iLearn Teaching Assistant (Preparing to Work in Schools)
Location
Applicant Type
Adults
Level
Short Course
Subject
Teaching & Training
Course Overview
The iLearn Teaching Assistant (Preparing to Work in Schools) course is a 3‑week, classroom‑based training programme that supports you to develop knowledge and practical skills for working with children and young people. The course is suited to those interested in education‑based settings such as schools, nurseries, community clubs and sports clubs.
During the course, you can learn about the key responsibilities involved in supporting children and young people, including safeguarding principles, health and safety, and professional conduct when working in educational environments. The programme introduces you to expectations within schools and similar settings, helping you understand how teaching assistants and support staff contribute to children’s learning and wellbeing.
You will also explore wider workplace and employability‑focused topics, such as communication and customer service, mental health awareness, emergency first aid, conflict management and personal development. These areas support you to build confidence, self‑awareness and an understanding of how to work appropriately with colleagues, children and families. This course provides structured classroom learning designed to support preparation for further training or work within education and child‑focused environments.
By the end of the programme, you will have developed a clearer understanding of school‑based roles, workplace expectations and transferable skills that support progression within education and childcare‑related pathways.
To study this course, you must have a good command of the English language and complete a basic English assessment.
English assessment: Participation in this course requires the successful completion of a basic English assessment. This assessment is essential not only to meet awarding body and funding requirements but also to ensure you have the necessary language skills to complete the written components of the programme. If you do not meet the required standard, we can refer you to our English department, who may be able to offer funded lessons to support the development of your English skills.
Mandatory attendance, Coursework & Homework: Achieving the large number of qualifications offered on this course requires a high level of dedication and commitment. As such, full attendance at all classroom sessions is mandatory, and all coursework must be completed to ensure successful completion of the programme objectives. We recommend you set aside 1-3 hours per day for homework to ensure you meet the course deadlines. Lateness or requests to leave early may result in your place on the course being withdrawn.
Identification requirements: Candidates must provide one of the following forms of identification: Valid in-date passport (any nationality), signed in-date UK photocard driving licence, birth certificate (BUT, if a birth certificate is presented as proof of identification, an additional form of identification such as a signed bank card, utility bill or a letter issued by a government department must also be provided).
3 weeks in total delivered as follows:
- Weeks 1 & 2 will be Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00. These weeks are on offer at Southend, Basildon or Thurrock College
- Week 3 will be Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00 at Southend College
Venue addresses
- Southend City College, Luker Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1ND
- Centre for Digital Technologies – Basildon, College Way, Basildon, SS14 1GP
- Thurrock College, High Street, Grays, RM17 6TF
This course is FREE to those who were over 19 on 31/08/2026, are unemployed, resident in England and in receipt of Universal Credit or similar benefits. It is also FREE to those who were over the age of 19 on 31/08/2026 and are earning under £25,750 per year (you will need to provide us with evidence of your income in order to qualify to take a course for free).
We regret that we cannot provide iLearn courses for free to individuals who reside in the following combined authorities: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City, North of Tyne, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West Midlands, West Yorkshire and West of England.
On completion of this course, you can apply for a range of roles supporting children and young people in schools and community settings. Career opportunities include Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Additional Needs Assistant, Pastoral and Welfare Support Assistant and Lunchtime Assistant, as well as roles such as Sports Club Assistant, Youth Worker and Youth Club Assistant. The course provides a valuable foundation for gaining practical experience in education and progressing towards further training and career development in education, learning support, childcare and youth work.
3 weeks, Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00
3 weeks, Monday to Thursday 10:00-16:00
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Overall achievement rates (All learners)
90.2%
Ofstead good rating
A safe environment to learn
Qualifications earned per year
18232
Award-winning careers programe
State-of-the-art facilities
