Frequently Asked Questions

This information will inform you about the NVQ for Teaching Assistants.

What are the entry requirements?
The only requirement is the candidate must be working in school in a job role that will enable them to get the evidence for the appropriate level of NVQ. It is not an academic level. We recommend any candidate who does not have a level 2 qualification in numeracy and literacy should consider enrolling on a course. The Adult College Lancaster can offer this facility.
What commitment is expected from the school?
The candidate should be allowed to meet with their assessor in school at a time and place convenient to everybody involved. The candidate may require help with knowledge and understanding and the school should enable the candidate access to resources and relevant information. A mentor in school is always beneficial. A witness statement from the class teacher is sometimes required to authenticate the candidate's personal statements.
What is the cost and who pays?
The college requests payment to cover the cost of registration with City and Guilds and certification. In most cases the school pays.
How long will it take to complete?
The average is 12 months but this can vary according to personal circumstances and work load.
What are the benefits to the school?
Sets standards for teaching assistants to work within statutory and organisational frameworks, supporting inclusion, equality of opportunity and promoting independence.
Develops skilled and qualified staff to national standards.
Provides an opportunity to recognise and value staff.
Provides line-managers with a tangible measure of staff performance.
Promotes good working practices: teaching assistants working in partnership with the teacher.
What benefits are there to the candidate?
Job confidence in delivering a quality service.
Clear job role and responsibility.
Transferable skills.
Individual work- based assessment.
Relevance to the job.
Progressive development record.
Equality of access.
Feeling of being valued.
What if training needs are identified?
These should be discussed with the candidate, together with the assessor and if applicable, the candidate's line-manger. The LEA advertises Training courses specifically for Teaching Assistants. Prior to entering onto the NVQ, the DFES 4 day training for Teaching Assistants is recommended. The Adult College will also hold workshops at a suitable venue if a need is identified.
How do candidates get onto the NVQ programme?
On contacting the college, the candidate should complete an application form and ask school to complete a registration form.
When an assessor is available they will contact the school to make an appointment for initial assessment and induction.
If a school would like somebody to come along to talk to potential candidates, this can be arranged.
Information and Application forms are available on the College website.

If you require further information please contact: