Support Work in Schools SWiS Level 2

Is this course for me?
This course is for those who are working in a primary or
secondary school in a supervised role in the following areas:

• Administraton
• Receptionist
• Library Assistant
• IT technician or assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Premises officer
• Midday meals supervisors or assistant
• Laboratory assistant

This course leads to a nationally recognised qualification, it
furthers career prospects and opens opportunities for further
development and study. The wide range of units in this award can
lead to a move into other support roles within a school.
What will I study?
This course is aimed at recognising, assessing and developing
the professional status and skills of the various support roles in
schools. Students cover all key elements needed for each
profession. The Award requires completion of two mandatory units
and one optional unit. The Certificate requires completion of two
mandatory units and two optional units. While on the course you
must be working at a school for at least one day per week to enable
the gathering of evidence to address the three or four units.
Subjects:

• Explore and respond to the needs of pupils (schools)
• Explore school values, policies, roles and responsibilities
  (schools)

There are a range of optional units suited to each of the
support worker roles in schools. For the Award you will have to
select one optional unit. For the Certificate this increases to two
optional units. Some examples of optional units are listed
here:

• Support optional units - Contribute to health and safety in the
  play environment
• Catering optional units - Prepare, cook and finish healthier
  dishes
• Resource optional units - Maintain site security

What can I do next?
This can lead to the NVQ L2 or L3 (depending on experience and
job role) in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, or begin
the process of qualifying as a primary school teacher by joining
our Access to Education courses.
This can lead to employment in:

• Administration in schools
• Reception roles
• IT support technician
• Technical support technician

What are the entry requirements?
If you are employed in a Lewisham Borough School you will be
eligible for a bursary to cover the cost of the course fees. The
exam fee is only applicable to those who are not eligible for a
bursary.
You do not need any formal qualifications to begin this course
however, previous experience working in a school would be
beneficial. You will need to sit a language and numeracy assessment
and attend an interview. You will also need to register for a
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) enhanced check two months before you
start the course. If you already work in a school they may have
already applied for the CRB on your behalf. You will also need a
letter from the school to confirm that you work/volunteer as a
support worker.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is by a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate
competence in each unit. Evidence will be gathered from the work
place and students are assessed in various ways, including
assignments, presentations, projects, case studies, witness
testimonies and classroom observations. Students have access to a
personal tutor to discuss progress and help them plan their
studies. Students will also be assigned a personal assessor who
will meet with them in school to observe performance.
What will it cost?
If you are under 19 and a home student, in most circumstances,
you don't pay any fees. However, you will need to find this out
when you apply.
Course fee:
tbcExam fee:
£25
Please note: For courses of more than one year, the fees
stated apply to the first year of the 2009/2010 academic year
only.