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Education Support Assistance: PDA

Glasgow Kelvin College students actively participating in class, guided by their lecturer through interactive discussions and activities.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
PDA
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

1 Year - 2.5 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2027
Campus
Easterhouse
Applications open Jan 2027

Course overview

Support every learner and make a difference in education.

If you’d like to work as a Support for Learning Worker within a school, college, or additional support needs (ASN) setting, this full-time PDA at SCQF Level 6 is the ideal place to start your career.

You’ll develop the skills, understanding, and confidence to assist teachers and learners in a range of educational environments, focusing particularly on supporting children and young people with additional support needs.

Learning takes place through a mix of classroom study and professional practice, helping you build both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Classes include group work, presentations, discussions and online learning through Moodle, Glasgow Kelvin College’s virtual learning environment.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to apply for entry-level support roles in education or progress into further study such as HNC Childhood Practice or HNC Additional Support Needs.

This course is ideal for:

  • Individuals who want to work directly with children and young people in education.

  • Learners who are passionate about inclusive education and supporting those with additional support needs.

  • Adults seeking a career change into education or student support roles.

  • School leavers or early-career professionals looking for a recognised qualification in the sector.

What you will learn

The PDA in Education Support Assistance combines practical and theory-based units focused on supporting learning, wellbeing, and inclusion.

You’ll study:

  • Developing Professional Practice in an Education Setting (Workplace Experience)

  • Understanding Professional Practice in an Education Setting

  • Development of Children and Young People in an Education Setting

  • Supporting Children and Young People who Require Additional Support for Learning

  • Supporting Behaviour of Children and Young People in an Education Setting

  • Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child

  • Working with Children and Young People with Autism in an Education Setting

  • Understanding Mental Health Issues

In addition, you’ll also complete Core Skills units in IT, Communication, and Numeracy to strengthen your employability and academic confidence.

📘 Learning & Assessment Methods:

  • Lectures, collaborative group work, and independent research.

  • Presentations, online learning and portfolio evidence.

  • Assessments include class tests, written assignments, and practical observation.

Helen, PDA Childhood Practice student, speaking into a microphone during an interview at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Meet Helen – Progressing from NC to PDA (Level 8) 🌟

Helen has been part of the Glasgow Kelvin College community from HNC level right through to Degree level — and she’s continuing her professional development with our PDA Childhood Practice (Level 9) | Evening course.

Her journey is a great example of how flexible study options can support real progression in Early Learning and Childcare.

Inspiring progression. Flexible learning. Real career growth.

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ You are required to hold certification at SCQF level 5 or above (or equivalent) including English or Communication. 

✅ All applicants should have an interest in working with children – please detail this experience in your personal statement

✅ Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in supporting learning and inclusion.

✅ Selection includes an interview where you can discuss your motivation and suitability for the course.

✅ During the interview process, you’ll complete a written task and must provide two references (one from your most recent educational provider or employer).

✅ Please bring evidence of your qualifications if invited for interview.

🕘 Classes run Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm.

ℹ️ If invited for interview you must bring evidence of your qualifications.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This qualification prepares you for a range of roles in education, including:

👩‍🏫 Support for Learning Worker in primary, secondary, or ASN schools

🎓 Learner Support Assistant in colleges or universities

💡 Classroom Assistant or ASN Classroom Support Worker

Future prospects

Successful learners could progress to:

  • HNC Additional Support Needs

These pathways build on your experience and open opportunities for further qualification and registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) or progression to advanced education support roles.

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our Childcare and Early Education Department

Read What Our Students Said

Video Transcript – Helen: PDA Childhood Practice (Level 9)

Hi I'm Helen and I'm currently studying the PDA level 9 Childhood Practice at Glasgow Kelvin.

I chose Glasgow Kelvin because child care was always something I wanted to get involved in.

I started on the NC level six, I continued on to the HNC level 7 and from there I went on to do the level 8.

I chose to come back because the lecturer was one that i had previously worked with during my HNC. She's very supportive really encouraging it was actually her that encouraged me to go further.

Being a working parent, it just fits in my family life. There's not as much pressure. The course is a wee bit more flexible.

When I qualify in June, I'm looking to progress into a team leader position within the council. This course has allowed me to gain the knowledge and skills that I need for that position.

The advice I would give especially for working parents. Coming to college gives you all the skills and knowledge that you need to go into something that you're passionate about.

There's a lot of support available from the lecturers who will help you through the course. Being a working mum I'm actually glad that I did it. It's allowed me to do a job that I've always wanted to do but having children so young I never thought this was a possibility until I came to Glasgow Kelvin.

Studying at Kelvin has been a great decision, found it very supportive and I've actually never looked back since joining.

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