Support the use of information and communication technology for teaching and learning — Innovate Awarding Occupational Qualification Learning Support Revision

    This element focuses on the role of teaching assistants in facilitating ICT integration within learning environments. It covers understanding school polici

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the role of teaching assistants in facilitating ICT integration within learning environments. It covers understanding school policies, preparing and testing technological resources, and effectively supporting learners to achieve educational goals using digital tools, ensuring safety and inclusion.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Support the use of information and communication technology for teaching and learning

    INNOVATE AWARDING
    vocational

    This element focuses on the role of teaching assistants in facilitating ICT integration within learning environments. It covers understanding school policies, preparing and testing technological resources, and effectively supporting learners to achieve educational goals using digital tools, ensuring safety and inclusion.

    6
    Learning Outcomes
    4
    Assessment Guidance
    4
    Key Skills
    5
    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    IAO Level 2 Certificate In Supporting Teaching and Learning In Schools

    Topic Overview

    The IAO Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals working or volunteering in a school setting as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant, or similar role. This certificate equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to support pupils' learning, development, and well-being under the guidance of a qualified teacher. The course covers key areas such as child development, safeguarding, communication, and promoting positive behaviour, ensuring you can contribute effectively to the classroom environment.

    This qualification is crucial because it provides a solid foundation for anyone starting a career in education support. It aligns with the UK's professional standards for teaching assistants and is often a prerequisite for more advanced roles, such as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant or HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant). By completing this certificate, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and your ability to support inclusive learning, which is vital in today's diverse classrooms.

    Within the broader context of education, this certificate sits as an entry-level vocational qualification that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. It prepares you to work alongside teachers, helping to implement lesson plans, support individual or small groups of pupils, and assist with classroom management. The skills you gain are directly transferable to real-world school environments, making this qualification highly valued by employers in the education sector.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Child and young person development: Understanding the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development stages from birth to 19 years, and how these affect learning and behaviour.
    • →Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children: Knowing the legal and procedural frameworks (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education) to protect pupils from harm, abuse, and neglect.
    • →Communication and professional relationships: Developing effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with pupils, colleagues, and parents, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
    • →Supporting learning activities: Assisting teachers in planning, delivering, and evaluating lessons, including adapting resources for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
    • →Promoting positive behaviour: Implementing school behaviour policies, using strategies to encourage good behaviour, and managing challenging behaviour in a supportive manner.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Explain organisational policies for safe and responsible ICT use in schools.
    • Prepare and test ICT resources to ensure they are suitable for teaching and learning activities.
    • Support learners in using ICT tools and software to achieve learning outcomes.
    • Identify potential risks and safeguarding issues related to ICT and apply appropriate procedures.
    • Adapt ICT resources to accommodate individual learning needs and accessibility requirements.
    • Monitor and record learner progress when using ICT, providing constructive feedback.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for clearly referencing the school’s ICT policy in planning and support.
    • Evidence of checking hardware/software functionality before the session.
    • Demonstration of effectively assisting learners with ICT tasks without doing the work for them.
    • Correct identification of safeguarding concerns during ICT use and reporting.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When describing policy, always link to specific school examples and statutory guidance (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education).
    • 💡In practical assessments, clearly demonstrate how you check resources and assist learners, as assessors will observe process not just outcome.
    • 💡Use reflective accounts to show how you handled ICT issues or supported a learner who struggled.
    • 💡For written tasks, use the 'plan, do, review' cycle to structure your evidence.
    • 💡Use specific examples from your own school experience (or hypothetical scenarios) to illustrate your answers. For instance, when discussing supporting learning activities, describe a time you helped a pupil with a maths worksheet or assisted during a group reading session. This shows you can apply theory to practice.
    • 💡Pay close attention to the command words in assessment questions, such as 'describe', 'explain', 'evaluate', or 'identify'. 'Describe' requires a detailed account, while 'explain' needs reasons or causes. Tailor your response length and depth accordingly to maximise marks.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with key legislation and frameworks, such as the Children Act 2004, the Equality Act 2010, and the SEND Code of Practice. Referencing these in your answers demonstrates a thorough understanding of the legal context in which you work.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing personal use of technology with educational use, leading to safeguarding oversights.
    • Failing to test ICT resources in advance, resulting in disruption during the lesson.
    • Over-reliance on verbal instructions instead of using visual or step-by-step guides for learners.
    • Neglecting to adapt resources for learners with SEN or EAL.
    • Misconception: Teaching assistants only work with pupils who have special educational needs. Correction: While TAs often support SEND pupils, they also work with whole classes, small groups, and individuals across all ability levels, helping to reinforce learning and manage classroom activities.
    • Misconception: Safeguarding is solely the responsibility of the designated safeguarding lead. Correction: Every school staff member, including teaching assistants, has a duty to safeguard children. You must know how to recognise signs of abuse and report concerns following your school's procedures.
    • Misconception: You need a degree to become a teaching assistant. Correction: The Level 2 Certificate is an entry-level qualification that does not require prior academic qualifications. It is designed to give you the foundational knowledge needed to start working in a school.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •A basic understanding of the UK education system, including the roles of different school staff and the structure of the National Curriculum.
    • •Some experience working or volunteering with children, such as in a school, nursery, or youth group, to provide a practical context for the theoretical content.
    • •Good literacy and numeracy skills at Level 1 or above, as the course involves written assignments and supporting pupils with reading and maths.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • ICT policy and e-safety procedures
    • Resource preparation and testing
    • Supporting learners' ICT engagement
    • Inclusive ICT use for diverse needs
    • Data security and GDPR compliance

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