L4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner L4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
The Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges is designed for:
- Experienced Teaching Assistants & Learning Support Staff – Those working in primary, secondary schools, or colleges who want to take on more responsibility.
• Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) or Aspiring HLTAs – Practitioners looking to advance their skills and career progression.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Staff – Those supporting students with additional needs, disabilities, or learning difficulties.
- Pastoral Support Workers & Mentors – Professionals who provide emotional, social, and academic support to learners.
• Family Liaison Officers & Safeguarding Leads – Those involved in working with families, external agencies, and safeguarding children or young people. This course helps professionals develop leadership, mentoring, and specialist support skills within educational settings.
Programme includes
Enabling Individuals to Learn – Understanding learning theories and strategies to support students effectively.
Understand How to Support Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Well-being – Exploring mental health challenges and how to provide support.
Working with Others to Support Individuals with Additional Needs and Disability in a School or College Setting – Identifying and assisting students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
Working with Families and Other Professionals in a School or College Setting – Developing strong partnerships with families, teachers, and external agencies.
Research and Professional Development in a School or College Setting – Encouraging reflective practice and continuous professional growth.
This qualification is designed for teaching assistants, learning support assistants, mentors, and professionals who want to progress into senior or specialist support roles.
Entry requirements
This qualification is for learners aged 18+.
- L3 in Early Years
- Workplace Experience
- Grade 4/C+ in Maths and English
Qualifications obtained
L4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
Where can you work?
- Primary Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Colleges
- SEND Schools
Key information
- This programme operates on a roll-on, roll-off basis throughout the year, allowing learners to start at multiple points rather than following a fixed intake schedule
- Duration - 12 months
Awarding organisation
NCFE CACHE
Progression opportunities
- Higher Level Teacher Assistant
- Working towards QTS
- Foundation Degree in Children and Young People (Lough College)
Additional information
Additional info
This programme consists of a mixture of blended learning in the workplace and optional drop in sessions at Loughborough College for additional support.
Free additional workshops -
- Neurodiversity
- Understanding behaviour that may challenge
- Safeguarding
- Paediatric First Aid (12 hour)
