The Classroom Assistant Upskilling Academy, funded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and delivered by People 1st, helps classroom assistants gain recognised qualifications while continuing to work.
Through a combination of online evening classes, written assignments, collaborative learning and workplace observations, participants can connect their learning directly to their everyday responsibilities in school.
The Participants
Woodlawn Primary School classroom assistants Lesley, Diane and Meghan successfully completed their Level 3 Teaching and Supporting Learning in Schools qualification through the Academy.
The three women work with pupils across P1 and P6/P7, bringing different professional and personal experiences to their roles.
Woodlawn Primary School Principal Kathryn McClean said the ability to study alongside work was invaluable because it allowed participants to put theory into practice immediately.
“They could relate their assignments back to real-life experiences and what they were already doing in the classroom,” Kathryn said. “It was relevant, practical learning.”
Three Different Learning Journeys
Lesley, 38, entered education following medical redundancy and now supports children in P1. Having not studied for approximately 18 years, she initially felt apprehensive about returning to learning.
The online delivery, tutor support and opportunity to exchange ideas with classroom assistants from other schools helped Lesley build confidence. She now applies elements of the qualification every day and particularly values being able to contribute to the progress of individual pupils.
Meghan works across P6 and P7 and previously worked in childcare and daycare environments. She valued the flexibility of the online classes, the ability to revisit recorded sessions and the experience of learning from participants working in different educational settings.
For Diane, completing the Level 3 qualification was a particularly significant personal achievement. Diane joined Woodlawn as a general classroom assistant before becoming a one-to-one assistant in P1.
Her previous experiences of education had left her with limited confidence in her academic abilities. Initially, the digital elements of the programme also felt daunting. With patient guidance from People 1st tutor Jennifer and encouragement from the other participants, Diane successfully completed every stage.
“At the age of nearly 45, I have found my calling,” Diane said. “I did it, and I am absolutely proud.”
The Impact
All three participants gained:
- A recognised Level 3 qualification
- Increased professional confidence
- Practical skills applicable to their classroom roles
- Experience learning from other educational settings
- Greater understanding of different approaches to supporting pupils
- Motivation to continue their professional development
Kathryn believes the programme also benefits the entire school.
“In a primary school like ours, we couldn’t do without our classroom assistants,” she said. “Their role is pivotal, and they are highly valued members of staff.”
The success of Lesley, Diane and Meghan demonstrates how fully funded, flexible training can remove barriers to professional development while strengthening the skills available within local schools.
Read the full article on our news page here: https://people-1st.co.uk/woodlawn-classroom-assistants-level-3-success/
Find out more about the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership here: https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/business/business-mid-and-east-antrim/employment-and-skills-support/labour-market-partnership
Visit Woodlawn Primary School here: https://www.woodlawnps.co.uk/
Visit the Level 3 qualification page here to find out more: https://people-1st.co.uk/qualifications/ncfe-level-3-certificate-in-supporting-teaching-and-learning-in-schools/
Level 3 classroom assistant qualification
Classroom assistant training Northern Ireland
Teaching and Supporting Learning in Schools
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
