QCF
Please see attached a copy of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework. This leaflet tells you about the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and gives you the information you need to understand how it works and how it can benefit learners, employers and learning providers. The leaflet will explain how the TDA are replacing the NVQ with the new Award, Certificate and Diploma

NVQs will now be replaced by smaller units of work which you gain credits for
The TDA currently has a level 2 and level 3 national vocational qualification (NVQ) in supporting teaching and learning that are based on the NOS STL. The NVQs sit on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). From September the qualification frameworks are changing and the NQF will be replaced by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). All vocational qualifications that sit on the NQF need to be redeveloped and revised for the QCF.

Award = 1-12 credits
Certificate = 13-36 credits
Diploma= 37 credits or more

Middlesbrough College & Middlesbrough Adult Education will be delivering these units but are only just in the planning stages. If you enrol onto the NVQ this coming academic year your qualification will still be recognised.
One of the benefits of the QCF is that learners are able to undertake individual units as well as full qualifications. It is therefore possible for candidates to take units as part of their CPD for example if they move roles and want to gain knowledge is English as an additional language or working with children with special educational needs.

The TDA QCF qualifications are:

Level 2 Award in support work in schools
This is a knowledge based qualification suitable for all roles in schools, including site staff, administrators etc., as well as those who work directly with children and young people. It seeks to develop the knowledge and understanding that all those working in a school setting will need and covers areas such as safeguarding, communication and understanding the school context. As it is a knowledge based qualification, it can be taken by candidates not yet employed in a school, as well as providing initial training/induction for those new in post. The award covers the knowledge and understanding in the current mandatory units of the Support Work in Schools qualifications, supplemented with additional material drawn from the induction modules developed by the TDA for local authorities.

Level 2 Certificate in supporting teaching and learning in schools
This qualification incorporates the units in the award and adds competency based units to reflect the role of those supporting pupils’ learning. The certificate covers the skills and knowledge of the current level 2 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools.

Level 2 Certificate in supporting the wider curriculum
This qualification has been developed to meet the needs of those working as midday assistants/supervisors or who support the wider activities of the school such as before and after school clubs. It incorporates the units in the level 2 award and shares units with the Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, recognising that many in teaching assistant roles also undertake midday duties. Candidates who later progress to a teaching assistant role will be able to gain the STL certificate through the achievement of credit from specified additional units.

Level 3 Award in supporting teaching and learning in schools
This is a knowledge based qualification that will provide candidates with a secure understanding from which to progress to a level 3 role. It is suitable for candidates not yet in a school role but who have the capability to achieve at level 3; candidates in a level 2 role wishing to demonstrate that they are ready for progression to level 3, and as initial training for those newly in post at this level. This is a qualification intended to provide the underpinning knowledge and understanding for those with a role in directly working with children or young people in schools.

Level 3 Certificate in supporting teaching and learning in schools
This qualification incorporates the units in the Level 3 Award. Additional units cover the generic knowledge and skills required to work in a teaching assistant or similar role at level 3. It is broadly equivalent to the mandatory units of the current level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Level 3 Certificate in cover supervision
This qualification incorporates the units of the level 3 Award, if not previously achieved. While this qualification includes some units that are also in the Level 3 STL Certificate, it omits those that are about actively advancing pupils’ learning and includes a unit on providing cover to reflect the differences between the cover supervisor and teaching assistant roles. Candidates moving from one role to the other will be able to demonstrate competence in the new role through the achievement of credit from specified additional units.

Level 3 Diploma in specialist support for teaching and learning in schools
This qualification incorporates the units from the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools and requires candidates to supplement these with credits achieved from a range of specialist units. This qualification is broadly equivalent to the current Level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the qualifications, although candidates registering for the certificates or the diploma will need to be in a role in which they can demonstrate the work based assessment criteria in school. However, those units that assess knowledge and understanding (which are included in all of the qualifications) will place demands on candidates’ language and literacy skills. It will be important, therefore, that centres have in place processes for assessing literacy levels in candidates and for supporting candidates to improve these skills where necessary. For those candidates whose role involves supporting pupils’ learning, it will also be important to ensure that they have secure standards of numeracy.

For further details of the qualifications please contact your awarding organisation or visit the National Database of Accredited Qualifications at:

Supporting Teaching and Learning Qualifications

Use this link to find out what has replaced what and what is new
QCF information