Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate For Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Overview
The Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) equips individuals with advanced skills and knowledge to excel in higher-level teaching assistant roles. This comprehensive course covers professional development, child development, special educational needs, behaviour management, and effective communication. Participants will support learners with diverse needs, develop and implement inclusive teaching strategies, and foster positive behaviour in educational settings. Practical assignments and observation checklists ensure candidates are well-prepared to enhance their teaching support practices.
Alpha Academy is the affiliate partner of Janets. Under the affiliate partnership/program this Qualification will be delivered and assessed by Janets.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a higher level teaching assistant and the requirements for the role.
- Recognise the importance of continuing professional development and how to engage in it effectively.
- Collaborate with colleagues, manage tasks, and contribute to the development of effective teaching practices.
- Identify and support the different stages of child development and promote equality and inclusion.
- Address factors influencing child development and support the contributions of parents and carers.
- Implement strategies to support learners with special educational needs and disabilities, including sensory and physical needs.
- Manage and promote positive behaviour in children and young people and respond effectively to challenging behaviour.
- Develop effective working relationships with individuals and groups, including children, young people, and their families.
- Plan, deliver, and assess challenging lessons across various age and ability ranges using ICT skills.
- Maintain and analyse records of learners’ progress and contribute to curriculum planning and monitoring.
Who Is This Course For
This course suits individuals who currently work as or aspire to become higher level teaching assistants. It particularly benefits those who want to advance their skills in supporting learners with diverse needs, managing behaviour, and collaborating with educational teams. If you are dedicated to enhancing your professional capabilities and making a significant impact in educational settings, this course provides the advanced training you need.
Eligibility Requirements
To enrol in this course, participants should have a solid understanding of child development and educational practices. A background in working with children or young people is beneficial. While no specific prior qualifications are required, you must be willing to engage in professional development and improve your teaching support skills.
Entry Requirements
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 16 or above, allowing both young learners and adults to engage in this educational pursuit.
- Employment: Employment as a teaching assistant within a school setting.
Progression
Learners seeking further advancement from this qualification can enhance their skills through the following educational pathways:
- Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF): A foundational course for those interested in teaching and training roles.
- Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF): A more comprehensive program, suitable for individuals aspiring to become educators and trainers.
- Focus Awards Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF): This advanced qualification is designed for educators seeking to excel in their teaching careers and is often a valuable step for those aspiring to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Total Qualification Time
The Total Qualification Time (TQT) includes both guided learning hours (GLH) and an approximation of the hours a student is expected to dedicate to independent preparation, studying, or any other learning activities, including assessments, that are directed by educational staff but not directly supervised by them. The credit value of a qualification is determined by TQT, with one credit equivalent to 10 hours of learning. The Total Qualification Time for this specific qualification is 360 hours.
Guided Learning Hours
The term “Guided Learning Hours” encompasses all instances of direct interaction, support, or oversight provided to a learner by an educator, supervisor, tutor, trainer, or a suitable education/training provider. The specific Guided Learning Hours for this qualification amount to 108 hours.
Method of Assessment
- Assessment activities consist of several short assignments, each requiring evidence of general reading and appropriate references.
- All assignments must be submitted via the online portal.
- To achieve a Pass, learners must meet all learning outcomes; there is no grading system.
- Assessment for the qualification involves tutor-marked assignments. After completing each unit, learners must answer a series of questions comprehensively. These responses are then marked by the tutor.
- Tutor-marked tasks are also subject to assessment by a professional.
- To ensure the course assignments meet the required standards, both by learners and assessors, tasks undergo internal and external moderation processes.
Career Path
- Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): Enhanced teaching support.
- Teaching Assistant Supervisor: Oversee and train teaching assistants.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator: Focus on students with diverse learning needs.
- Teaching: Pursue full teacher qualification (e.g., PGCE).
- Education Support Roles: School administration, coordination, or consulting.
- Education Management: Advance to leadership positions in schools or institutions.
- Education and Training: Train adults or work in further education.
- Curriculum Development: Design and improve educational programs.
- Education Research: Conduct research in educational institutions.
- Freelance/Private Tutoring: Offer personalised tutoring services.
- Educational Technology: Work in instructional design, e-learning, or educational software.