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Skills for Educational Support Roles

  • Qualifications Other Programmes
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 6
  • Study mode Evenings only and Weekends
  • Campus Kilwinning
  • Start date September 2025
More information

Attendance/Duration

Tuesday 6pm - 9pm Kilwinning Campus

Overview

Have you ever thought of supporting children in an education setting but don’t know where to start?

We are offering you the opportunity to start a career pathway that is exciting, challenging and rewarding.

This preparation for working with children and young people with additional support needs will help you to develop the skills, knowledge and positive attitude needed to prepare you to work in additional support needs sector.

Entry Requirements

For entry to this course, you will need:

  • A real interest in children’s learning and development
  • Five relevant National 5s or equivalent, including English and ideally Maths, OR a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 5
  • An interview with us
  • Eligible to be a member of the PVG scheme.

If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have life experience, then we’ll also consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.

Course Content

The course will run over two years as an evening course with drop in sessions on campus. You will also participate in a workplace experience, which would require you to undertake a criminal record check under the PVG scheme. This can also be arranged in conjunction with your employer.

This qualification covers areas such as:

Year 1

  • Understanding Professional Practice in an Education Setting
  • Developing Professional Practice in an Education Setting: Workplace Experience
  • Supporting the Behaviour of Children and Young People in an Education Setting
  • Supporting Children and Young People who require Additional Support for Learning

Year 2

  • Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child
  • Working with Children and Young People with Autism in an Education Setting
  • Supporting Children and Young People with Dyslexia
  • Development of Children and Young People in an Education Setting

The PDA Education Support Assistance at Level 6 is appropriate for those who are currently employed or considering employment in the education and early years sector and will enable learners to work as a member of staff who has delegated responsibility for providing care and educational support to children and young people; and who provide support to the learning and teaching process and the wellbeing of children and young people.

PDA Education Support Assistant student, Emily Kennedy, tells us what her job involves, and how the course has led to the first step in her new career.

Careers and Further Study

If you chose to continue your studies, you can apply for:

  • HNC Childhood Practice Award

Or you may wish to apply for jobs within the Education Sector – Early Years Assistant posts, Education support assistants, etc. This award enables you to register with the SSSC as a Support Worker in daycare of children’s services.

Cost

Cost for Year 1 £550

For details of funding options and/or instalment plans please speak to our Finance Team on 01563 537871 or email: coursefees@ayrshire.ac.uk.

You can also visit https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/courses/tuition-fees for information.