PDA in Educational Support Assistance

The PDA in Educational Support Assistance at SCQF level 6 is designed for people who would like to work, as classroom assistants or in an educational setting supporting young people with additional support needs.  The PDA will allow you to build skills and knowledge to enhance practice in a range of settings.    Working in an educational setting is a challenging but rewarding career and it requires a professional but skilled workforce. The course will provide individuals with the skills, knowledge and experience to develop a career within this sector and register with SSSC at Support Worker level.  It is also designed to equip you with the skills required to progress onto higher level courses, perhaps at HNC level. 

Content

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:

·     Supporting the Development of Children and Young People from Birth to Eighteen Years

·     Supporting the Behaviour of Children and Young People

·     Supporting Children and Young People in an Education Setting

·     Supporting Children and Young People who require Additional Support for Learning

·     Professional Practice in an Educational Setting

·     The Rights and Entitlements of Children and Young People

·     Working with Physically Disabled Children and Young People

Career Paths

  • Support for Learning Assistant
  • Classroom Assistant

Entry requirements

Entry requirements:  

  • 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)
  • Successful completion of all units within the NC Child, Health and Social Care (Early Years) (SCQF level 5)
  • Applicants who do not meet this criteria but have relevant paid workplace experience or alternative qualifications will be considered.

More Info

Further advice for full-time applicants: 

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, 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

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

21 August 2023

SCQF Level

Level 6