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PDA EDUCATION SUPPORT ASSISTANCE FULL TIME

  • Start date:   August 2025
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 6
  • Course Type:   Full-time

PDA EDUCATION SUPPORT ASSISTANCE FULL TIME

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for people who want to build on their skills while working in a specific job or career.

Start date – Aug 2025

End date –  Jun 2026

SCQF Level -  6

Mode –  Full time

Days: 2-4 days per week Monday to Friday (Class and Placement)  
Times: 9am - 12pm and 1pm to 4pm   
Duration: 1 year

Cost: £520

They can also be helpful for those looking to start a new career. PDAs focus on developing and certifying specialised skills for a particular type of work. The PDA in Education Support Assistance is at SCQF Level 6 and helps build and improve the knowledge, skills, values, and abilities needed for working with children and young people in an educational setting. It’s ideal for those already in the field or looking to start a career supporting learners.

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    What the course includes

    The aims of the units on the PDA Education Support Assistance course are linked to the National Occupational Standards.

    This course covers essential topics for working in education, including professional practice and workplace experience, child development, behaviour support, and assisting children with additional needs such as autism and dyslexia.

    You'll also learn about protecting children's rights and supporting inclusive learning environments.  

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Why choose this course

You will have the chance to gain work experience through a placement in an educational setting as a student pupil support worker.

You’ll also learn in our purpose-built playroom and outdoor classroom spaces with children on site.

Entry requirements

  • Qualifications at SCQF Level 5 passed at bands A-C 
  • Successful completion of National 5 Skills for Work: Childcare 
  • Suitable work experience with children and young people is preferred but not essential 
  • Applicants that do not meet these criteria but have relevant paid workplace experience or alternative qualifications may be considered  
  • An Enhanced Disclosure Scotland application is required. This will be carried out with the college if a place is offered

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

  • Where it leads

    Education: HNC Childhood Practice, or other HNC level courses at West Lothian College. 

    Employment: Registration with Scottish Social Services Council as a Support Worker within education settings

Interview arrangements

  • Candidates will be required to engage in a practical and written task. These tasks are designed to ensure candidates can engage in course work at SCQF Level 6 and that the course is the right fit for them 

If we invite you for an interview, plan to be in college for around two hours. The interview consists of:

  • Course information  
  • Discussion with course leads  
  • Practical and written task (reflective of Level 6 coursework)

Please bring evidence of any qualifications and/or any employment references. 

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs.

Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds.

Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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