Are you thinking about working in education but not sure where to start? Supporting teaching and learning in schools might be the perfect career for you. Teaching assistants play a vital role in UK schools, helping teachers support children and young people every single day. Whether you want to work in primary or secondary education, there are clear qualification pathways and real career opportunities waiting for you.Supporting teaching and learning in schools involves working directly with children and young people in the classroom. You’ll help teachers deliver lessons, support learners who need extra help, and create a positive learning environment. It’s rewarding work that makes a real difference to young people’s education and development.The UK offers recognised teaching assistant qualifications at different levels. You can start with a Level 2 certificate in supporting teaching and learning, then progress to a Level 3 diploma if you want more responsibility and better pay. Many courses are available free through government funding, and you can study whilst working in schools.

This guide explains everything about supporting teaching and learning careers, what qualifications you need, and how much you can earn. Let’s explore what this rewarding career path offers.

What Is Supporting Teaching and Learning?

Supporting teaching and learning means helping teachers in classrooms. You work directly with children and young people, supporting their development and learning. It’s not about teaching the whole class—it’s about providing targeted help where it’s needed most.

Teaching assistants support learners in different ways. Some children need help with literacy or numeracy. Others need support with behaviour management or emotional wellbeing. Some have special educational needs and require specialist support. Your job is to understand what each young person needs and provide that support.

  • Helping individual learners with reading or maths
  • Supporting children with special educational needs
  • Helping teachers manage behaviour in the classroom
  • Running small group sessions
  • Supporting children’s social and emotional development
  • Creating a safe, inclusive learning environment
  • Safeguarding children and young people

Supporting teaching and learning is crucial in UK schools. Teachers can’t manage classrooms alone, especially when learners have different needs. Teaching assistants make education more inclusive and help every young person access learning.

Teaching Assistant Qualifications in the UK

Several teaching and learning qualifications exist in the UK. The main ones are Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Both are vocational qualifications that teach practical skills you’ll use immediately in schools.

Level 2 Teaching Assistant Qualification

Level 2 certificate in supporting teaching and learning is the entry-level qualification. Most schools prefer teaching assistants to have at least Level 2. It covers the basics of supporting teaching and learning, working with children and young people, safeguarding, and positive behaviour management.

Level 2 takes 6-12 months to complete. You’ll study topics like:

  • Understanding child development
  • Supporting learners
  • Behaviour management
  • Health and safety in schools
  • Special educational needs

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

The level 3 diploma in supporting teaching and learning is more advanced. NCFE CACHE level 3 is the most recognised awarding body. Level 3 teaches specialist support for teaching and learning, working with children with additional needs, and supporting teachers in curriculum delivery.

Level 3 takes 12-18 months. You’ll study:

  • Advanced child development
  • Specialist support strategies
  • Partnership working with parents and other professionals
  • Young people’s development and safeguarding
  • Leading and mentoring

Which Qualification Should You Choose?

Start with Level 2 if you’re new to education. It’s easier, quicker, and opens doors to teaching assistant jobs. Progress to Level 3 after gaining experience. Level 3 opens senior roles and higher salaries.

How to Support Teaching and Learning in the Classroom

Understanding how to support teaching and learning practically helps you succeed in the role. It’s about knowing what children and young people need and providing the right support.

Supporting Individual Learners

Many learners fall behind in reading, writing, or maths. You might work with a child one-to-one, helping them with phonics, sentence writing, or number bonds. You break tasks into smaller steps and praise effort. This targeted support helps children catch up and build confidence.

Working with Special Educational Needs

Some children have special educational needs. They might have dyslexia, autism, physical disabilities, or learning difficulties. Your job is to support their learning in ways that work for them. You might use visual supports, move at their pace, or help with communication. This specialist support helps young people with special needs access the curriculum.

Behaviour Management

Positive behaviour support is crucial. Rather than just stopping bad behaviour, you help children understand why good behaviour matters. You build relationships with children and young people, set clear boundaries, and praise good choices. You support learners who struggle with behaviour to develop self-control and emotional regulation.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

An inclusive learning environment means all young people can learn, regardless of their needs. You help by:

  • Making sure all learners feel welcome
  • Using language everyone understands
  • Supporting children to make friends
  • Removing barriers to learning
  • Building positive relationships with children and young people

Safeguarding Children and Young People

Safeguarding means protecting children from harm. You notice changes in behaviour that might signal abuse. You maintain confidentiality and share information appropriately. You follow school procedures and report concerns. Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working with young people.

Level 2 Teaching Assistant Qualification

Level 2 is the most common entry-level qualification for teaching assistants. Let’s look at what you’ll learn and how it helps your career.

What Level 2 Covers

Level 2 focuses on practical skills for supporting teaching and learning. You’ll learn about child development from age 0-16. You’ll understand how young people learn and develop emotionally, socially, and physically. This knowledge helps you support learners effectively.

Key topics include:

  • Understanding children and young people’s development
  • Supporting teaching and learning
  • Behaviour management and positive behaviour
  • Health and safety in schools
  • Special educational needs (introduction)
  • Safeguarding children and young people
  • Working with parents and carers

Time to Complete

Most Level 2 courses take 6-12 months if you study part-time whilst working. Some intensive courses take 4-6 months. It depends on your pace and the provider.

Entry Requirements

You need:

  • Age 16+ (usually)
  • Basic reading and writing
  • GCSE Maths and English helpful (but not essential)
  • No previous childcare experience needed
  • Enthusiasm for working with young people

Practical Placement

Level 2 requires a work placement in a school. You work with real children and young people, applying what you’ve learned. Schools often employ Level 2 learners, so many people study whilst working in their school. This makes learning real and practical.

Assessment Methods

You’ll complete:

  • Written assignments
  • Reflective accounts (how you support learners)
  • Case studies of children you’ve worked with
  • Final exam or practical assessment
  • Your tutor watches you work with children

Career Progression After Level 2

After Level 2, you can work as a teaching assistant. With experience, progress to:

  • Senior teaching assistant (more responsibility, higher pay)
  • Level 3 qualification (advanced role)
  • Specialisation in SEND, behaviour support, or early years
  • Further training in specific areas

Progression Opportunities

  • Move to senior teaching assistant roles
  • Specialise in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability)
  • Focus on behaviour support
  • Take on early years leadership
  • Progress to teaching (using Level 3 as stepping stone)
  • Move into youth work or family support

Specialisation Paths

  • SEND specialist (working with children with special needs)
  • Behaviour support (helping children with challenging behaviour)
  • Literacy/numeracy support (specialist in reading, writing, maths)
  • Mental health support (supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing)
  • Early years (working with youngest learners)

Job Security and Stability

School support roles are stable. Schools always need teaching assistants. Unlike some jobs, education is relatively recession-proof. Schools prioritise support staff because they’re essential.

Many schools offer term-time only contracts, giving flexibility for parents. Some offer 52-week contracts for year-round work.

How to Get Qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Getting a teaching and learning qualification involves clear steps. Let’s walk through the process.

Step 1: Decide Which Level

Think about where you are now. New to education? Start with Level 2. Already working in schools? Level 2 or Level 3 both work. Aim for the level that matches your experience and ambitions.

Step 2: Check Entry Requirements

Make sure you meet requirements. Most need age 16+, basic literacy and numeracy, and enthusiasm for working with young people. GCSEs aren’t usually essential.

Step 3: Find an Accredited Provider

Look for providers offering NCFE CACHE qualifications or other recognised awarding bodies. Good providers include:

  • Open College
  • UK Training Providers
  • Local colleges
  • Online training companies

Step 4: Apply for Your Course

Complete the application form. Explain why you want the qualification and what you hope to achieve. Most providers process applications within 2-3 weeks.

Step 5: Arrange a Work Placement

Most courses require practical placement in a school. You might work in a school already. If not, ask your provider for help. Many providers help learners find placements. Some schools employ Level 2 learners specifically to study on placements.

Step 6: Complete Coursework and Assignments

Study the course materials. Complete assignments set by your tutor. Assignments might be written essays, reflective accounts, case studies, or observations of your work.

Step 7: Take Your Final Assessment

Most courses end with a final exam or practical assessment. You might complete a written exam, demonstrate your skills in the classroom, or submit a portfolio of evidence.

Step 8: Receive Your Qualification

Once you pass, you receive your recognised certificate. This is your passport to teaching assistant jobs. Keep it safe!

Free and Funded Courses Available

Cost shouldn’t stop you pursuing a learning support qualification. Free and funded options exist.

Government Funded Courses

The government funds teaching assistant training for eligible people. You might get a free cache level 2 teaching assistant course online free if you:

  • Are unemployed
  • Work under 16 hours weekly
  • Receive Universal Credit or Job Seeker’s Allowance
  • Are a care leaver under 25

Free government courses are fully accredited. You get the same qualification as people who pay.

Apprenticeships

Teaching assistant apprenticeships combine work and training. You earn a wage (apprentice minimum wage) whilst completing your qualification. Apprenticeships typically take 12-18 months. You work in a school and attend training.

This is brilliant if you need to earn money whilst training.

Employer Sponsorship

Many schools will sponsor your training. They see it as investing in their staff. If you work in a school, ask if they’ll fund your qualification. Many will.

Paid Courses

If you don’t qualify for free training, paid courses cost £400-£2,000 depending on level and provider. Many providers offer payment plans, spreading cost over months.

Traineeships

Government traineeships offer free training with work experience. They’re aimed at young people (16-24) wanting to start careers in education. You receive support and training.

Why Choose Supporting Teaching and Learning as a Career?

Supporting teaching and learning isn’t just a job—it’s a career with genuine rewards and progression.

Rewarding Work with Young People

Working directly with children and young people is incredibly rewarding. You see learners make progress. You help a struggling reader finally understand phonics. You support a shy young person to make friends. You make real differences to young people’s lives and futures.

Flexible Jobs

Many teaching assistant roles are term-time only. This suits parents and carers. You work school hours (usually 8:30am-3:30pm) with school holidays off. It’s genuinely flexible work.

Career Progression

You can progress from Level 2 to Level 3 to senior roles. You can specialise in areas that interest you—SEND, behaviour support, early years. Education offers genuine career pathways.

Decent Salary with Progression

Salaries are reasonable. You start at £18,000-£19,000 and can progress to £25,000-£28,000+ with Level 3 and experience. It’s decent for education work and progresses steadily.

Making a Real Difference

Education changes lives. You support young people to learn, develop confidence, and grow. You’re part of their success. This is deeply meaningful work.

Varied Work Environment

Every day is different. You work with different children, support different lessons, use different strategies. It’s not repetitive or boring. You’re constantly learning and adapting.

Team Working

Schools are team environments. You work alongside teachers, other teaching assistants, support staff, and leadership. You’re part of a community working together for young people.

Job Security

Schools always need support staff. Education isn’t outsourced or automated. Your skills are genuinely needed.

Conclusion

Supporting teaching and learning in schools is rewarding work that genuinely matters. You help young people learn, develop confidence, and grow. It’s flexible, offers progression, and provides decent salary potential.

The path is clear. Start with a Level 2 certificate in supporting teaching and learning. Gain experience. Progress to Level 3 if you want. Specialise if something interests you. Many people start in this role and build full careers in education.

Free and funded courses make it accessible. Government funding exists for eligible people. Apprenticeships let you earn whilst training. Schools often sponsor staff. Cost shouldn’t be a barrier.