One of the barriers to effective training for support staff has been the lack of relevant, flexible qualifications. SWiS aim to address this by providing qualifications suitable for all support staff, including those who work across several roles.
The vocational qualification in support work in schools is available at two levels.
- level 2: award and certificate
- level 3: award, certificate and diploma
The qualification consists of two mandatory units, which cover working in the school environment and working with children and young people. A series of optional units cover a range of different roles in schools.
Funding for SWiS
Support staff working in schools do not pay anything for SWiS qualifications. Local authorities receive funding from the TDA to extend training opportunities to meet the development needs of school support staff. Demand for training is learner- and employer-led and delivered in partnership with existing and new local training providers.
More information
Potential candidates can find more information on SWiS on our support staff pages
Headteachers or partners who want to know more on implementing SWiS in their schools can read our SWiS guidance for school leaders
