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Professional Development Award: Education Support Assistance

This course is designed for those who wish to work, or are presently working, as an Education Support Assistant (sometimes known as a classroom assistant, pupil support assistant (PSA) or support for learning assistant – this covers all of these roles). Education Support Assistants are generally employed in schools to support the work of class teachers in learning activities, support Assistants are often involved in supporting and supervising tasks set by teachers to individuals and groups of pupils. This can be in primary schools, secondary schools, and sometimes in the private childcare sector.

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Level:

SCQF Level 6

Study Mode:

  • Distance learning

Location:

  • Other

Start Date:

Feb 2025

Duration:

  • One year part-time

Who is this course for?

  • This course is designed for those who wish to work, or are presently working, as an education support assistant (sometimes known as a classroom assistant, pupil support assistant (PSA) or support for learning assistant – this covers all of these roles). Successful completion the award will allow you to work as an Educational Support Assistant.

What skills will I learn?

  • Teamwork
  • Leadership skills
  • Good communicator
  • Confident, adaptable
  • Self-aware
  • Organisational skills
  • Reflective and resilient

What will I study?

The PDA Educational Support Assistance course is ideal for young people and adults returning to education, current school volunteers, or those progressing from our Level 5 Introduction to Early Education and Childcare. Successful completion of this award qualifies you to work as an Educational Support Assistant. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical work experience in a school setting, providing insight into key responsibilities such as supporting children with additional support needs, classroom organisation, and completing administrative tasks. This programme equips you with the skills and understanding required to excel in an educational support role.


Some of the units you will study include:

  • Supporting the development of children and young people from birth to eighteen years
  • Professional practice in an educational setting
  • Supporting the behaviour of children and young people
  • Supporting children and young people who require additional support for learning


You will undertake a work placement in a primary school one day per week. If you are currently employed in an educational establishment, this can also be used as your placement. This opportunity allows you to gain hands-on experience working with children, effectively linking theory to practice. This group award combines theoretical knowledge with practical work experience in a school setting. It is designed to prepare you to work effectively alongside a class teacher, supporting children with additional support needs and assisting with classroom learning.



Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • HNC: Childhood Practice SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Social Services SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Additional Support Needs: Supporting the Individual SCQF Level 7
  • HND Childhood Practice SCQF Level 8
  • HND: Additional Support Needs: Managing and Supporting the services SCQF Level 8
  • BA (Hons) Childhood Studies SCQF Level 10
  • BA (Hons) Childhood Practice SCQF Level 10
  • BA Learning Difficulties/Disabilities SCQF Level 9

What career opportunities are there?

  • On completion you can apply for registration as a SSSC professional and enter employment at Support Worker level

Related courses

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Childhood Practice HNC

This course will provide you with a rich understanding of working with children and young people, and will help you to integrate knowledge and theory into practice, including the importance of the National Care Standards and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice. This course will teach the importance of play to children's development, leadership skills, a thorough understanding of child development theories, strategies to support children with additional support needs, how to understand and support children's behaviour, contemporary family issues, collaborative working and the importance of health, wellbeing and safeguarding. You will participate in a minimum SQA Mandatory requirement of 60 days of practice-based experience in an Early Learning and Childcare Setting where you will also undertake 3 SVQ (Vocational Qualification) units. Placements can be physically demanding and fitness to practice will be discussed before any placement commences. From this course, you can apply for registration as a Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) professional and go into employment within nurseries, playgroups, after school clubs and other play schemes. This course is perfect for those who are progressing on from our NC Early Education and Childcare course.