- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 28 Aug 2023
- Qualification Type
- PDA
- Course Type
- Part-Time
- Duration
- August to June
Applications open January 2024
This Professional Development Award (PDA) Education Support Assistance is for you if you are already working, or would like to work, as a classroom assistant or in an educational setting supporting young people with additional support needs.
What will I learn?
This PDA Education Support Assistance course may also suit returning learners who want to supplement existing qualifications by gaining some experience working with children before going on to further study at HNC or degree level in Childcare, Additional Support Needs (ASN) or Primary Teaching, or who wish to seek employment as an education support assistant.
Course content
- Development of children and young people in an education setting
- Supporting the behaviour of children and young people
- Supporting children and young people who require additional support for learning
- Professional practice in an education setting
- Protecting and promoting the rights of the child
- Introduction to Basic First Aid
- Work experience in a primary or secondary school, or in an ASN setting.
Attendance
Two days (Wednesday and Thursday) per week.
To start in Block One, you will attend classes at Langside Campus on Wednesday and Thursday.
Then in Blocks Two and Three, you will attend classes at Langside Campus on Thursday and on Wednesday, you will be on placement in an educational setting.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- A mature attitude and a willingness to learn
- An ability to work with others as part of a team
- An interest in working with children and young people
- Commitment to study at Higher Level is required
- Applications are also invited from those without formal qualifications but who have relevant life and/or work experience.
Entry requirements equivalency table
- If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Jobs and further study
- HNC Childhood Practice
- HNC Additional Support Needs
- NC Early Education and Childcare may suit learners who would prefer further study at the same level
- Employment options may include Education Support Assistant posts at primary schools, secondary schools or in ASN schools and learner support roles at colleges or universities.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application and will be in contact as per the following stages:
- Selection will be by assessment of qualifications and interview
- If you meet the entry requirements you will be invited for an interview
- The process will consist of an individual interview with a member of the lecturing team. You will be required to bring evidence of qualifications and an academic reference to interview. During the interview, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the course and the college.
Interviews will begin in February and will continue until June.
Selection outcomes are based upon careful consideration of interview performance, qualifications and/or relevant work experience. One of three selection outcomes will be made for you and will be sent by email within 10 working days of the interview.
The selection outcomes are ‘unconditional offer’; ‘conditional offer’, or ‘unsuccessful’. Any conditions to your offer will be clearly outlined in this email.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 10 working days or risk losing your place.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent further information relating to student funding in June with joining instructions and induction information in mid-July.
You must accept your offer as soon as possible in order to secure your place.
If you are made a conditional offer, you must provide the required evidence (qualifications, references or other details) as soon as it is available or risk losing your place.
This course involves a placement element which requires that you if successful are entered into the PVG scheme administered by Disclosure Scotland. Both the placement and the PVG check will be organised (and PVG costs met) by the college. This check will be carried out before undertaking work experience. If you have offences that may be recorded on a Disclosure Scotland check, you should discuss this with staff at the interview.