS
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Award FAQs
Answers about knowledge-based study, entry requirements, assessment and progression.
Successful learners achieve the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF), qualification number 601/6103/6, worth 12 credits, after assessment and required quality assurance.
There are four mandatory units covering communication, schools as organisations, child development and safeguarding. Complete all four to achieve 12 credits. The qualification has 80 guided learning hours and 120 hours total qualification time.
No. This is a knowledge-based Award, so you do not need school employment or a placement. It does not assess practical classroom competence. Check certificate or diploma requirements if your goal needs workplace assessment.
Build a portfolio of written and research-based evidence for the four units. Your assessor checks each learning outcome and criterion. There is no final exam; decisions are Pass or Refer, with feedback explaining any further work needed.
Yes. Access unit materials, research guidance and assignments through HHF’s online portal. Submit your work and receive feedback online. No school placement is required and you can request tutor support or a one-to-one tutorial.
You must be at least 16 and have appropriate English and digital skills for Level 3 study. No previous teaching assistant qualification, school job or placement is required. Discuss support needs with HHF before enrolment.
Refer to the live course fee card for the current price. The fee includes online learning materials, tutor guidance, assessment and awarding-body certification after successful completion and required quality assurance. Contact HHF about payment arrangements.
Study is flexible. The qualification has 120 hours total qualification time, including 80 guided learning hours. Your pace depends on your schedule and assessment progress. HHF’s usual certification estimate is 4–6 weeks after successful assessment and required quality checks.