Course description 

A practical vocational course that introduces the role of a teaching assistant. Learners will work on tasks such as identifying personal qualities and learning style, understand relevant communication skills to support the role of the teaching assistant and know how to support the curriculum. 

If you attend  at least 80% of the course and successfully complete your portfolio of assessment you will receive a certificate from the OCN London (at either level 1 or 2) 

Course content: 

What topics will you cover 

1. The role of the teaching assistant 

2.  Learning styles 

3. Communication skills 

4. Safeguarding learners 

5. Managing challenging behaviour 

6. Planning short group activities 

7. Health and safety in the classroom 

8. Introduction to lesson planning 

Learning objectives 

By the end of the course you will have:  

1. Gained an understanding of the role of the teaching assistant. 

2. Gained an understanding of the TA’s responsibility for keeping learners safe. 

3. Developed planning skills (short group activities and risk assessment). 

4.  Developed presentation skills. 

How will I be taught? What kind of activities will I be doing? 

Each session will include a teacher presentation, group discussions and portfolio building. 

There will be opportunities to carry out presentations, and you will also need to do a microteaching.  

Your tutor will work with you individually so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning.  

You will need to do work outside the classroom 

What will I need to bring? Where can I get this? What do we provide? 

Please bring pens and paper. You will be provided with course materials and an assessment portfolio. 

Will I get feedback? What could I do next? 

You will get feedback in all group discussions. You will also be given written individual feedback in your portfolio.   

Next steps could include: 

Start working as a volunteer TA  

TA level 3 course at Westway in 2025 or Prepare for Higher Education course at Morley 

The Westway Trust’s Be Well Do Well course in the new year