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Dearne Valley College Courses Education and Childcare Services Foundation Degree in Learning Support
Photo of two students discussing their work in a classroom

Foundation Degree in Learning Support

The Foundation Degree is a vocational programme for those who are involved in learning support as a Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Mentor or Volunteer in a learning support setting. All modules are closely related to the work of learning support workers.

The teaching team can offer you a high level of support and guidance. There is one-to-one support available when needed and studying with us allows you to continue working in your local placement.This is a well-established and popular course with a high achievement rate.As the course is validated by the University of Hull, all processes, from admissions through to assessment, are regularly reviewed to ensure that there is compliance with the University’s academic regulations, equivalence in academic standards, appropriate staffing and resources are maintained and that there is a provision of a good quality Higher Education experience for all students on the programme.

  • Study Skills for Higher Education
  • Supporting and Enhancing Learning
  • Social Contexts of Learning
  • Digital Technologies for Learning
  • Working with Professionals and Families
  • Managing Behaviour
  • Communication, Language and Literacy
  • Safeguarding
  • Research Methods
  • Inclusivity
  • Project Module

  • You should be in a paid or voluntary learning support position at a recognised training or education establishment
  • Basic IT skills
  • A good level of English

You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

The course can enhance employment prospects and provides the first step towards a full degree via a top-up route. It is possible to progress from the Foundation Degree in Learning Support to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at primary level or onto the BA (Hons) Education and Professional Development top-up programme, available at the University Centre Rotherham.

“I feel much more supported and have opened up more here. I get involved in sports now, as they adapt the activities to enable me to join in. I just love it here; we have a great laugh.”

Jacob Hunter - FLEX student
Jacob Hunter FLEX student
Please note

We make every effort to ensure information within our online course directory is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering in 2022/23. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.

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Start an exciting career in Education and Childcare Services

The childcare sector is ideal for those who are patient, caring and have a passion for helping children to develop, learn and reach their full potential.

Photo of two students being trained by a tutor in a childcare class

Teaching Assistant

Average salary - £21,500*

Teaching Assistants support teachers with classroom work and admin tasks and facilitate children’s development via help with reading, writing and learning activities.

Day-to-day tasks:

Helping teachers prepare lesson materials, working with students to support them with work, recording and reporting student progress, maintaining a safe and healthy environment and following safeguarding procedures and helping manage class behaviour.**

Working environments:

Schools (public or private) and special needs schools.

*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

Nursery Assistant

Average salary - £19,200*

Nursery Assistants care for children from birth up to seven years old and help their development and learning in a safe and supportive setting.

Day-to-day tasks:

Planning and supervising activities like art, music and cooking, helping children to learn numeracy and language skills through games, taking children on trips, observing children and writing reports, making sure children are safe and well and speaking with parents and carers.**

Working environments:

Nurseries, children’s homes or hospitals.

*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

What our students say

“I’m doing this for myself, to improve my skills and so I have better opportunities. To anyone who thinks they’re too old to study I would say: it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

Magdalena Marnowska Functional Skills in Maths and English

“I enjoy coming to college and learning new skills to further my hairdressing career.”

Photo of Ellie Reek
Ellie Reek Level 2 Hairdressing Former student at Swinton Academy

“When I first came to the College I felt so low, I felt like nothing – I had lost my confidence – but now I feel like myself again, I feel happy.”

Badriya Mohammed English for Speakers of Other Languages

Foundation Degree in Learning Support

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