Qualification Focus: Notetaking

Access to high-quality learning support is critical in ensuring all learners can fully engage with their studies. For learners with sensory impairment, effective notetaking plays a vital role in enabling academic success.  LASER’s Level 3 Award in Notetaking Skills for Support Staff Working with Sensory Impaired Learners equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to provide learner support in a Higher Education setting.

Officially recognised by the Department for Education and approved for inclusion on the Non-Medical Help Quality Assurance Framework for Disabled Students’ Allowances, this award opens the door to meaningful, paid work as a professional notetaker in Higher Education. 

Whether your learners are looking for a rewarding career supporting students or simply want to make a difference, this flexible qualification equips them with the expertise to succeed, both professionally and in everyday life.

The Role of AI in Notetaking

Following our recent qualification review we are delighted to share an update to the qualification.  The key change is the introduction of a new Learning Outcome focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in notetaking for sensory impaired learners.  Learners will explore how AI tools can enhance their effectiveness, while still maintaining the critical judgment that only a skilled human can provide. In an industry where technology is rapidly shaping the landscape, this new addition will ensure that learners are future-ready.

Flexible Pathways

The qualification offers two pathways:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• Vision Impairment

Each free-standing pathway allows learners in-depth knowledge tailored to specific needs. Learners may also choose to complete both pathways, gaining broader expertise and achieving qualifications in both Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Vision Impairment.

What Learners Will Gain

Learners will develop both the knowledge and practical skills needed to create clear and accessible notes that support learners with sensory impairments. They will learn how to adapt their approach to suit individual needs across a range of learning environments, such as lectures, workshops and independent study. The qualification also builds confidence in using a variety of notetaking methods, whether manual or electronic, and covers the effective use of AI technology to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Importantly, learners gain a recognised qualification, demonstrating to employers and education providers that they can deliver high-quality, professional support.

 Why Offer This Qualification

 Recognised by the Department for Education and approved for inclusion on the Non-Medical Help Quality Assurance Framework for Disabled Students’ Allowances, this qualification gives centres confidence that their offer aligns with recognised sector requirements. It also enables centres to provide learners with a credible qualification to support progression into employment as a non-medical helper (notetaker) and further roles in education support in a Higher Education setting.  

By delivering this award, centres can strengthen their curriculum offer while meeting the needs of learners seeking practical, work-related skills.

 How to Offer This Qualification

 To deliver this qualification your organisation must be a LASER Approved Centre. If you are not yet approved, we welcome new applications - visit our Becoming a LASER Centre page. If you are already an Approved Centre, simply submit a New Course Notification Form before delivery.

📞 If you have any questions or would like any further information please get in touch.

Don’t forget to check back next month for our next Qualification Focus feature!