Qualification Structure

The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is a Level 3 qualification. The qualification is regulated within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and has Qualification Number (QRN) 601/7672/6.The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 440 hours and 235 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence, with learners required to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. Evidence may include assignments, projects, reports, assessor observations, witness testimony, worksheets and questioning.

To achieve the Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF), learners must successfully complete all mandatory units totalling 44 credits..

Core Study Units

Mandatory Units

• Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults — 10 Credits
• Schools as Organisations — 15 Credits
• Support Learning Activities — 20 Credits
• Promote Children and Young People’s Positive Behaviour — 15 Credits
• Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults — 10 Credits
• Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People — 10 Credits
• Support Assessment for Learning — 20 Credits
• Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings — 10 Credits
• Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety — 15 Credits
• Understand Child and Young Person Development — 30 Credits
• Understand How to Safeguard the Well-being of Children and Young People — 25 Credits

Optional Units – Group B

• Plan and Deliver Learning Activities Under the Direction of a Teacher — 21 Credits
• Support Literacy Development — 18 Credits
• Support Numeracy Development — 18 Credits
• Support Teaching and Learning in a Curriculum Area — 12 Credits
• Support Delivery of the 14–19 Curriculums — 15 Credits
• Provide Literacy and Numeracy Support — 16 Credits
• Support Gifted and Talented Learners — 21 Credits
• Support Children’s Speech, Language and Communication — 30 Credits
• Support Bilingual Learners — 23 Credits
• Provide Bilingual Support for Teaching and Learning — 32 Credits

Optional Units – Group C

• Support Disabled Children and Young People and Those with Special Educational Needs — 24 Credits
• Support Children and Young People with Behaviour, Emotional and Social Development Needs — 25 Credits
• Support Learners with Cognition and Learning Needs — 21 Credits
• Support Learners with Communication and Interaction Needs — 21 Credits
• Support Learners with Sensory and/or Physical Needs — 21 Credits
• Support Individuals to Meet Personal Care Needs — 16 Credits

Optional Units – Group D

• Work with Other Practitioners to Support Children and Young People — 15 Credits
• Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work of a Team — 25 Credits
• Provide Leadership and Direction for Own Area of Responsibility — 30 Credits
• Set Objectives and Provide Support for Team Members — 35 Credits
• Support Learning and Development Within Own Area of Responsibility — 25 Credits
• Team Working — 23 Credits

Optional Units – Group E

• Support Children and Young People During Transitions in Their Lives — 18 Credits
• Develop Interviewing Skills for Work with Children and Young People — 21 Credits
• Facilitate the Learning and Development of Children and Young People Through Mentoring — 30 Credits
• Improving the Attendance of Children and Young People in Statutory Education — 40 Credits
• Promote the Well-being and Resilience of Children and Young People — 30 Credits
• Provide Information and Advice to Children and Young People — 22 Credits
• Support Children and Young People to Achieve Their Education Potential — 30 Credits
• Support Children and Young People to Make Positive Changes in Their Lives — 27 Credits
• Support Young People in Relation to Sexual Health and Risk of Pregnancy — 10 Credits
• Support Young People to Develop, Implement and Review a Plan of Action — 25 Credits
• Support Young People Who Are Socially Excluded or Excluded from School — 10 Credits

Optional Units – Group F

• Assist in the Administration of Medication — 25 Credits
• Invigilate Tests and Examinations — 19 Credits
• Lead an Extra-Curricular Activity — 16 Credits
• Maintain Learner Records — 12 Credits
• Monitor and Maintain Curriculum Resources — 14 Credits
• Organise Travel for Children and Young People — 12 Credits
• Supervise Children and Young People on Journeys, Visits and Activities Outside of the Setting — 15 Credits
• Work in Partnership with Parents to Engage Them with Their Children’s Learning and Development in Schools — 31 Credits

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is designed for learners who want to develop professional knowledge and practical skills for supporting teaching, learning, development, inclusion and pupil wellbeing in school environments. It is particularly relevant to learners already working, or preparing to work, in specialist school support roles.

• Teaching Assistants: Suitable for teaching assistants who support teachers and pupils with classroom learning, activities and individual learning needs.
• Learning Support Assistants: Relevant to learners supporting pupils who require additional assistance with learning, communication, behaviour or participation.
• Special Educational Needs Support Staff: Appropriate for staff working with children and young people with special educational needs, disabilities, communication difficulties or other support requirements.
• School Support Staff: Suitable for individuals involved in supporting pupils’ development, wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion and day-to-day learning within schools.
• Aspiring School-Based Support Professionals: Designed for learners seeking a structured UK-regulated qualification to develop knowledge relevant to specialist support for teaching and learning.
• Existing Education Professionals: Useful for school staff who want to strengthen their understanding of professional relationships, assessment for learning, positive behaviour, safeguarding, equality and inclusion.
• International Learners: Suitable for learners outside the UK who want to study a UK-regulated RQF Level 3 qualification focused on specialist support for teaching and learning. Local employment, professional recognition and regulatory requirements should be checked in the relevant country.

The qualification is particularly appropriate where a learner's role involves supporting pupils under the direction of teaching professionals, contributing to learning activities, promoting positive behaviour, supporting inclusion and safeguarding, and responding to individual learning and development needs.

Career Opportunities

The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) provides learners with a structured foundation in the knowledge and practical skills required to support teaching, learning and pupil development in school settings. The qualification develops understanding of professional relationships, learning activities, positive behaviour, assessment for learning, safeguarding, equality and inclusion, child and young person development, and health and safety. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to develop specialist school support knowledge and progress within education-related roles or further relevant learning pathways.

Future Progression

The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) provides learners with a structured foundation for developing knowledge and practical skills relevant to school-based teaching and learning support. The qualification covers areas including professional relationships, learning activities, positive behaviour, assessment for learning, safeguarding, equality and inclusion, child and young person development, health and safety, and specialist support for learners with additional needs.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications in education, teaching support, child development, special educational needs, or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support continued professional development in education and school-based support.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Special Educational Needs Support Assistant, Specialist Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Literacy Support Assistant, Numeracy Support Assistant, Learning Mentor, and Pupil Support Assistant, depending on the learner’s experience, role requirements and employer criteria. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for supporting learning activities, promoting positive behaviour, contributing to inclusive practice, supporting assessment, and safeguarding children and young people.