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Teaching & Childcare

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

Begin your teaching assistant career with the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

6–12 monthsDuration
OnlineStudy Method
Level 2Qualification Level
FlexibleStart Date

Is This Course Right For You?

This course is for you if...

  • You are new to working in schools or education settings and want a nationally recognised entry-level qualification
  • You are already volunteering or working as a classroom helper and want to formalise your experience
  • You want to understand the role of the teaching assistant before progressing to Level 3
  • You need a fully online course that fits around family or work commitments
  • You are interested in supporting children and young people across primary or secondary settings
  • You want an affordable, employer-recognised qualification awarded by NCFE CACHE

Your career after this course

  • Work as a teaching assistant or classroom support assistant in primary or secondary schools
  • Progress to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning
  • Apply for the Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning to extend your knowledge
  • Move into specialist support roles including SEN assistant or bilingual support assistant
  • Use the qualification as a stepping stone towards a foundation degree in education
  • Demonstrate to schools and employers that you meet the national standard for entry-level TA roles

About This Course

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) is the definitive entry-level qualification for anyone wishing to begin a career as a teaching assistant in England. Awarded by NCFE CACHE — the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for the education and childcare sectors and regulated by Ofqual — this certificate is specifically designed to introduce the knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin effective classroom support work in primary and secondary schools.

The qualification covers nine core units spanning the breadth of the teaching assistant role. Learners explore how schools and colleges function as organisations, how children and young people develop from birth to 19, how to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, how to support equality and inclusion, and how to communicate professionally with children, young people, and adults. Dedicated units then develop practical understanding of how to support learning activities in the classroom, how to support positive behaviour, and how to engage with the school’s wider ethos and policies.

Because the Level 2 Certificate is fully knowledge-based — assessed through written assignments and online assessments rather than practical placement observations — it is accessible to learners who are not yet working in a school, making it an ideal first step for career-changers and those returning to work after a break. Learners who are already working or volunteering in a school will find that the units directly illuminate and enrich their day-to-day experience in the classroom.

Assessment is carried out through written assignments and multiple-choice tests submitted via the online learning platform. All units are internally assessed and there are no timed external examinations. The certificate can typically be completed in six to twelve months studying around five to eight hours per week. On successful completion, learners receive the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate — a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) that is valued by schools and multi-academy trusts across England as evidence of commitment and competence at the start of a teaching assistant career.

Progression routes from the Level 2 Certificate are well established. Successful learners are ideally placed to progress to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, which is the industry-standard qualification for qualified teaching assistants working with greater autonomy and responsibility, or to specialist Level 3 awards covering areas such as special educational needs, bilingual support, and behaviour management.

What You'll Study

The certificate is made up of nine units covering the essential knowledge a teaching assistant needs to work effectively in a school environment. All units are mandatory and assessed through written assignments and online tests.

9 units totalKnowledge-basedNo placement neededOnline assessment
01Understand Schools and Colleges as Organisations

Gain a clear understanding of how schools and colleges are structured in England, from early years settings through to post-16 provision. This unit maps the range of roles and responsibilities across the school workforce, explores how educational institutions establish and uphold their aims and values, and examines the purpose and scope of key policies and procedures that govern day-to-day life in a school. You develop the institutional literacy that every effective teaching assistant needs to navigate their workplace with confidence.

02Understand Children and Young People's Development

Examine the significant milestones of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and communication development from birth to the age of 19. The unit analyses the wide range of factors — including family, health, disability, and environment — that influence developmental outcomes, and considers how transitions such as starting school, moving between key stages, or experiencing family change can affect children’s progress and wellbeing. This foundational unit informs everything a teaching assistant does in the classroom.

03Safeguarding Children and Young People

Study the legislative and procedural framework that exists to protect children and young people from harm, including the roles and responsibilities of different agencies within the safeguarding system. The unit covers recognition of signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; appropriate responses to safeguarding concerns; child protection procedures; and the principles governing confidentiality and information-sharing in educational settings. Every member of the school workforce has a duty to safeguard, and this unit equips you to fulfil that duty.

04Understand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People

Explore the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin inclusive practice in schools, including the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the SEND Code of Practice. The unit examines why promoting equality and challenging discrimination matters for children’s wellbeing and attainment, and develops practical understanding of how teaching assistants can contribute to a learning environment where every pupil is valued, respected, and able to participate fully — regardless of background, ability, or identity.

05Support Health and Safety in a Learning Environment

Develop awareness of the health and safety responsibilities that apply to teaching assistants and wider school staff. This unit covers risk identification and management in classroom, corridor, and outdoor settings; the school’s duty of care including during off-site visits; safe procedures for managing accidents, illness, and emergencies; and the limits of the TA role when administering medication or responding to medical conditions. You build the practical judgment to keep learning environments safe for all pupils.

06Develop Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults

Understand the principles and practices that underpin effective professional relationships in educational settings. This unit covers how teaching assistants communicate respectfully and productively with pupils across different age groups, and how they collaborate professionally with teachers, support staff, parents, carers, and external agencies. The unit also addresses confidentiality, the appropriate use of information, and the professional conduct expected of all members of the school workforce.

07Support Learning Activities in the Classroom

Examine the practical role the teaching assistant plays in delivering and supporting planned learning activities under the direction of the class teacher. You explore how to prepare resources and the learning environment, how to support individuals and groups of pupils during activities, how to observe and record pupil progress, and how to give feedback to the teacher. This unit bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and the everyday realities of classroom support work.

08Support Positive Behaviour in Children and Young People

Examine the principles of positive behaviour management and how they apply in school settings. The unit covers whole-school behaviour policies and how teaching assistants contribute to their consistent implementation, the factors that influence behaviour in children and young people (including SEN, social and emotional needs, and home circumstances), and the practical strategies TAs use to encourage positive conduct, de-escalate challenging situations, and support pupils to regulate their own behaviour.

09Understand the Role of the Teaching Assistant

Consolidate your understanding of the teaching assistant role within the wider school context. This unit examines how the TA’s role has evolved, the boundaries of the role in relation to the class teacher’s professional responsibilities, the importance of working collaboratively within the school team, and how reflective practice and continuing professional development support career progression in the education workforce. It provides the professional foundation on which further qualifications and specialist roles are built.

What You'll Need

Open Entry — No Formal Qualifications Required

The Level 2 Certificate is a knowledge-based qualification with no practical placement requirement. It is fully accessible online without the need to be working in a school.

  • No formal entry qualifications are required — the course is open to all adults aged 16+
  • You do not need to be working or volunteering in a school to enrol
  • Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection
  • Basic literacy skills to complete written assignments submitted through the online platform
  • Commitment of around 5–8 hours of study per week to complete within 6–12 months
  • Motivated to work with children and young people in a school or educational setting

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Our enrolment advisers assess each application individually. We look at your life experience, motivation, and readiness to study — not just your qualifications.

Speak to our team — we're here to help you find the right course and funding option.

Call 0800 088 5050

How You're Assessed

Assessment is fully online and based on written assignments and knowledge tests for each unit. There are no timed external examinations and no requirement to be assessed in a school setting.

Written assignments submitted online via the learner portal for each of the nine units

Multiple-choice and short-answer knowledge tests to confirm unit understanding

All assessment is internally marked by your personal tutor — no external examining body

Assignments are marked against NCFE CACHE assessment criteria with detailed written feedback

Units can be resubmitted if initial attempts fall short of the pass standard

No grading — the qualification is awarded on a pass/fail basis upon completion of all nine units

Where This Course Can Take You

The Level 2 Certificate opens the door to teaching assistant roles and provides the foundation for progression through the TA career ladder. Salary data is based on 2024–25 NJC pay scales and DfE sector data.

Classroom Support Assistant

£20,000 – £22,000typical salary range

Work under close direction in primary or secondary classrooms, supporting the teacher and helping pupils engage with activities. Typically on NJC Spinal Column Points 3–5, term-time only.

Teaching Assistant (Level 2)

£21,000 – £23,000typical salary range

Progress to a recognised Level 2 TA role with greater responsibility for supporting individuals and small groups under the class teacher’s direction. NJC Spinal Column Points 4–6.

Early Years Teaching Assistant

£20,000 – £22,500typical salary range

Support children aged 4–7 in reception and Key Stage 1 classrooms, helping with phonics, early reading, and play-based learning activities.

Learning Support Assistant

£21,000 – £23,000typical salary range

Provide additional support for pupils with learning difficulties in mainstream classrooms, working alongside SENCOs and class teachers to deliver targeted support.

SEN Support Worker

£21,500 – £24,000typical salary range

Assist pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) under the supervision of a qualified SEN coordinator, supporting Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant (Progression)

£23,000 – £25,000typical salary range

After completing the Level 3 Diploma, progress to a fully qualified TA role with greater autonomy, higher pay, and eligibility for specialist and HLTA pathways.

Ready to Unlock Your University Place?

Graduates of this course go on to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions. Enrol today and start your journey.

View Pricing & Enrol

Choose Your Payment Plan

All plans include the same full course content, dedicated tutor, and your awarding body certification.

Pay Monthly

£90.90

per month × 11 months

£9.99 deposit + £90.90 × 11 = £999.99 total

Includes

  • Pay just £9.99 today to secure your place
  • Spread the cost interest-free over 11 monthly payments
  • Immediate access to all nine units and study materials
  • Personal tutor support and online marking throughout
  • NCFE CACHE certificate issued on successful completion
Best Value

Pay in Full

£999.99

one-time payment

Total: £999.99

Includes

  • Pay in full and avoid any monthly admin
  • Immediate enrolment and instant access to the full course
  • Personal tutor support and online marking throughout
  • NCFE CACHE certificate issued on successful completion
  • 30-day money-back guarantee included
30-day money-back guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions

No — the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a fully knowledge-based qualification. Unlike Level 3 diplomas, it does not require you to gather evidence from a practical school placement, meaning you can study and complete all nine units entirely online without needing to be employed or volunteering in a school. This makes it ideal for career-changers, people returning to work, or those who want to qualify before approaching schools for a TA position.

The Level 2 Certificate introduces the foundational knowledge of the teaching assistant role and is suitable for those new to working in schools. It is assessed entirely through written assignments with no placement requirement. The Level 3 Diploma is the industry-standard professional qualification for qualified TAs working with greater independence; it requires a school or college placement and includes practical observation and assessment alongside written assignments. The Level 2 is an excellent stepping stone to the Level 3 and is often completed by learners before or during their first TA role.

Yes — NCFE CACHE is the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for the education and childcare sectors and is regulated by Ofqual. The Level 2 Certificate is listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is recognised by primary and secondary schools across England as a credible, employer-valued entry-level qualification for aspiring teaching assistants. Many school HR departments and headteachers specifically look for NCFE CACHE qualifications when recruiting new classroom support staff.

Most learners complete the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools in six to twelve months, studying around five to eight hours per week. Because the course is self-paced and fully online, you have the flexibility to move more quickly through units you find straightforward and take more time on areas where you want to deepen your understanding. You have up to twelve months from enrolment to complete the qualification, with the option to discuss extensions with your tutor if needed.

There are no formal academic entry requirements for the Level 2 Certificate. The course is open to anyone aged 16 or over with an interest in working with children and young people in schools. You will need sufficient literacy to complete written assignments submitted through the online platform, but you do not need prior qualifications in education or childcare. If English is not your first language, a good working knowledge of written English at around GCSE level is recommended to ensure you can engage fully with the course materials and assessment tasks.

Yes — the Level 2 Certificate is specifically designed as a progression route to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, which is the industry-standard qualification for qualified teaching assistants in England. Many learners complete the Level 2 online while seeking or beginning a TA role, then enrol for the Level 3 Diploma once they have a school placement in place. Progression is straightforward and your Level 2 studies will have given you the theoretical grounding that makes the Level 3 content much more accessible.

Assessment is carried out through written assignments and knowledge-check tests for each of the nine units, all submitted and marked online through the learner portal. There are no timed external examinations. Your assignments are marked by your personal tutor against the NCFE CACHE assessment criteria, with detailed written feedback provided so you can understand your performance and, where needed, resubmit improved work. The qualification is awarded on a pass/fail basis — there are no grade distinctions.

Every learner is assigned a dedicated personal tutor from enrolment. Your tutor marks your assignments, provides written feedback, answers questions by email and phone, and guides you through the qualification from start to finish. You also have access to the online learning platform 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where all study materials, unit guides, and assignment briefs are available. A student support team is also available by phone and live chat to help with any enrolment, administration, or technical queries.

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate is widely recognised by schools as evidence that you have the underpinning knowledge required for a classroom support role. While many schools also value practical experience, holding a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification from NCFE CACHE significantly strengthens a job application, particularly for candidates who are new to the sector or transitioning from another career. The qualification demonstrates that you understand how schools work, how children develop, and the importance of safeguarding — exactly the baseline knowledge school leaders look for when recruiting.

Student finance through the Student Loans Company is not available for the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning. However, the course is available on a flexible monthly payment plan from just £9.99 deposit, making it accessible without the need for an upfront lump sum. Some schools and employers will fund or part-fund TA qualifications for their existing staff — our enrolment advisers can provide documentation to support a funding conversation with your employer.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Study Support

  • Personal tutor assigned at enrolment — available by email and phone
  • Online learning platform accessible 24/7 on any device
  • Detailed written feedback on every assignment submission
  • Resubmission allowed if assignments fall below the pass standard
  • Student support team available by phone, email, and live chat
  • No classroom attendance or school placement required

Qualification Details

  • Awarded by NCFE CACHE — the UK’s specialist awarding body for education and childcare
  • Regulated by Ofqual and listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
  • Level 2 on the RQF — equivalent standard to GCSE grades 4–9
  • Nationally recognised by schools, multi-academy trusts, and local authorities
  • Nine mandatory units covering all aspects of the entry-level TA role
  • Certificate issued by NCFE CACHE upon successful completion

Fees & Funding

  • Monthly payment plan from just £9.99 deposit to enrol
  • Spread the remaining balance over 11 interest-free monthly payments
  • Pay in full option available for those who prefer a single payment
  • Employer sponsorship — schools frequently fund staff qualifications
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all enrolments
  • No hidden fees — full course materials and tutor support included in the price

Hear From Our Learners

I'd been volunteering at my local primary school for months but had no formal qualification. The Level 2 Certificate gave me the theoretical grounding I needed — I understood why things happened in the classroom in a completely new way. Within two months of finishing I was offered a paid TA position.

Rachel M.

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

I was changing careers from retail and wasn't sure where to start. The Level 2 was perfect — no entry requirements, no placement needed, and I could study in the evenings around my job. My tutor's feedback was brilliant throughout. I'm now enrolled on the Level 3 Diploma.

James T.

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

As a parent who'd been helping in school, I wanted something official to put on my CV. The course was incredibly well-structured and the unit on child development especially opened my eyes. I completed in eight months and now work part-time as a classroom support assistant.

Diane P.

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

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