Teaching Assistant & Early Years Qualifications Explained
Confused about qualification levels? Wondering whether you need a Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 course?
You're not alone! We'll explain what the different levels mean, how qualifications work and which courses might be right for you.
What do qualification levels mean?
In England, regulated qualifications have different levels. Generally, the higher the level, the more advanced the knowledge and skills you'll develop. But a higher level doesn't automatically qualify you for every job.
Discover
Getting started
An introduction to Teaching Assistant roles and childcare, ideal for people with little or no previous experience.
- Learn the basics
- Explore career options
- Build confidence
Develop
Building your knowledge
Develop a more detailed understanding of supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing.
- Build essential skills
- Understand responsibilities
- Prepare for support roles
Progress
Developing professional skills
More detailed learning, with practical assessment included in some qualifications.
- Study in greater depth
- Develop workplace skills
- Progress in your career
Advance
Advanced professional development
Higher-level learning for experienced practitioners and people developing specialist knowledge.
- Reflect on practice
- Develop advanced skills
- Explore specialist roles
Teaching Assistant Qualifications
Thinking about becoming a Teaching Assistant? Perhaps you're already volunteering in a school or working as a Teaching Assistant and want to develop your career. Here's how the different qualification levels work.
Introduction
A starting point for understanding schools, supporting pupils and the responsibilities of Teaching Assistants.
Building skills
Learn about child development, safeguarding, communication and classroom support.
Professional learning
Study teaching and learning in greater depth. Choose an Award, Certificate or Diploma depending on your needs.
Advanced practice
Develop higher-level knowledge and reflective practice, particularly if you're already experienced in education.
Which Teaching Assistant course should I choose?
At the same qualification level, an Award, Certificate and Diploma can be quite different. The title tells you something about the size of the qualification, but you also need to check its actual content and practical requirements.
Level 1 Award – Preparing to Work in Schools
An ideal starting point if you're new to education. Learn how schools work, how to support children's health and safety, and how to communicate with pupils and adults. Study from home without needing a school placement.
Level 2 Award – Supporting Work in Schools and Colleges
A good introduction to supporting children in education. Suitable for beginners who want to build their understanding without needing a school placement.
Level 2 Certificate – Supporting Teaching and Learning
Combines knowledge with practical skills demonstrated in a suitable school setting. Our course requires at least 50 hours of placement experience.
Level 3 Award – Supporting Teaching and Learning
Ideal if you're looking for a Level 3 qualification without arranging a placement. You'll study key aspects of supporting teaching and learning through four theory-based units.
Explore the Level 3 AwardLevel 3 Certificate – Supporting Teaching and Learning
Suitable for learners who can gain experience in a school. The Certificate combines theoretical knowledge with practical tasks assessed in the workplace.
Level 3 Diploma – Supporting Teaching and Learning
A larger qualification that explores a wider range of responsibilities and practical skills. Suitable for people who can undertake the required school placement experience.
Level 4 Certificate – Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
Designed for experienced practitioners who want to develop advanced professional skills, including leadership, reflective practice and improving educational provision.
Important: This qualification does not automatically confer Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status.
Can I study without working in a school?
Yes! Knowledge-based Awards are available without a school placement. They're useful if you're exploring a new career or want to develop your knowledge before gaining practical experience.
What if I already work in a school?
A practical Certificate or Diploma may be suitable because you can demonstrate your skills in the workplace, subject to meeting the placement and assessment requirements.
Early Years & Childcare Qualifications
If you'd like to work in a nursery, pre-school or another early years setting, choosing the right qualification is especially important. Some courses develop your knowledge, while others are designed to meet the requirements for particular professional roles.
Introduction
Explore the basics of caring for young children, including play, development and safety.
Developing skills
Build knowledge of children's development, wellbeing, safeguarding and early years practice.
Professional practice
Study childcare in greater depth. The exact qualification determines whether it meets Early Years Educator requirements.
Specialist development
Develop advanced knowledge in areas such as additional needs, inclusive practice or professional leadership.
Level 3 Childcare Award
Suitable for people wanting to learn more about childcare and child development without completing a full Early Years Educator Diploma.
This qualification alone does not provide Early Years Educator licence-to-practise status.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Designed for learners who want to become qualified Early Years Educators. It combines detailed study with practical experience in an early years setting.
Our NCFE CACHE Diploma requires at least 300 hours of placement experience, with 350 hours recommended. Learners must also meet the relevant assessment and qualification requirements.
The Diploma is designed to meet the full and relevant qualification criteria in England, subject to the applicable requirements.
Explore the Level 3 Early Years DiplomaWant to learn about childcare?
A knowledge-based course may be a suitable starting point if you're exploring the subject or considering a future career in early years education.
Want to work as a Level 3 Early Years Educator?
Look for an approved full and relevant qualification, such as an appropriate Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, and check the applicable staffing requirements.
What does Ofqual regulated mean?
Ofqual is the qualifications regulator in England. It regulates recognised awarding organisations and qualifications within its remit.
Many of our Teaching Assistant and Early Years courses lead to Ofqual-regulated NCFE CACHE qualifications. This means they are part of the regulated qualifications system and must meet the applicable requirements.
However, a regulated qualification is not automatically accepted for every job. Employers may require a particular subject, qualification size, practical experience or professional status.
You can check a qualification on the official Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
How to choose the right qualification
Still not sure which course to choose?
We're happy to help! Whether you're new to education or already working in a school or nursery, our team can explain the options and help you find a suitable qualification.
Explore Our Teaching Assistant Courses