Support children and young people’s positive behaviourCity & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification Learning Support Revision

    This topic covers supporting positive behaviour in children and young people in educational settings. Learners know policies, support positive behaviour, a

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers supporting positive behaviour in children and young people in educational settings. Learners know policies, support positive behaviour, and respond to inappropriate behaviour.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Support children and young people’s positive behaviour

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This topic covers supporting positive behaviour in children and young people in educational settings. Learners know policies, support positive behaviour, and respond to inappropriate behaviour.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is a vocational qualification designed for teaching assistants, learning support assistants, or those aspiring to work in primary, secondary, or special educational needs settings. It provides foundational knowledge and practical skills to support pupils' learning, development, and well-being under the guidance of a qualified teacher. The qualification covers key areas such as child development, safeguarding, inclusive practice, and effective communication, ensuring you can contribute meaningfully to the classroom environment.

    This qualification is part of the wider Supporting Teaching and Learning suite and is recognised by schools across the UK. It equips you with the understanding of how children learn, the importance of positive relationships, and strategies to support literacy, numeracy, and other curriculum areas. By completing this certificate, you demonstrate competence in working within school policies and procedures, including health and safety, equality, and diversity. It is a stepping stone to further qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma, and can lead to roles like higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA) or specialist support roles.

    Mastering this qualification is crucial because it directly impacts your ability to help pupils achieve their potential. You will learn to adapt support to individual needs, manage behaviour effectively, and work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals. The content is practical and evidence-based, drawing from the UK's statutory frameworks like the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the National Curriculum. Whether you are new to the role or seeking formal recognition of your skills, this certificate provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in education.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • Child development theories (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky, Bowlby) and how they inform support strategies for different ages and stages.
    • Safeguarding procedures, including recognising signs of abuse, following the school's safeguarding policy, and knowing when to report concerns.
    • Inclusive practice: differentiating support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), or other barriers to learning.
    • Effective communication and teamwork with teachers, parents, and external agencies to promote pupil progress and well-being.
    • Behaviour management strategies that align with school policies, focusing on positive reinforcement and de-escalation techniques.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Know the policies and procedures of the setting for promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour, Be able to support positive behaviour, Be able to respond to inappropriate behaviour

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Know the setting's policies for promoting positive behaviour.
    • Support positive behaviour through strategies.
    • Respond appropriately to inappropriate behaviour.
    • Record and report behaviour incidents.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Familiarise yourself with common behaviour policies.
    • 💡Use praise and rewards to reinforce positive behaviour.
    • 💡Know the steps for de-escalation.
    • 💡When answering questions about legislation, always reference specific UK laws (e.g., Children Act 2004, Equality Act 2010) and explain how they apply in a school setting.
    • 💡Use real or plausible classroom examples to illustrate your points, such as describing how you would support a pupil with dyslexia during a reading activity.
    • 💡Show understanding of the teacher's role and your role as a TA: emphasise that you work under the teacher's direction and within school policies, not independently.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Not following the setting's behaviour policy.
    • Using punitive rather than positive approaches.
    • Failing to record incidents properly.
    • Misconception: Teaching assistants only work with low-ability pupils. Correction: TAs support all pupils, including high achievers, and may lead small groups or interventions across the ability range.
    • Misconception: Safeguarding is solely the teacher's responsibility. Correction: All school staff, including TAs, have a duty to safeguard children and must report any concerns following the school's policy.
    • Misconception: Differentiation means giving easier work to some pupils. Correction: Differentiation involves adapting tasks, resources, or support to meet individual learning needs, which may include extending challenge for gifted pupils.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • Basic understanding of the UK education system, including key stages and curriculum subjects.
    • Familiarity with school policies and procedures, such as health and safety and confidentiality.
    • Some experience working or volunteering with children in a school or similar setting is beneficial but not mandatory.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Know the policies and procedures of the setting for promoting children and young people’s positive behaviour, Be able to support positive behaviour, Be able to respond to inappropriate behaviour

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