PDA in Educational Support Assistance

This course provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your own personal and professional development, whilst also allowing you to update and expand existing knowledge. 

You will study the following subject areas: 

Mandatory Units  

• Developing Professional Practice in an Education Setting: Workplace Experience
• Understanding Professional Practice in an Education Setting
• Development of Children and Young People in an Education Setting
• Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child
• Supporting Children and Young People who require Additional Support for Learning
• Supporting the Behaviour of Children and Young People in an Education Setting 

Optional Units (subject to change)  

• Supporting Children and Young People with Dyslexia in an Education Setting
• Working with Children and Young People with Autism in an Education Setting
• Introduction to Basic First Aid  

• Education Support Assistant  
• Pupil Support Assistant  
• Additional Support Needs Assistant  
• Classroom Assistant 

Successful completion allows you to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support worker level 

• HNC Childhood Practice

Mandatory  

• Participation at an information session
• Successful interview
• Clear Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check required. Further information on the PVG scheme will be issued to successful applicants prior to enrolment 

Plus one of the following: 

• Four National 5 awards including English (or equivalent) at Grade C or above  
• Successful completion of all units within the NQ Child Health and Social Care (Early Years) (SCQF Level 5)
• Substantial experience working with children and young people in a paid or voluntary role  

Further advice for full-time applicants: 

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course 
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview 
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk