The Adult College Lancaster

Candidate Name: Candidate No:

NVQ Teaching Assistant Level 3

Unit 010 Knowledge Based Assignment
Assist in Preparing and Maintaining the Learning Environment

Help to prepare the learning environment. 10.1 iii, vi, vii

10.3 ii

Control of the environment is very important in enabling the intended learning. Our surroundings
have a marked effect on our feelings and our behaviour, but although we cannot always affect their
original structure we can control what happens within this space.

Draw two plans (these need not be to scale) of:

a. The classroom in which you mainly work.

b. The same classroom with suggested alterations giving reasons for the alterations
considering the Disabilities Discrimination Act 2002 (DDA).

Your plans should include:

 Position of furniture – shape of chairs / tables/cupboards.
 Windows – blinds?
 Heating – check temperature – too hot, too cold – effects on pupils, equipment
 Artificial lighting – shadows?
 Wall covering / posters (do they enhance or detract?)
 Health and safety requirements.
It would also be useful to give some explanations where relevant.

What factors would you have to consider when setting out a learning environment considering
pupil’s physical development (Foundation Stage - Yr. 11) and including special needs, safety
arrangements, positioning furniture, equipment and materials, access to school/classroom, and
storage areas?

10.1 iii, vi,

10.3 iv

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The learning environment is more than just a classroom. 10.1 ii, iii, vii
Complete the following spider diagram with suggestions for other areas. 10.3 vi
15.1 v

School environment

Classroom

From the above learning environments (apart from the classroom) list below any potential hazards
you can think of and state what action would be needed to address them and to whom you would
report.

Learning Hazard Action Needed Reported To

Environment
Classroom Doors Finger guards fitted H & S officer

Write a brief statement about each of the following:

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 What are your legal duties under the Health and Safety at work legislation.
 What role do you play in preparing and maintaining a safe and secure learning
environment? Is this written in your job description and how do you encourage the children
to accept responsibility for their learning environment?

10.1 i; ii; vii

10.3 i; v
15.1, ii, iii

Who else is responsible in your school for the learning environment? e.g. Site agent – give a brief
description of their roles

10.1 ii
10.1 v
10.2 iii
10.3 i

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What are the school procedures for a) reporting shortages of materials and equipment; b) ordering
new supplies; c) storing materials / equipment; d) preparing materials / equipment; e) damage to
equipment/ materials; f) ensuring the safety / security of the children and staff and g) storing any
faulty/broken items?

School Procedures for…… Reported to Standards

a) reporting shortages of materials and equipment 10.2 iv
10.3 vi

b) ordering new supplies 10.2 iii

c) storing materials / equipment 10.2 iv

15.1 viii
22.1 I
22.2 xiii

d) preparing materials / equipment 10.2 iii

e) damage to equipment/ materials 10.1 v

10.3 vi
22.1 iv
22.2 ix

f) ensuring the safety / security of the children and staff 10.1 vii, viii
15.1 i

g) storing any faulty/broken items 10.3 vi

15.1 viii

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Who is the Health and Safety Officer in your school and who is she/he responsible to? Find your
school Health and Safety Policy. What procedures do you have to follow if you have any concerns
or problems regarding potential hazards?

10.1 iv, v
10.3 iii
15.1 vi

What are your school requirements for health, hygiene, safety and supervision in the following
environments: a) access to premises; b) store rooms; c) storage areas, d) specialised
curriculum areas e.g. ICT, DT, Art, Food technology etc?

a) access to premises 10.1 iv, vii

viii
10.3 iii
15.1 i

b) store rooms

c) storage areas

d) specialised curriculum areas

Indicate on a copy of the school plan (often included in the school’s handbook for parents) the
following:

 The position of fire extinguishers / blankets in school. Indicate what the different types of
extinguishers are used for.
 Location of the first aid box
10.1 PI.2 scope se. a, c
15.1 ix

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Who are the First Aiders in your school and list the contents of a school First Aid Box? Why should
the contents be checked regularly and who is responsible for ensuring they are properly equipped?

10.1 ix

When you are preparing resources what health and safety requirements do you take into account
e.g. glue, sulphuric acid? How do you minimise waste, and what disposal facilities are available
to use for e.g. ink cartridges,/photocopy toner, handouts/ worksheets, science materials etc.

10.2 i , ii
15.1 i

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How might the following environmental factors affect the pupil’s learning process and how could
you adjust it for different activities?

Temperature 10.3 ii

Light

Ventilation

Sound

Candidate’s Signature: Date:

Assessor’s Signature: Date:

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