Lift College0000 000 0000Start 7-day free trialFree trial0
NVQ / DiplomaRegulated qualificationFrom£100.00/mo

Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning

The Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning is an Ofqual-regulated, NCFE-awarded qualification for experienced teaching assistants who want to specialise in SEN support and take on greater classroom responsibility. Study fully online in 6 to 12 months, no exams.

See pricing
  • 6 to 12 monthsDuration
  • 100% OnlineStudy Method
  • Not applicable UCAS ptsPoints Available
  • Start anytimeStart Date
Accredited qualificationUK awarding body
Start anytimeNo fixed term dates
Tutor supportExpert tutors, 7 days
14-day money backRefund if not loved
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning at a glance
Qualification levelRQF Level 3
Qualification number601/8360/1
Awarding bodyan Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation
Total credits60 credits
UCAS pointsNot applicable UCAS points
Typical study time6 to 12 months
Study method100% Online
Start dateStart anytime
Pay monthly£100.00 per month
Pay annually£1,199.00

This course is for you if…

  • ✓Are already working as a teaching assistant and want to progress your career
  • ✓Want to specialise in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities
  • ✓Want a nationally recognised qualification that supports a pay rise or promotion
  • ✓Are considering progressing to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status
  • ✓Enjoy working closely with SENCOs, class teachers and external specialists
  • ✓Want to deepen your knowledge of curriculum planning and assessment support

Your career after this course

  • ✓Have no prior experience working with children in an education setting
  • ✓Are looking for your very first teaching assistant qualification, which the Level 2 Award/Certificate covers instead
  • ✓Want a qualification with a guaranteed pay increase attached
  • ✓Need to qualify in under 3 months
  • ✓Are seeking a qualification focused purely on early years rather than school-age children
  • ✓Want a qualification with a university degree pathway rather than continued classroom work
About this qualification

What you'll learn

Experienced teaching assistants are often the difference between a pupil with additional needs falling behind or thriving. The Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning is the qualification that recognises and extends that expertise.

This Level 3 qualification is awarded by NCFE and quality-assured by Ofqual. It builds on the knowledge covered at Level 2, going deeper into supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, behaviour management, literacy and numeracy support, and assisting with curriculum planning and assessment.

Regulated qualificationRQF Level 3UCAS Not applicable100% Online6 to 12 monthsSelf-paced
What you'll need

Entry requirements

You should already have some experience working in a school setting, either paid or voluntary, since the course draws on real classroom practice.

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above are useful but not always required, check with our admissions team if you are unsure.

There is no minimum study commitment, though most learners spend around 6 to 8 hours a week to complete within 6 to 12 months.

Not sure if you qualify?

Our admissions team can talk you through your options.

Call 0000 000 0000
Assessment

How you're assessed

The qualification is assessed through written assignments, case studies and a portfolio of evidence from your classroom practice. There are no formal exams.

You will cover units on SEN support, behaviour management, literacy and numeracy support, and assisting with assessment for learning.

01

Portfolio-based

Coursework and a written portfolio. No traditional written exams.

02

Submit online

All assignments submitted through your learner dashboard.

03

Tutor feedback

Detailed feedback in 3 to 5 working days. Refine and resubmit until you reach the grade you want.

04

Graded across units

Pass, Merit or Distinction on each unit. Top grades stack to the highest UCAS point total.

Careers

Where this can take you

Typical roles and salary ranges this qualification opens up.

SEN Teaching Assistant

Typical salary range

£19,000 to £27,000

Provide specialist one to one or small group support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Typical salary range

£27,711 to £32,100

Take on whole-class responsibility under teacher direction, plan and deliver learning activities, and cover classes when needed.

Learning Mentor

Typical salary range

£21,000 to £27,000

Support pupils with behavioural, emotional or attendance barriers to learning, often working across multiple year groups.

Teaching Assistant (Level 3)

Typical salary range

£26,400 to £28,100

Take on greater classroom responsibility than a Level 2 TA, often supporting specific subjects or year groups.

Pricing

Choose your payment plan

Same course, your choice of how to pay.

Pay Monthly

Recurring monthly subscription. Cancel anytime.

£100.00/month

Billed monthly

  • Full access to all course materials
  • Dedicated subject tutor
  • Live and recorded webinars
  • Certificate on completion
  • Pay by card, PayPal, Klarna
  • Spread cost with 0% interest
Best value

Pay Annually

Recurring annual subscription. Save versus monthly.

£1,199.00/year

Billed annually

  • Everything in Pay Monthly
  • Save 20% on the course price
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • Lock in lifetime materials access
  • Free downloadable course guide
  • No further payments
Everything else

What else you should know

Study support and platform

  • You get a personal tutor from day one
  • Log in any time from a phone, tablet or laptop
  • Marking is done in 3 to 5 working days
  • Talk to our support team by phone, email or live chat
  • See your progress and next steps on your dashboard
  • Join the learner community forum when you want to chat to others

Funding and finance

  • Pay monthly to spread the cost with no interest
  • Pay in full and save versus monthly
  • No credit checks and no contract. Pause or cancel anytime
  • We can send funding paperwork to your employer if they sponsor you
  • Our enrolment team will talk you through every option
  • 14 day money back guarantee on every enrolment

Accreditation and recognition

  • Awarded by a recognised UK awarding body
  • Regulated by Ofqual, the same standard as college courses
  • Accepted by UK universities, employers and professional bodies
  • You get a certificate when you finish
  • Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications
  • Independently quality checked through IQA and EQA

How it works

  • Start any time. There are no set term dates or cohorts
  • Study at your own pace around work and family
  • No exams. You complete coursework, a portfolio and assignments
  • Resubmit your work at no extra cost to reach the grade you want
  • Use the optional study planner if you like a bit of structure
  • How long you study is entirely up to you. Most learners spend a few hours each week, but you can do more or less based on your own pace
What learners say

Trusted by thousands of learners

Real feedback from learners studying with Lift College.

The flexibility was a game changer for me. I studied around my shifts and my tutor was incredibly supportive throughout.
Sarah M. · Manchester
Access to HE Diploma
I was nervous about going back to study after 15 years, but the platform is so easy to use and the feedback I got on assignments was genuinely useful.
James P. · Birmingham
A Level Biology
Got into my first-choice university with a place on a Nursing BSc. The Access to HE Diploma gave me exactly what I needed.
Aisha K. · London
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
Good value and well structured. I appreciated that I could resubmit work without extra cost, really helped me improve.
David R. · Leeds
CMI Level 5
Customer service was excellent. Any time I had a question it was answered within hours. Highly recommend.
Emma L. · Glasgow
GCSE English
I needed a qualification that actually meant something to employers. Ofqual regulation was the deciding factor, and it delivered.
Tom W. · Bristol
CMI Level 7
You might also like

Related qualifications

Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) - Level 4

Level 4 · 9 to 12 months

View qualification →

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Level 3 · 12 to 18 months

View qualification →

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Level 3 · 9 to 12 months

View qualification →
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning
Start free trial