What opportunities will this course give me?

Why take this course?
Would you like to develop your knowledge and critical understanding of supporting learning and take your education support role to the next level? If so this course is for you. The Foundation Degree: Learning Support is designed for employed and voluntary teaching assistants, early years practitioners and aspiring teachers who wish to gain a professional recognition via a university level qualification.

What opportunities might it lead to?
Achievement of the foundation degree provides a recognition of both professional and academic achievement. Successful completion of this course gives you the option to progress to an appropriate BA degree, such as the BA (Hons) Education Studies offered at the University of Portsmouth. It may also be used as a stepping stone to Qualified Teacher Status or to promotion in learning support roles

What will I be learning?

What will I experience?
The course is designed to further develop your knowledge and skills in supporting learners to achieve their learning goals and be successful.
You will apply for the course through the University of Portsmouths website. (Further details are available on the University of Portsmouth School of Education and Childhood Studies' website).
Whilst you are based in Eastleigh College, you are a University of Portsmouth student and are therefore able to access a range of facilities at the University. Additionally you will:
• Study alongside your existing learning support role (whether you are in a general or special educational needs setting, a nursery, pre-school, in a school, college or other educational institution)
• Experience a range of dynamic and professionally relevant teaching from highly experienced staff
• Learn in supportive study groups with other practitioners from a range of backgrounds.
• Discover ways in which you can take your learning into your practice

Why is this course for me?

Course Structure
The course is designed to encompass the wide range of topics associated with being a learning support professional. Students are encouraged to continually reflect on their studies and relate their learning to their professional roles. The units covered in the course are:

• The Professional Role
• Educational Contexts
• Learning in Groups
• How Learning Develops
• Supporting Literacy
• Working in a Professional Team
• Theory & Practice of Assessment
• Supporting SEND
• Supporting Learners with Social Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties
• Supporting Numeracy
• Practitioner Based Enquiry - Proposal
• Practitioner Based Enquiry -

• Learning and Teaching
We have a well-established reputation for providing stimulating and academically rewarding courses and our tutors are committed practitioners who will guide you through your study. The tutor of the course is a qualified Primary teacher,
(BEd Hons), with experience of teaching a variety of age ranges, including adults.
Teaching will be in groups of 10 to 15 and will include group activities and seminars as well as more formal lectures.
Each unit of study is 24 hours and you will have regular lessons of 4.5 hours plus 2 Saturdays, each for 4.5 hours. Your tutor will be available for support at pre-arranged times throughout the course.
Each unit of study will require you to reflect on your work based practice. You will be encouraged to identify a critical friend in your workplace who will be able to support you through the course.
Use of specialists from the learning support sector where appropriate will ensure that you receive current knowledge and expertise.
Library support: Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of e-journals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
How are you assessed?
There are no final exams. Instead, each unit has its own assessment focus, which will be one or more of the following:
• essays
• case studies
• reflective reports
• research projects
• group presentations
• academic posters
• A reflective journal is written throughout the qualification.

You will be given clear guidance for all assignments.

What do I need to sign up?

What qualifications must I have before applying for this course?
If you have experience of working in a learning support context, paid or voluntary, level 2 Adult Numeracy and Literacy (or GCSE equivalent) and the ability to study at this level you could work towards a nationally recognised qualification in your field.

Is there anything else I need to know?

You will apply for the course through the University of Portsmouths website. (Further details are available on the University of Portsmouth School of Education and Childhood Studies' website).

Access to a computer and WIFI, folders, pens, paper.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

TELSF5/UP

Need some further advice?

Contact the Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000.