PDA Education Support Assistance SCQF level 6

Why deliver this qualification?

The PDA in Education Support Assistance at SCQF level 6 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Education Support Assistance at SCQF level 6 is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills, values and competences for those wishing to work with, or already working with, children and young people in an education setting.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units typically involve 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Who does the qualification suit?

The PDA in Education Support Assistance at SCQF 6 is appropriate for those who are currently employed or considering employment in the education sector, or those who wish to progress onto further study in education, such as a qualification in Childhood Practice or Additional Support Needs. This may be the HNC in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 7 or the HNC in Additional Support Needs: Supporting the Individual at SCQF level 7.

The PDA in Education Support Assistance at SCQF level 6 will allow learners to work in an education setting as a member of staff who has delegated responsibility for providing care and educational support to children and young people, and who provides support to the learning and teaching process and the wellbeing of children and young people.

Access

Entry to this qualification is at the discretion of the centre. The following information on prior knowledge, skills, experience or qualifications that provide suitable preparation for this qualification has been provided by the Qualification Design Team (QDT) as guidance only.

Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

• SQA qualifications or units in childcare, including Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare
• Relevant or appropriate prior knowledge and skills, such as work experience or volunteering in an education setting

In line with the current legislation, Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, learners undertaking this PDA must be a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme, which is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It is important that centres explain this, and its implications, to applicants prior to entry.

Progression

The units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6.

There is an opportunity to articulate to, or progress onto, further study within further education, such as a qualification in Childhood Practice or Additional Support Needs. This may be the HNC in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 7 or the HNC in Additional Support Needs: Supporting the Individual at SCQF level 7.

There may also be an opportunity to progress within a workplace route onto the SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7 or the SVQ in Playwork at SCQF level 7.

What approvals are needed?

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

The specific delivery requirements are set out in the assessment strategy.

How to assess

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. 

Assessment Support Packs are available for this qualification.