PDA in Educational Support Assistance

The PDA in Educational Support Assistance at SCQF Level 6 is designed for those 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. 

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 a Curriculum in an Early Education and Childcare Setting
  • 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
  • Supporting Children and Young People with Dyslexia in an Education Setting
  • Communication

  • Support for Learning Assistant
  • Classroom Assistant
  • Successful learners can also register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support worker level

  • All current learners must achieve a pass in all programme units and achieve a minimum of 90% attendance to progress to the next level of study
  • HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7)

  • 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

Course places are only secured after payment/funding has been arranged. 

As per the College Tuition Fees and Refund Policy, tuition fees are non-refundable except under exceptional circumstances.

Student Paying

Fees of less than £100 must be paid in full. Payment by instalment is available, provided the course fee is greater than £100.

Instalments must be paid via direct debit over a 4-month period and an initial 30% deposit is required in order to secure your place. You will not be able to apply online if paying by direct debit, you must contact Student Admissions by email at – student.records@forthvalley.ac.uk

Employer Paying

If your employer is paying for your tuition fees, an Employers Agreement form or letter from your employer must be submitted prior to or on enrolment. You can access the Employer Agreement form here and this should be returned to Student admissions -student.records@forthvalley.ac.uk

Refunds will only be given if the course is cancelled or significantly altered by the College. Please refer to our Tuition Fee and Withdrawal procedure for further information.

Fee Waiver

Some students may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver if in receipt of certain types of benefits. Fee waiver evidence must be submitted either before or upon enrolment.  Refer to our Tuition and Fee Waiver Policy for further information.

You will not be able to apply online if using fee waiver, please contact Student Admissions – student.records@forthvalley.ac.uk

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

19 August 2024

SCQF Level

Level 6