Support the use of information and communication technology for teaching and learning — Training Qualifications UK Ltd Occupational Qualification Learning Support Revision

    This element focuses on the integration of information and communication technology within educational settings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the integration of information and communication technology within educational settings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to school policies and safeguarding procedures. Learners will develop the skills to prepare, test, and maintain ICT resources, ensuring they are accessible and functional to support teaching and learning effectively. Practical application includes supporting both educators and students in using hardware and software, troubleshooting minor issues, and promoting confident, safe, and inclusive digital practices.

    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

    TRAINING QUALIFICATIONS UK LTD
    vocational

    This element focuses on the integration of information and communication technology within educational settings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to school policies and safeguarding procedures. Learners will develop the skills to prepare, test, and maintain ICT resources, ensuring they are accessible and functional to support teaching and learning effectively. Practical application includes supporting both educators and students in using hardware and software, troubleshooting minor issues, and promoting confident, safe, and inclusive digital practices.

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

    Assessment criteria

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)

    Topic Overview

    The TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is your essential gateway into a rewarding career as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Learning Support Assistant. This qualification is specifically designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical understanding required to effectively support children and young people in primary, secondary, and special school settings across the UK. It covers crucial aspects of professional practice, child development, safeguarding, and how to assist teachers in creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

    This certificate is vital because it provides a recognised standard of competence, demonstrating to schools that you possess the core skills and understanding necessary to contribute positively to a child's educational journey. It goes beyond basic classroom assistance, delving into the pedagogical principles that underpin effective learning support, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact on student progress and well-being. Understanding these principles is key to becoming an invaluable member of any school team.

    Within the broader landscape of educational support, this Level 2 qualification serves as a fundamental building block. It lays the groundwork for further specialisation, such as the Level 3 Diploma, by introducing you to the legal, ethical, and practical responsibilities of a support role. It emphasises the importance of professional relationships, communication, and adhering to school policies, preparing you for the multifaceted challenges and joys of working directly with students and collaborating with teaching staff.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Safeguarding and Welfare: Understanding your role and responsibilities in protecting children and young people from harm, including recognising signs of abuse and neglect, and knowing reporting procedures.
    • →Child and Young Person Development: Knowledge of the typical stages of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from birth to 19 years, and how this impacts learning.
    • →Professional Relationships and Communication: Developing effective communication skills with children, young people, colleagues, and parents, and understanding the boundaries and expectations of professional conduct.
    • →Supporting Learning Activities: Practical strategies for assisting teachers in planning, delivering, and assessing learning activities, including differentiation and promoting independent learning.
    • →Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Recognising and valuing individual differences, promoting an inclusive environment, and understanding how to support learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Know the policy and procedures for the use of ICT for teaching and learning, Be able to prepare ICT resources for use in teaching and learning, Be able to support the use of ICT for teaching and learning

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating understanding of the school's acceptable use policy and how it applies to ICT resources in teaching and learning.
    • Credit should be given for correctly setting up and checking ICT equipment prior to use, including connectivity and software functionality.
    • Assess to see if the learner promotes inclusive access by adapting resources or providing assistive technology to meet individual needs.
    • Expect evidence of safely storing equipment, reporting faults, and following data protection procedures.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always refer to the school's specific ICT policy in assignments or observations to demonstrate contextual understanding.
    • 💡Practice setting up a variety of ICT equipment and document the process step-by-step to show competency in preparation and troubleshooting.
    • 💡In portfolio evidence, include examples of how you have supported learners with different abilities, showing adaptive strategies and positive outcomes.
    • 💡Apply Theory to Practice: When answering questions, always aim to link theoretical knowledge (e.g., safeguarding policies, child development stages) to practical scenarios you might encounter in a school setting. Show how you would *act* on this knowledge.
    • 💡Use Precise Terminology: Demonstrate your professionalism by using correct educational and safeguarding terminology. Terms like "differentiation," "formative assessment," "SEND," "inclusive practice," and "confidentiality" should be used accurately and appropriately.
    • 💡Refer to Legislation and Policies: Where relevant, briefly mention key UK legislation or guidance, such as "Keeping Children Safe in Education" or the "Children Act," to show a deeper understanding of the statutory framework governing schools.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Assuming all ICT resources are identical and failing to check individual device settings, software versions, or user permissions.
    • Neglecting to follow safeguarding protocols, such as not monitoring internet use or leaving personal login details exposed.
    • Overlooking the need to adapt resources for learners with special educational needs, resulting in inaccessible content.
    • Not testing resources beforehand, leading to technical disruptions during a lesson.
    • Misconception: Teaching Assistants are simply there to "help out" and don't need deep educational understanding. Correction: TAs are integral to the learning process. This qualification demonstrates that TAs require specific knowledge of child development, learning theories, safeguarding, and inclusive practices to effectively support student progress and well-being, not just administrative tasks.
    • Misconception: Safeguarding is only about reporting serious abuse when it happens. Correction: Safeguarding is a proactive and continuous responsibility. It involves creating a safe environment, identifying potential risks, promoting children's welfare, and knowing the school's policies and procedures for reporting *any* concerns, however minor they may seem initially.
    • Misconception: Supporting a student means providing them with the answers or doing the task for them. Correction: Effective support involves scaffolding learning, guiding students to discover answers themselves, and fostering independence. The goal is to build their skills and confidence, not to make them reliant on adult intervention.

    Revision Plan

    How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

    1. 1Understand the Role (Week 1, Days 1-3): Begin by thoroughly studying units related to the TA's role, professional practice, and communication (e.g., "Schools and Colleges as Organisations," "Understand how to Safeguard the Welfare of Children and Young People"). Focus on the legal and ethical frameworks.
    2. 2Child Development & Safeguarding Deep Dive (Week 1, Days 4-7): Dedicate time to understanding child and young person development stages and the comprehensive aspects of safeguarding. Create flashcards for key developmental milestones and safeguarding procedures.
    3. 3Supporting Learning & Assessment (Week 2, Days 1-4): Move onto units covering how to support learning activities, promote positive behaviour, and assist with assessment. Practice applying differentiation strategies to hypothetical scenarios.
    4. 4Review and Consolidate (Week 2, Days 5-7): Revisit all units, focusing on areas you found challenging. Create mind maps linking different concepts (e.g., how child development impacts learning support strategies).
    5. 5Scenario Practice & Self-Assessment (Ongoing): Throughout your study, actively think about how you would respond to various situations in a school. Use the learning outcomes for each unit as a checklist to ensure you can confidently explain and apply each point.

    Exam Question Types

    How this topic typically appears in the exam

    • 📋Short Answer Questions: These require concise, factual responses, often defining terms (e.g., "Define 'differentiation'"), listing responsibilities (e.g., "List three aspects of a TA's role in promoting positive behaviour"), or briefly explaining concepts. *Advice: Be precise and use correct terminology; avoid lengthy explanations.*
    • 📋Scenario-Based Questions: You'll be presented with a hypothetical situation in a school and asked how you would respond, justifying your actions based on your knowledge (e.g., "A child discloses a concern to you. What steps would you take?"). *Advice: Refer to specific policies, legislation, and best practices learned in the course; explain *why* your actions are appropriate.*
    • 📋Multiple Choice Questions: These test your recall of facts, policies, and procedures. You'll choose the best answer from a given set of options. *Advice: Read all options carefully before selecting; sometimes two options seem correct, but one is more comprehensive or accurate.*
    • 📋Explanation/Discussion Questions: These require more detailed answers, often asking you to explain a process, discuss the importance of a concept, or compare different approaches (e.g., "Explain the importance of effective communication with parents"). *Advice: Structure your answer logically, using paragraphs, and provide specific examples where possible to illustrate your points.*

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic Literacy and Numeracy: You should have a good grasp of English language skills for reading, writing, and communication, and basic mathematical understanding to support students with everyday tasks.
    • •An Interest in Working with Children and Young People: A genuine passion for supporting the development and learning of children and young people is crucial, as this will motivate your study and future practice.
    • •Some Awareness of School Environments: While direct experience isn't always mandatory, having a basic understanding of how schools operate, perhaps from personal experience as a student or parent, can be beneficial.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Know the policy and procedures for the use of ICT for teaching and learning, Be able to prepare ICT resources for use in teaching and learning, Be able to support the use of ICT for teaching and learning

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