In order to study the Children and Young People (Teaching Assistant) FdA Level 5, you must be aged 18 or over and working directly with children or young people aged 0-25 years in a voluntary or paid capacity for a minimum of two days a week.

You will need to have 48 UCAS points from having successfully completed one of the following:

• NVQ 3
• A Levels
• BTEC National Certificate
• BTEC National Diploma
• CACHE or NNEB award
• Open College Network Credits
• Access to Higher Education course

For further information about UCAS points, please visit www.ucas.com.

You will need to have 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent, such as Key Skills, Functional Skills or Higher Diploma qualifications. It is recognised that not all experienced applicants have had the opportunity to achieve 5 GCSEs or equivalent. While these are preferred, individual circumstances and qualifications may be considered.

All applicants are required to attend an interview and write a short essay at the time of interview to demonstrate the ability to understand written material, and communicate clearly and accurately in both spoken and written English.

All applications are subject to approval by the University of Derby. The information included in your application will be considered, and the University of Derby will want to see that you are enthusiastic and motivated to take this course, and that you will benefit from university level study. For the University of Derby to approve your application, we are required to share your personal information, including the application form that you have completed, and in some instances, copies of your qualification certificates.

The Children and Young People (Teaching Assistant) FdA Level 5 will take you 2 years to complete. You will attend college at our Boston (Rochford) Campus 1 day per week for two years, plus independent study.

The Children and Young People (Teaching Assistant) FdA Level 5 will cost £7600 per year.

Please note that all fees are subject to change and they may vary depending on personal circumstances, please enquire for further information.

You can apply for a student loan to cover the costs of course fees. You may also be able to apply for various grants and loans to support your learning. Specific advice regarding student loans and other benefits can be obtained from www.gov.uk/student-finance.

The Careers Team based in the College can also assist your application. Please contact them via the Information Line on 01205 313218.

Assessment methods are varied and include for example, written reports, presentations, case studies, essays and reflections. Modules are sector-related, and assessment will relate to your own organisation or vocational setting.

Upon successful completion you could progress directly into employment, onto a top up qualification at university or study the BA(Hons) Education Studies here at the College.

If you are undertaking full time study you can apply for a Maintenance Loan, this can be used to purchase materials to assist with your qualification.