Learning Support Practitioners

As from 14 October 2016, learners who have achieved a qualification recognised as an alternative to Essential Skills, as detailed under the apprenticeship framework, are not required to undertake Essential Skills qualification. However, if a learner’s WEST assessment identifies that the learner has essential skills deficits which would inhibit progress through the framework, this needs to be addressed.

This apprenticeship is relevant to learning support practitioners who work in post-compulsory education institutions and who work in a range of learning contexts, including general and specialist learning support roles.

It will support the professionalism of the learning support workforce and enable a wider recognition of the valuable role that learning support practitioners bring to supporting the diverse range of learner requirements in further education, skills and lifelong learning contexts.

Each unit is made up of credits - at Level 3 students require 18 credits which are achieved through four mandatory units which include:

• Preparing to support learning
• Learning in the lifelong learning contexts
• Principles of learning support
• Supporting learning

A further 12 credits must be chosen from 11 optional units which include:

• Skills check and signposting for English, mathematics and Digital Literacy needs
• Organisational approaches to meeting English, mathematics and Digital Literacy learning needs
• English, mathematics and Digital Literacy needs for life, learning and work
• Equality and diversity
• Practice based investigation
• Supporting learners in an area specialism
• Preparing for the mentoring role
• Understanding and managing behaviours in a learning environment Inclusive approaches to providing information.

You will also study essential skills which is made up of 18 credits which include:

• Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication
• Level 2 Essential Skills in Application of Number
• Level 2 Essential Skills in Digital Literacy.

This course is also offered on a part time basis, please contact Katie Gough for more details. 

Updated April 2017