• Access Duration:  1 Year
• Awarded by: NCFE  CACHE
• Qualification Level:  Level 3
• Qualification Number: 603/2495/8
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 80
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 120
• Credits: 12

• Summarise the different types of early years provision and the main stages of the statutory framework.
• Describe the work of the governors, senior managers, teachers, and support staff.
• Understand the existing laws and policies that protect children and teens.
• Identify symptoms, signs, and warning indicators of possible abuse or harm.
• Understand key developmental milestones of a child from birth to 19 years.
• Explain the influence of biological and environmental factors on the growth and development of a child.
• Know the legislation and regulations relating to health and safety in a school environment.

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning is aimed at people who want to develop the skills they will need to work in a school or college. It’s a Level 3 entry level qualification and ideal for those who want to learn the basics they need to start a career in education.

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring Teaching Assistants
• Career changers entering education
• Learning Support Assistants
• Volunteers in schools
• Parents seeking formal qualifications
• Returning Learners
• CPD Learners

• Learners must be at least 16 years old.
• There is no specific prior knowledge required for this qualification.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (4 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (2 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Award requires approximately 80 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

• There are no formal examinations.
• Your progress is assessed by a variety of tasks related to the units and learning outcomes.
• This includes written answers, short assignments, reflections, case studies, oral question and answer or other portfolio-based tasks.
• A portfolio of evidence is made up of what you have done and that you have met the learning goals and assessment criteria of each unit.
• Your work will be marked internally by South London College.
• This qualification is assessed as either ‘Achieved’ or ‘Not Yet Achieved’.

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning is for learners who want to develop their professional skills and improve their teaching and learning in the classroom.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Step 2: Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Step 3: Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
• Step 4: Foundation Degree in Education, Childhood Studies, or a related subject
• Step 5: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in Education Studies

Alternative Pathways 

• Level 3 qualifications in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning.
• Specialised CPD courses in areas such as SEND, Autism Awareness, or Behaviour Management.
• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status preparation

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning provides you with the basics you need to start a career in teaching or helping people to learn. This qualification is knowledge based and a good first step towards jobs where you will be working directly with kids and teens.

Here are some career opportunities you could pursue after completing this award and progressing to further related qualifications, along with approximate UK salaries: (Source: Glassdoor UK)

• Behaviour Mentor – £33,000
• Pastoral Support Officer – £26,000
• Cover Supervisor – £24,000
• Classroom Assistant – £21,000
• SEN Support Worker – £21,000
• Teaching Assistant (TA) – £20,000
• Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – £18,000

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Ofqual regulation ensures that the qualification meets national standards for quality, consistency, and fairness. It means the course content, assessment methods, and learning outcomes are carefully monitored, giving learners confidence that the qualification is credible, well recognised, and supports progression to further study or employment in the UK.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.