If you are thinking about becoming a Teaching Assistant or wanting to retrain as a teacher or looking for a change of career into education, working as a Teaching Assistant is a good place to start. Our helpful guide will help you understand how to do this.

Is a Teaching Assistant job right for me?

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are a valued asset within a classroom. Sometimes known as classroom support staff or an education assistant, they all are there to provide support by working with individuals or small groups of pupils under the direction of the class teacher. From primary and secondary school settings to special schools and other institutions, thousands of TAs help pupils to maximise their potential.

The role of a Teaching Assistant differs hugely from the role of a teacher in that you will not be planning and delivering lessons, nor will you be expected to undertake any marking. The role and responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant have evolved over time to keep up with demand and changes within education.

If you have an interest in helping pupils’ reach their full potential and bring out the best in them, working as a TA will help you achieve this.

Having some knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) can be useful in a Teaching Assistant role, as you will be supervising and supporting pupils both with and without special needs, ensuring their safety and ability to access learning activities.

Key duties of a Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistants play a pivotal role in supporting the class teacher and providing much needed assistance to pupils. The role can vary from school to school as it depends on the needs both in and out of the classroom; either way you will still be able to make a significant difference.

• Arranging classroom supplies, setting up activities and implementing planned learning activities.
• Support the class teacher in monitoring and evaluating pupils’ progress.
• Standing in for other staff in the case of absence.
• Providing personalised educational activities designed by the teacher, whether in a group setting or one-on-one.
• Supervising the performance and behaviour of pupils to ensure tasks are completed appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Encouraging pupils’ socialisation and taking note of any issues in accordance with school policies and expected norms.
• Supervise pupils before school, after school and on school trips.
• Support the use of technology in learning and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use.
• Handling instances of difficult behaviour in the classroom and bringing problems to the attention of the teacher.
• Organising and taking part in parents’ evenings and similar activities.

What qualifications and experience do I need to become a Teaching Assistant?

Whilst you do not need to have a degree to work as a Teaching Assistant, schools will expect you to have basic literacy and numeracy skills with some skills and knowledge gained through paid or voluntary work experience. As a minimum you must have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Mathematics.
• Previous experience in supporting children of relevant age. This can be paid or voluntary.
• Fluent level of English, both spoken and written.
• You will also need to pass an enhanced background check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

When hiring Teaching Assistants, schools tend to set their own requirements and the needs vary from one school to another. It is highly advantageous and recommended to undertake extra qualifications to support your application. There are a variety of TA courses and certifications that can be taken which demonstrate you can deliver the expected standard of professional conduct. The more accomplishments you have, the more likely you are to get a Teaching Assistant job.

• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools.
• Level 2 Award/Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. (Induction Training for Teaching Assistants & Support Staff).
• Level 3 Award/Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
• Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools.
• Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Certificate.

You can find all these courses and more at learndirect.com.

Another way to really get ahead is to invest some time in Continuous Professional Development (CPD). These courses will really help boost your career and keep your skills up to date.

It is preferable to have some relevant experience. Although, experience within a classroom setting is preferred, there are other ways you can achieve this, including:

• Taking care of children
• Working in a children's nursery
• Running or coaching sports activities
• Tutoring students
• Working with teenagers
• Helping with local community activities

Volunteer days are a great way to get first hand classroom experience and here at TLTP Education we can help you with this. It’s also a good idea to do supply work as allows you to work in a range of schools which will quickly build up your experience.

How will I know if I will be a good fit?

To become a Teaching Assistant, it is imperative that you enjoy working with children and young adults. In addition to the essential qualifications, schools will be looking for those who are empathetic, compassionate, supportive, and understanding of the pupils’ needs. 100% commitment to the safety and well-being of pupils is always required.

You will need to be well-presented, professional, trustworthy, and ethical. A positive and motivational candidate who is flexible and resourceful will be well received. You should also be approachable as the role requires building relationships with pupils’, parents, and teachers. Check out our guide on the top qualities needed to be a good Teaching Assistant.

Salary of a Teaching Assistant

There is no standard level of pay for teaching assistants, salary and conditions of employment will differ from one school to another. A TA’s salary varies depending on their exact role, the responsibilities they take on and the specific educational setting. Many TAs are employed on part-time or term-time only contracts, so pay can be lower than for full-time teachers.

However, the largest percentage of teaching assistants work full-time, on the basis of an annual salary. One of the most appealing aspects of becoming a teaching assistant is the way in which most TAs enjoy the same time off as teachers - including the long summer break.

• Initial pay rates for level 2 TAs range between £18,000 and £20,000 per year.
• Experienced teaching assistants can earn up to £21,000 per year with added duties and higher-level credentials.
• HLTAs can expect to receive around £21,000 and £25,000 per year.
• TAs who work on a routine basis might make from £70 to £90 per day, or up to £15 per hour.

How TLTP Education can help you find a teaching assistant job

As one of the UK’s leading educational recruitment agencies, we help hundreds of teaching assistants every year put their skills into practice in primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and other educational institutions.

Even if you have no previous experience as a teaching assistant, our consultants will find you the right opportunity to get into the classroom and start changing lives. They’ll also help you with polishing your CV and making sure you are fully prepared for interviews. 

Get started today. If you feel you have the necessary skills and requirements to be become a Teaching Assistant, click the on the roles below to find your perfect job. 

Primary Teaching Assistant jobs

Secondary Teaching Assistant jobs

SEN Teaching Assistant jobs

If you cannot find what you are looking for, don’t worry. You can also register with us and a consultant will in touch to discuss your requirements and help you begin the process.