NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Diploma)
This course is aimed at learners working in support roles within schools and colleges, as well as learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils’ learning in primary, secondary, or special needs education, including colleges.
The course involves building a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competency within the profession. This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments. It covers all aspects of specialist support, including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher; bilingual support; special needs support; and personal development and reflective practice.
Dates & course durations
8th September 2026, Tuesdays, 9.00am-12.30pm.
Enrolment for autumn courses will open in June.
Entry requirements
English and Maths grade C/4 or above. Learners must be at least 19 years old and working or on placement in a school or college for the duration of the programme.
Course units
The course will cover 16 mandatory units including:
- Schools and colleges as organisations
- Support health and safety in a learning environment
- Understand how to safeguard children and young people
- Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults
- Understand how children and young people develop
- Support positive behaviour in children and young people
- Support children and young people during learning activities
- Support English and maths skills
- Support the use of ICT in the learning environment
- Support assessment for learning
- Engage in personal and professional development
- Support children and young people’s speech, language and communication
- Understand how to support bilingual learners
- Understand how to support learning of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
- Support children and young people during transitions
- Support the role of play, leisure and extra-curricular activities for children and young
Assessments
Assessment is ongoing through the completion of written evidence, along with demonstrating competency within the workplace.
Course fees
£2,225
Contact our Info team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Study methods
All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include direct observation by an assessor within the workplace, written assignments and professional discussion in line with the assessment of learning provided for each unit.
Facilities
Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.
Additional costs
Students will need an enhanced DBS check and to purchase the relevant textbook required for the course. Some courses may also require additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning. You will be made aware of any additional study time at the time of enrolment.
Course progression
Students can progress on to a foundation degree or specialist roles within the workforce. York College & University Centre currently offers a Foundation Degree (FD) in Children’s Learning & Development which is an ideal progression route for anyone looking to further cement their skills and knowledge in working within the education sector.
Career progression
This qualification will prepare you to work in the following roles: Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, and Special Needs Assistant.
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