If you want to be 100% certain your qualification is going to be fully recognised, you need to choose a course that is OFQUAL regulated and on the RQF framework. OFQUAL qualifications are government qualifications that enable you to work everywhere.
All regulated qualifications have a level. This indicates how difficult each qualification is and it’s applied based on the knowledge, understanding and skills that need to be evidenced to achieve a qualification. Qualifications are usually made up of units, and each unit also has a level. Generally Level 2 is the ideal entry level for those that have not studied for a while or would like an easier course to complete.
This is an ideal course for anyone who does not yet work in a school. As this is a knowledge based qualification completed by essay style assignments you write or type out your answers. It is also perfect for providing initial training/induction for those new in post. It’s suitable for learners aged 16 and above.
If you are lucky enough to be volunteering or working in a school, you may want to consider our Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools course. This course has a mix of practical assessments as well as regular written assignments so we recommend you are either working or volunteering in the school for 4-6 hours per week. The qualification is fully recognised and on the OFQUAL Framework and has 32 credits.
Generally level 3 is the qualification that most head teachers will ask for so this is the perfect choice if you would like to work in a school. The level 3 course is OFQUAL regulated ( the government department that regulates qualifications, exams and test in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland) and OFQUAL do not require you to have completed the level two course prior to completing the level 3 qualification. This means you can start directly at level 3 without having to complete level 2 first.
If you cannot get in a school classroom the Level 3 Award course is a fully recognised RQF home study course with 4 independent study units that are assessed by tutor marked written assignments and gain you 12 credits. You do not need to be working in a school to complete this course and there is no need to have completed level 2 prior to joining this course..
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant Certificate course requires 50 hours of work placement to complete. You need to be either volunteering or working in a school classroom to complete the course, as the criteria within the units of the course and the practical assessments are much more suited to key stage 1 and upwards. This course has the first 4 units of the level 3 Award course plus an additional 7 units that have a mix of work placement assessments and theoretical essay style assignments.
This course has the same units as the Award and the Certificate course plus 3 extra units that specialise in special educational needs.
Accreditation and regulation ensures a level of quality in the education you receive. It also ensures your qualification will be fully recognized for the true achievements they are. It is the job of an accreditation organization to review colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education to guarantee quality and improvement efforts. All our courses are fully government regulated by OFQUAL, the government examinations department.
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a single framework that has now replaced the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). If you want a fully recognised qualification the course that you choose should be on the RQF framework.
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) is the government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England. OFQUAL qualifications are fully recognised by all primary and secondary schools.
NCF CACHE are the awarding bodies that work on behalf of the government examinations department OFQUAL. NCFE CACHE are one of the most widely respected and recognised awarding bodies for Teaching Assistant qualifications.