Certificate in Higher Education Supporting Learners (CHESL)

Module attendance is designed to fit with participants' employment requirements.

The course aims to enhance and develop participants' knowledge and understanding of the needs of learners in a range of educational contexts and settings. Specifically, it will develop participants' competence in carrying out the professional role expected of teaching and learning support staff, parents/carers or volunteers in a range of educational settings. It aims to support the development of reflective practitioners who are able to critically examine issues on education policy and practice. It will also improve participants' study skills and academic writing, appropriate to undergraduate study at level 4 and their ability to progress on to other higher education awards.

Participants are able to select from approximately 30 stand-alone modules designed for those with an interest in supporting learners in early years, primary, secondary and/or special needs contexts. Please note that the School of Education is continually developing and expanding its courses in the area of learner support in relation to national issues.

Stage one

All CHESL modules are at higher education stage one (national stage four). The full CHESL award (120 level one CATS points) is the equivalent to the first stage of a full-time undergraduate degree.

• Individual modules can be taken as 'stand-alone' courses
• Individual study programme can be built up at your own pace
• An excellent introduction to professional study at higher education level
• Highly relevant to professional practice in their school/educational setting
• Direct links to other higher education awards

There are a range of modules that you can pick from, and whether you want to study one module or build up to the full Chesl award, the flexibility is up to you.

Typical modules include:

• Supporting Children's Learning - Primary Five to 11
• Supporting Learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Supporting Learners with Literacy/Numeracy Difficulties
• Supporting Learners with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
• Supporting Learners with Special Educational Needs
• Supporting Learners with Speech and Language Difficulties
• Supporting Learners with Therapy Needs
• Work-based modules
• Supporting Learners with Secondary Maths/Science
• Supporting Learners with Art
• STA: Specialist Teaching Assistant (four modules)
• Supporting Learners: Induction and Development of Teaching Assistants

There are no examinations. Assessments vary by module and include portfolios, learning materials and short assignments.

These modules support teaching assistants seeking to develop knowledge and understanding relevant to the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status. Participants may progress to Foundation Degrees in Learning and Teaching or Early Years SureStart Endorsed, then further onto linked honours degree awards. Graduates may progress to become qualified teachers through an employment-based or Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) teacher training route.