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    Edexcel Vocational Teaching & Education

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    Ofqual Regulated: 610/3931/7
    Course version · 610/3931/7Version from Sept 2020Change version

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    Official Regulatory Specification

    Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

    View on Ofqual Register (opens the official government register in a new tab)
    Qualification Number (QN)
    610/3931/7
    Awarding Organisation
    Pearson Edexcel
    Regulatory Type
    Technical Occupation Qualification
    National Level & Units
    Vocational • 12 units
    Sector Subject Area: Teaching and lecturing
    This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.

    Qualification Units

    12 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Assessment follows the awarding organisation’s published requirements. Check the exact unit methods and grading rules with your provider.

    Deliver Individual and Small Group Teaching with the Teacher and other Professionals

    This subtopic focuses on the teaching assistant's role in planning, delivering, and evaluating learning activities for individuals and small groups under teacher direction. It emphasizes collaboration with teachers and other professionals to meet diverse learner needs, adapt resources, and monitor progress effectively. Practical application includes supporting inclusive classroom practice and contributing to the assessment cycle.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    8 learning outcomes14 guidance points

    Support the Development of a Stimulating and Safe Learning Environment for Children and Young People

    This subtopic focuses on the dual responsibilities of a teaching assistant: creating a safe and stimulating physical environment, and actively supporting the speech, language, and communication (SLC) development of children and young people. It covers planning environments that meet health and safety requirements, understanding the critical role of SLC in overall development, and implementing strategies to foster communication-rich interactions. Practical application involves risk assessment, resource adaptation, and using adult-child interactions to model and extend language, thereby enhancing learning outcomes and well-being.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Support the Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People

    This subtopic equips teaching assistants with the knowledge and skills to support the social, emotional, mental health, and wellbeing of children and young people. It covers identifying mental ill health, understanding influences on development, and implementing strategies to build resilience and positive relationships, while adhering to school policies and procedures.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Work in Partnership with Other Professionals to Support Children and Young People

    This subtopic focuses on the principles and practices of multi-agency and integrated working within educational settings. It equips teaching assistants with the skills to establish and maintain effective professional relationships and to collaborate with other practitioners to support children and young people's holistic development and well-being.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    6 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Implement Safeguarding Policies and Safe Practice When Working with Children and Young People

    This subtopic covers the practical implementation of safeguarding policies and safe practice when working with children and young people, including understanding key legislation such as the Children Act 1989/2004 and Keeping Children Safe in Education, working in partnership with other organizations, and responding appropriately to concerns about abuse, bullying, or online safety. It emphasizes the teaching assistant's role in creating a safe environment and supporting children's welfare.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Promote Diversity, Inclusion, Equality and Acceptance for Children and Young People

    This subtopic equips teaching assistants with the knowledge and skills to actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in educational settings. It covers the impact of prejudice and discrimination on children and young people, and explores practical strategies for fostering an inclusive environment that values every individual. The focus is on translating policy into everyday practice, ensuring that all children have equal access to learning and feel accepted.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Promote Learning and Independence in Children and Young People

    This subtopic focuses on the role of the teaching assistant as a mentor in promoting learning and independence among children and young people. It covers understanding mentoring principles, supporting individual needs, promoting wellbeing and resilience, and reviewing the effectiveness of mentoring interventions. Practical application includes planning and delivering mentoring sessions, adapting approaches to meet diverse needs, and evaluating outcomes to inform future practice.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    7 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Promote Positive Behaviour with Children and Young People

    This subtopic equips teaching assistants with the knowledge and skills to actively promote positive behaviour in educational settings. It covers understanding and applying behaviour policies, implementing strategies to encourage good conduct, managing inappropriate and challenging behaviour effectively, and contributing to policy reviews. Practical application includes supporting teachers in creating a positive learning environment and ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Reflect on Own Practice and Identify Professional Development Opportunities

    This element focuses on the professional growth of teaching assistants through reflective practice and continuous professional development. It covers understanding competence in the work role, engaging in reflective practice to evaluate performance, and creating and implementing a personal development plan. The practical application involves using learning opportunities and feedback to enhance effectiveness in supporting teaching and learning.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Support Assessment and Planning of Outcomes for Children and Young People

    This subtopic focuses on the role of teaching assistants in supporting assessment for learning (AfL) within educational settings. It covers understanding the purpose and characteristics of AfL, implementing effective assessment strategies, supporting learners in self-review, and contributing to the evaluation of assessment practices to enhance outcomes for children and young people.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    4 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Support Children and Young People to Achieve Their Learning Goals

    This element focuses on the teaching assistant's role in supporting children and young people to achieve their learning goals, covering the principles, values, and legislation underpinning this work, as well as practical skills in identifying needs, setting goals, planning actions, and reviewing achievements. It emphasizes a person-centred approach, inclusive practice, and collaboration with learners, parents, and other professionals.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    8 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Support Enrichment Activities for Children and Young People

    This element focuses on the teaching assistant's role in supporting enrichment activities that extend children's learning beyond the core curriculum, such as clubs, trips, and creative projects. It covers the full cycle from collaborative planning with teachers, through preparation and active facilitation, to observing progress and evaluating outcomes. Practical application involves using these experiences to foster holistic development, including social skills, creativity, and engagement, while meeting individual needs and promoting inclusion.

    Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistant (Diploma)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points
    Tips and common mistakes

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Planning activities without consulting the teacher or deviating from the teacher's plan.
    • •Failing to differentiate activities to meet the needs of all learners, especially those with SEND.
    • •Dominating the session with teacher talk instead of facilitating learner participation.
    • •Not adapting the activity when learners struggle or finish early.
    • •Using only one method of monitoring (e.g., observation) and missing opportunities for questioning.
    • •Providing feedback that is vague or not linked to learning objectives.
    • •Recording assessment information inaccurately or not sharing it with the teacher.
    • •Not evaluating the effectiveness of the activity or reflecting on own practice.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Always refer to the teacher's planning and show how your activities support the learning objectives.
    • •Use specific examples from your placement to illustrate how you planned, delivered, and assessed activities.
    • •Emphasize your role in supporting inclusion and meeting individual needs.
    • •Show how you work as part of a team, communicating effectively with teachers and other professionals.
    • •When evaluating, be honest about what went well and what could be improved, and suggest realistic changes.
    • •Keep a reflective journal to capture evidence of your practice for assignments and professional discussion.
    • •Use real examples from your placement to illustrate points, ensuring you link theory to practice.
    • •When evaluating, consider both strengths and areas for improvement, and suggest realistic modifications.

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