Qualification Structure

The Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 300 hours and 185 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with Focus Awards assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of supporting teaching and learning principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully achieve 30 credits.

Core Study Units

Mandatory Units

• Child and Young Person Development — 2 credits
• Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Young People — 3 credits
• Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults — 2 credits
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People — 2 credits
• Help Improve Own and Team Practice in Schools — 3 credits
• Maintain and Support Relationships with Children and Young People — 3 credits
• Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety — 3 credits
• Support Children and Young People’s Positive Behaviour — 2 credits
• Support Learning Activities — 4 credits

Total Mandatory Credits: 24 credits

Optional Units

• Schools as organisations — Level 3 — 3 credits
• Schools as organisations — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Contribute to supporting bilingual learners — Level 2 — 2 credits
• Invigilate tests and examinations — Level 3 — 3 credits
• Prepare and maintain learning environments — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Provide displays in schools — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Support assessment for learning — Level 3 — 4 credits
• Support children and young people at meal or snack times — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Support children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs — Level 2 — 4 credits
• Support children and young people’s play and leisure — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Support children and young people’s travel outside of the setting — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Support extra-curricular activities — Level 2 — 3 credits
• Support the use of information and communication technology for teaching and learning — Level 2 — 2 credits
• Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care — Level 2 — 4 credits
• Provide support for therapy sessions — Level 2 — 2 credits

Credit Requirements

• Mandatory units: 24 credits
• Optional Group A: 3 credits
• Optional Group B: 3 credits
• Total required for the qualification: 30 credits

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is designed for learners who want to develop the knowledge and understanding required to support teaching and learning in school environments. The qualification is specifically aimed at members of the school workforce who directly support children and young people.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Learners seeking a recognised Level 2 qualification in supporting teaching and learning in schools.
• Teaching assistants, classroom support staff and other school workforce members involved in supporting pupils.
• Individuals who want to develop knowledge of child and young person development, safeguarding, communication and professional relationships.
• Learners interested in supporting positive behaviour, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion within educational settings.
• Individuals who want to understand how learning activities and assessment for learning can be supported effectively.
• Learners developing knowledge of relationships with children and young people and effective professional practice in schools.
• Individuals considering progression to a Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools.

The qualification is particularly relevant to learners preparing for or developing their role within school-based learning support. Its content covers practical areas including safeguarding children and young people, supporting learning activities, maintaining professional relationships, promoting positive behaviour, and supporting pupil health and safety.

Career Opportunities

The Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) provides learners with a structured foundation in the knowledge and principles required to support teaching and learning in school environments. The qualification develops understanding of child and young person development, safeguarding, communication, professional relationships, equality, diversity and inclusion, positive behaviour, health and safety, and learning activities. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to develop their knowledge of school-based learning support and progress towards further qualifications or relevant roles within education and learning support.

Future Progression

The Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) provides learners with a foundation for developing knowledge and skills relevant to school-based teaching and learning support. The qualification covers areas including child and young person development, safeguarding, communication, professional relationships, equality and diversity, positive behaviour, health and safety, and supporting learning activities.

Academically, learners may progress to Level 3 qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or related education and childcare subjects, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also provide a foundation for further learning in areas such as education, teaching support, childcare, learning support and specialist educational practice.

Professionally, this qualification can support progression towards roles such as Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Pupil Support Assistant, Special Educational Needs Support Assistant, Pastoral Support Assistant and other school support positions, depending on employer requirements and relevant practical experience. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for supporting learners, maintaining professional relationships, promoting positive behaviour, safeguarding children and young people, and contributing effectively to learning activities.