NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification for classroom support practitioners working in schools and educational settings. Awarded by NCFE CACHE — one of the UK’s most respected awarding organisations in education and childcare — the certificate covers eight core units spanning child development, safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour support, SEN, and learning support practice. It is assessed through a portfolio of workplace evidence and written assignments, with no formal examinations.

The Level 3 Certificate is a smaller qualification than the Level 3 Diploma, covering a focused set of eight units over 6 to 12 months. The Level 3 Diploma is a more comprehensive qualification (typically 12 to 18 months) that covers a greater number of units, including specialist areas such as bilingual support, assessment for learning, ICT support, and reflective professional development. The certificate is a good choice if you want a Level 3 credential in a shorter timeframe, or if you intend to progress to the diploma or HLTA qualification subsequently.

Yes — you must be working or on a voluntary placement in a school, college, or educational setting to complete the Level 3 Certificate, as the qualification is assessed through evidence gathered from real classroom practice. You will need a workplace supervisor who can confirm your competence and support observation arrangements. If you are not currently working in a school, our team can advise on finding a suitable volunteer placement before you enrol.

Yes — NCFE CACHE is one of the most widely recognised awarding organisations in the education and early years sectors, and the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is accepted by primary, secondary, and SEN schools throughout England and Wales. Schools actively look for CACHE-certified candidates when recruiting for TA and learning support roles, and the qualification is valued by local authorities, multi-academy trusts, and independent schools alike.

Most learners complete the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in 6 to 12 months, studying around 6 to 10 hours per week alongside their school placement or TA role. The qualification is self-paced and fully online for the theoretical elements, so you can progress faster or slower depending on your commitments. Your personal tutor will help you plan a realistic study schedule at the start of your enrolment.

Yes — the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate is a recognised stepping stone towards the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA), which enables qualified TAs to take on greater classroom responsibilities including leading lessons, planning activities, and managing groups independently. Progression to HLTA typically requires a Level 3 qualification alongside relevant experience in a school setting, so the certificate is a solid foundation for this next step.

The Level 3 Certificate is assessed entirely through coursework — there are no formal examinations. Assessment methods include written assignments for each unit (submitted online), a portfolio of evidence gathered from your real school-based practice, direct observations arranged through your school supervisor, and witness testimony from your workplace supervisor confirming your competence. Your personal tutor provides written feedback on all submissions, and resubmission is available if an initial submission does not meet the required standard.

The eight units of the Level 3 Certificate cover: information and guidance for the qualification and career planning; understanding schools and colleges as organisations and child development; supporting health and safety in a learning environment; understanding safeguarding for children and young people; developing professional relationships and supporting positive behaviour; supporting children and young people during learning activities; supporting speech, language and communication development; and understanding how to support learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Together these units give you a thorough professional grounding for all aspects of classroom support.

Level 3-qualified teaching assistants typically earn between £23,000 and £25,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) per year on NJC Spinal Column Points 6–9, based on 2024–25 NJC pay scales. It is important to note that most TA contracts are term-time only, so actual take-home pay is pro-rated for the weeks worked (typically 39 paid weeks). SEN and specialist support roles often attract slightly higher pay, and London and Outer London schools pay London weighting supplements above the national scale. Holding a recognised Level 3 CACHE qualification typically positions you above unqualified and Level 2-only support staff in salary negotiations.

Yes — this is the most common approach. The online study platform allows you to access course materials and submit assignments at any time, fitting around school hours, term dates, and your personal timetable. Because the portfolio evidence is gathered from your day-to-day classroom work, the qualification integrates naturally with your role rather than adding an entirely separate workload. Many TAs find that the reflective and theoretical elements of the course deepen their understanding of what they are already doing in practice.