NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges

Get a recognised qualification and become a higher level teaching assistant (hlta)!

This course is the next step of learning for an established teaching assistant. This Level 4 qualification is the only Level 4 course CACHE provide in this sector and is the next step on from the L3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

This Level 4 qualification aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in schools and colleges. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience, proven knowledge and skills of the learner in a teaching and learning environment. It will challenge the learner in both daily practice and theoretical understanding.

Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities.

Upon achievement of this qualification, the learner will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the school or college workforce.

This qualification is supported by the following organisations:

• National Association for Primary Education NAPE
• The Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT)
• The Teaching Assistant College

Course requirements

You must be at least 18 years old and employed in a suitable role within a school or college (as a Level 3 teaching assistant) working with the national curriculum age groups (Key Stage 1 or above)

Previous Level 3 study is a clear advantage but having a wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding working in schools or colleges is a requirement for this qualification.

Course duration

Once enrolled, you have up to 1 year to complete your studies, during the is time you have full tutor support. The course will take approximately 205 hours to complete but you can complete it in as much or as little time as required.

Study method

You will study this course by distance learning, which will enable you to learn when and where you want. You can study from home or at work; it is completely up to you. All your materials will be posted or emailed to you online, whichever you choose. You will also receive our tutor support by email, so help is only a click away.

Assessment

All units are internally assessed. Assessment enables your workplace practice to provide evidence for individual units as well as the whole qualification. This course requires an assessment of your practical skills within your working environment. It is essential that you are working in a Level 3 teaching assistant role in a school or college with a suitably qualified teacher (qualified teacher status) who can act as your workplace assessor to observe you, comment on your skills and write a report to meet the assessment requirements. This direct observation will be used as evidence towards your qualification. Methods of assessment could include:

• Direct observation of practice
• Witness evidence when directed by the sector skills assessment strategy
• Professional discussion
• Reflection on own practice in real work situations
• Written assignments

Students will be required to be working in a school or college environment to enable them to provide the evidence required to complete the qualification.

Course outcome

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive your NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges. You will be fully qualified as a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA).

Awarding body

CACHE (the Council of Awards in Care, Health and Education) are the UK’s leading awarding organisation for the childcare and social care sectors and are part of the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) which ensures the highest-level quality courses and industry recognised qualifications.
Once you have enrolled on your CACHE course, you will be entitled to access the CACHE Alumni Membership for 2 years. CACHE Alumni is a Professional Membership Network for those who work in the CACHE industries, providing valuable resources and advice for professional studying towards a CACHE qualification.

Progression

Upon achievement of this qualification, learners will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the school or college workforce.

Students may progress within the workforce in the following job roles and responsibilities:

• Higher Level Practitioner/Teaching assistant.
• Internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities.
• Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities.