ED0H012 - Training as a Teaching Assistant 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ED0H012
Module Title: Training as a Teaching Assistant
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Education, Early Years and Social Work
Faculty Sub Group: Post Compulsory Education
Module Leader:
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2022 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 10 Credit Level: 0
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100508 - post compulsory education and training
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

This is a standalone module to introduce the role of a Teaching Assistant within a early years/primary school setting.

1. Explore the role of a Teaching Assistant in the support of young learners within an early years/primary school setting (maintained and non-maintained settings)
2. Understand the basic principles of child development and how children learn
3. Understand the interrelationship and importance of learning through play
4. Appreciate the role that government policy, learning environment, class teacher and the wider family play in supporting the development process of a child

Content Summary

The modules aligns to the principles endorsed by:

• Curriculum for Wales – Welsh Government
• A curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings – Welsh Government
• Play Wales - national organisation for children’s play, an independent charity supported by the Welsh Government to uphold children’s right to play and to provide advice and guidance on play-related matter

The module comprises of 5 blocks:

Block 1 - Introduction to the role of a Teaching Assistant within an early years/school setting
• Curriculum for Wales
• Non-maintained curriculum
• Areas of Learning and Progression Steps
• ‘Five Development Pathway’ model

Block 2 - Child development and learning theory
• Introduction to child development theories (Vgotsky, Bruner and Montessori)
• Introduction to learning theory (Skinner, Bandura)
• The interrelationship between how a child develops and how they engage with learning

Block 3 - Play as a pedagogy
• Stages and types of play
• Play to learn – authentic learning, play spaces and resources
• Play wellbeing/deprivation

Block 4 - Effective Environments
• Creative learning – indoors and outdoors
• Storytelling
• ‘Tuffspots’

Block 5 - Enabling Adults
• The role of the ‘adult’
• Links with home
• Teachable moments

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Practical classes and workshops 12
Independent Study 38
Placement 12
Directed Study 26
Total Hours Selected 100

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To identify the factors that influence children's learning and development
LO2 To explain/ reflect on the concepts that can affect practice in the early years

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 Create and use a resource to support learners in 1:1 or small groups that includes a short written piece about why you chose the resources and how you developed it in relation to learner needs, profile, and stage of development. You will also need to include a written reflection of the activity. 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Bee, H. & Boyd D. (2007) The Developing Child (11th Ed). London: Pearson Education.

Brock, A. (2014) Perspectives on play: learning for life. London: Routledge

Crowley, K. (2017) Child Development: a practical introduction. London: Sage

Doherty, J. & Hughes, M. (2009) Child Development. Navarro: Pearson Education

Donaldson, G (2015) ‘Successful Futures: Independent Review of the Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales.’ [Online] Available at: https://hwbplus.wales.gov.uk/schools/6714052/Documents/Donaldson%20Report.pdf

Dowling, M, (2009) Young Children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development (3rd ed) London: Paul Chapman

Thomas, A. and McInnes, K. (2017) (eds.) ‘Teaching Early Years: Theory and Practice.’ London: Sage.

Thomas, A. and Lewis, A. (2016) An Introduction to the Foundation Phase. London:Bloomsbury.

Wales. Welsh Assembly Government. (2008) Learning and Teaching Pedagogy, Cardiff: NAfW