Teaching Assistants, often known as TAs, work in schools to support teachers and help pupils with their learning. They assist in classroom management, provide one-to-one or small group support, and help with administrative tasks such as preparing materials. TAs play a crucial role in helping pupils who have special educational needs or those who need extra help to catch up. The role can vary depending on the school and age group, but it usually involves both academic and pastoral support. Teaching Assistants often work term-time only, which can provide a good work-life balance, especially for those with families.
Teaching Assistants in the UK typically earn between £16,000 and £23,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are around 380,000 teaching assistants working in the UK, making it one of the largest education support roles.
Demand for teaching assistants has grown steadily, with an increase in positions by about 10 percent over the last decade.
Support pupils with special educational needs in primary or secondary schools, working closely with teachers to provide tailored assistance.
Assist teachers in nurseries or reception classes, helping young children with their learning and development through play and structured activities.
Work with small groups or individual pupils in primary or secondary schools to improve reading and writing skills under the guidance of a teacher.
Get hands-on experience by volunteering in a school, after-school club, or youth group.
Volunteering allows you to observe how classrooms operate and demonstrates your commitment to working with children. Many schools welcome volunteers to help with reading, activities, or supporting teachers during lessons. If you cannot volunteer at a school, consider helping in local youth groups or holiday clubs to build your experience.
Work on your ability to communicate clearly and work well with others.
Teaching Assistants need to communicate effectively with both children and adults. Practise active listening, clear speech, and positive body language. Participating in group activities, sports teams, or drama clubs can help you develop these skills, which are highly valued in educational settings.
Pursue a recognised Teaching Assistant qualification to improve your knowledge and employability.
Many colleges and training providers offer Level 2 or Level 3 Certificates or Diplomas tailored for Teaching Assistants. These courses cover topics such as safeguarding, supporting learning activities, and working with children with special educational needs. You can study full-time, part-time, or through apprenticeships, depending on your circumstances.
Complete courses in safeguarding and basic first aid, often required by schools.
Safeguarding training ensures you understand how to keep children safe and spot signs of abuse or neglect. Many schools also require TAs to have basic first aid knowledge to respond to minor injuries or emergencies. These short courses are often included in TA training or offered separately by local authorities.
Create a CV highlighting your experience, qualifications, and commitment to supporting children.
Include all relevant voluntary or paid work, training, and skills that make you a strong candidate for a TA role. Ask previous supervisors, teachers, or group leaders to provide references who can speak positively about your work with children.
Search for Teaching Assistant vacancies and apply online or directly to schools.
Check local authority websites, school websites, and job boards for TA positions. Tailor your applications to each school, showing enthusiasm for their values and ethos. Prepare for interviews by thinking about how you would handle different classroom scenarios and demonstrate your understanding of the TA role.
Undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting work.
All school staff must complete a DBS check to ensure they are suitable to work with children. The school or local authority will guide you through this process as part of your pre-employment checks. Having a clean record is crucial for entering this profession.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Teaching Assistant (TA). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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