Supporting Learning in Education Level 4/5 Foundation Degree
Course level: 4/5
Course code: Q1602
21/09/2026
Is this course right for me?
Delivered in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton*, this Foundation Degree is designed for support staff working in primary schools, secondary schools and colleges who want to progress their careers within education, inclusion and pastoral support.
The programme develops your understanding of child development, learning and inclusive practice, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to effectively support children and young people across educational settings.
What You’ll Study
- Child Development
- Inclusive Practice and SEND Support
- Safeguarding and Child Wellbeing
- Partnership Working with Families and Professionals
- Learning, teaching and educational pedagogy
- Education policy, legislation and current practice
Career Opportunities
Upon completion, you could progress into roles such as:
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
- SEND Support Practitioner
- Inclusion, Nurture or Behavioural Lead
- Family Support Worker
- Learning Mentor
Next Steps and Progression Routes
- Top up to degree level by progressing to the BA (Hons) Childhood, Family and Special Educational Needs, Disability, Inclusion and Childhood and Family Studies
- Further progression towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Postgraduate routes into Social Work, Mentoring or Educational Advocacy
Fees and Financial Support
HE Tuition Fee: £4,455
You may be eligible for Higher Education financial support if you do not already hold a degree-level qualification. For further information, visit the financial support page or contact the Student Hub at the CLQ or Wellington Road campus.
Why Choose This Course?
Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a positive impact on children’s learning, wellbeing and inclusion while opening pathways to career progression, leadership roles and further study within education and support services.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to:
- Be employed or have one-to-two years’ post-qualifying experience working with children and families or be in a long-term voluntary placement in a primary school, secondary school or college setting
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in a related subject – eg NVQ Level 3, Diploma in Childcare and Education, T-Level in Early Years and Education, BTEC National Diploma, NNEB Diploma or Level 3 Diploma Teaching Assistant
- Usually be over 21 years of age
- You will also be required to have a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check
- We also offer the opportunity to accredit prior certificated learning at Level 4 through the APL system.
What will I learn?
During this course you will study the following topics:
- Reflective practitioner
- Promoting inclusive practice
- Children and young persons development
- Safeguarding
- Exploring Autism
- Supporting teaching and learning with Teaching and learning in Education settings
- Developing critical reflection and practice
- Enabling learning
- Exclusion from school and social justice
- Research methods
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Build on your professional experiences, linking them to theory
- Gain an understanding of educational settings, considering how you can meet and address the challenges of inclusive education
- Reflect on your professional development in a positive way as members of a diverse global society
- Feel confident in challenging assumptions and responding to different views in an enterprising way
- Adopt collaborative ways of working with parents and other professionals
- Consider a range of issues and perspectives surrounding working with vulnerable groups
- Study current policies, procedures and practice, relating these to your workplace experiences
- Develop and consolidate a range of employability skills, including sharing information, working with and in groups, presenting information, digital literacy and critical thinking skills
How will I be assessed?
Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:
- Practical, written and online assessments
- Written assignments
- In-class assessments
- Presentations
- Viva Voce (verbal assessments)
What can I do next?
Successful completion of the course will enable you to:
- Top up to complete the full BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion, with Childhood and Family Studies
- Pursue a career in primary, secondary or post 16 education in a number of roles including teaching, social work, health education or educational welfare officer
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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