Studying for a Teaching Assistant qualification while raising children is absolutely doable with the right plan. This guide shows you how to build short, repeatable study routines, use family‑friendly time blocks, and keep momentum—even on messy days—so you can progress from enquiry to qualification with confidence.

Pick the right starting point

• Brand‑new to school settings? The Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching & Learning is knowledge‑only (no placement needed), ideal for parents getting started.
• Ready for classroom practice? The Level 3 Certificate and Diploma require a placement—great once you can commit school‑time hours.
• Exploring Early Years/children’s workforce? Consider our Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 2 Certificate.

Build a “family calendar” study routine

• Anchor blocks: 25–30 minute sessions after school drop‑off, during naps, or after bedtime. Two blocks a day beats one big weekly push.
• Micro‑wins: Define tiny tasks: read 4 pages, complete 5 quiz questions, draft 3 bullet points. Finish = tick it off.
• Daily 3: Each morning, list your three realistic wins (e.g., “Watch Section 1 video, note 5 takeaways, message tutor 1 question”).
• Share the plan: Put your study slots on the family calendar so everyone knows when you’re “in class.”

Weekly plan you can copy

Studying with different ages

• Toddlers: use paired play (you read while they do blocks/stickers), snack‑and‑study mats, and short audio lessons on speaker.
• Primary: set a 20‑minute family timer—kids read/draw while you study; reward everyone afterwards.
• Teens: parallel work time at the table; compare “wins” in 30 minutes.

Keep focus (even at home)

• One place, one kit: keep a basket with the course book/printouts, highlighter, sticky notes, and headphones; move it to your study spot.
• Phone discipline: 25‑minute timer, do‑not‑disturb on; put the phone across the room.
• Offline friendly: You can study with hard‑copy materials or downloaded PDFs if Wi‑Fi is patchy.
• Ask early: Email tutors when stuck—tiny blocks work best when you remove roadblocks quickly.

Placement planning for parents

• Start with the Level 3 Award while you arrange childcare; move to the Certificate/Diploma once your placement hours are confirmed.
• Trial mornings first; extend once routines are smooth. Document availability around school runs.
• If your child’s school allows, discuss volunteering in a different class (or another local school) to keep boundaries clear.

Motivation & momentum

• Visible tracker: put a simple progress grid on the fridge (units/sections); colour in each completed box.
• Reward ladder: 5 sessions = small treat; 20 sessions = bigger family reward.
• Buddy up: swap weekly 10‑minute check‑ins with another learner; share one challenge and one win.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours a week do I need to study?

Most parents make steady progress with 5–7 hours per week split into short daily blocks. Increase during quieter weeks; reduce when life is hectic—consistency beats intensity.

Can I study offline?

Yes. You can use hard‑copy materials or download PDFs to read without Wi‑Fi, then upload activities when you’re back online.

What if my child gets ill and I fall behind?

Pause guilt‑free and switch to micro‑wins (e.g., 10‑minute read + 3 highlights). Restart by planning tomorrow’s two smallest tasks.

Which TA course is best to start with?

The Level 3 Award (knowledge‑only) is ideal if placement hours aren’t possible yet. Move to the Certificate/Diploma when you can arrange a school placement.

Do I need a DBS check?

Schools arrange DBS checks for placements/work. Study from Home does not apply for DBS checks on your behalf.