ELATT is undergoing building works during the half-term break and will be closed to visitors from 28 October to 1 November inclusive.
You can contact us by phone on 07862570514 or email us as usual at hello@elatt.org.uk and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Teaching Assistant

Become a teaching assistant with a FREE course at ELATT

Ofsted Outstanding and Quality Mark Logos
Level 2 Award: All our classes are currently full. Please apply now for courses starting in February 2025
Level 3 Diploma: Please apply now and we can put your name on the waiting list.

Course Overview

We offer courses to help our students find jobs in schools or other work with children. The courses run in Hackney and Ealing some courses are in-person and also online.

Students who are still developing their English and/or are new to the UK education system can start with ‘Step to Teaching Assistant’. This is a Level 1 course which will give you an Award in Personal Development: Volunteering. Students who are fluent in English and have some experience can join our Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. This will give you an Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. Students who are volunteering or working in a school can progress to the L2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching And Learning In Schools . We also offer the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools to students who are already working in schools.

The course is usually one day a week (split into two mornings) for 12-16 weeks for the L1 and L2 Awards. The certificate and diploma will be another 18 -24 weeks. You will complete a portfolio for your assessment. You will learn about: how to support learning, equality, diversity and inclusion (levels 1 and 2) as well as child development, safeguarding and schools as organisations (level 2) and supporting children with special education needs in (level 3) .

You need sufficient English to access the L1 and L2 courses (minimum good Level 1, including writing) and an interest in learning and education. To join the Level 3 course, you need L2 English/Maths or GCSEs.

Please note that to get a job as a classroom assistant, you need to be able to show experience (which can be voluntary), and many schools require you to have Level 2 English and Maths.

We’re here for you as the UK emerges from the coronavirus pandemic: our Sixth Form classes are now all face-to-face, and we’re offering a mix of online and in-class options for our adult courses. You’ll receive the same personalised support whichever way you study at ELATT.

Career Potential

According to Prospects.ac.uk, starting salaries for full-time, permanent TAs are typically around £17,364 .

Apply now to gain new skills, qualifications and take the first step to your new career.

Levels and Progression

Level 1
Award

Level 2
Award

Level 3
Diploma

10 - 16 Weeks

Duration

2 Days

Days per week

+1 Day

Self Study + Volunteering

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

16 Weeks

Duration

2 Mornings

Mornings per week

+1 Day

Self Study

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

18 - 24 Months

Duration

2 Class Days

Days per week

At least 1 Day

Volunteering/Working in School

1 Day

Self study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

10 - 16 Weeks

Duration

2 Days

Days per week

+1 Day

Self Study + Volunteering

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

16 Weeks

Duration

2 Mornings

Mornings per week

+1 Day

Self Study

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

30 - 32 Weeks

Duration

Half a Day

Days per week

At least 1 Day

Volunteering/Working in School

Half a Day

Daytime study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

18 - 24 Months

Duration

2 Class Days

Days per week

At least 1 Day

Volunteering/Working in School

1 Day

Self study

Online

Environment

Content

Requirements, Qualifications and Progression

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

All our courses have one or more mandatory units and a choice of additional units.

Course content is tailored for you (and your employer) and the list of units outlined on this page are a guide only. Units covered will also depend on your prior learning and credit requirement. If there is something specific that you are interested in learning, please discuss this with your tutor during induction.

During your appointment assessment, we will help you work out which course will be the most suitable for you based on your results, previous experiences and interests.

There are other courses available to help you build up the skills and qualifications you need to be eligible for our courses. Please get in touch to discuss this further!

Yes, we are a recognised GCSE testing centre. If you don’t already have GCSE English and maths we’ll assess you to find out how we can help.

During your appointment assessment, we will help you work out which course will be the most suitable for you based on your results, previous experiences and interests.

These are all the study days and times. Your course will take place on some of these times. Most courses run for between six and fifteen hours per week. You’ll find out more information after you apply.

Mornings

Monday9.30 – 16.30

Tuesday9.30 – 16.30

Wednesday9.30 – 16.30

Thursday9.30 – 16.30

Friday9.30 – 16.30

SaturdayClosed

SundayClosed

Evenings

MondayClosed

Tuesday18.00 – 21.00

WednesdayClosed

Thursday18.00 – 21.00

FridayClosed

SaturdayClosed

SundayClosed

Our programmes for young people aged 16 – 19 are all in-person. For adults aged 19+ we offer both online and in-person classes. Apply today and find out more!

Our courses start throughout the year – it’s never too late to apply, but we encourage you to apply soon because places go quickly!

Yes! All ELATT students study for FREE. We are able to do this because as a charity we work hard to fundraise for grants and financial support from central government, local government, trusts, foundations and private companies. You can see a full list of our generous supporters here.

Meet Frankie

Occupation: Business and Tech Analyst

I got interested in graphics design and games design, but I soon found out that I did not have the qualifications to get onto any of the right courses. To help me find a pathway towards Games Design, my advisor found out about web design courses close to my home at ELATT.
Photo of graduate

You are more than welcome to give us a call at 0800-0420-184 or email hello@elatt.org.uk to ask questions and find out more. We are available from 9am-5pm on weekdays.