How to become a teaching assistant
If you鈥檙e thinking of a career in teaching, a role as a teaching assistant could be a great springboard into this profession. Read on to discover more.
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CONTENTS
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Routes to becoming a teaching assistant
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Skills you鈥檒l need
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Finding work experience
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How to get a job as a teaching assistant
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What it's like to be a teaching assistant
Routes to becoming a teaching assistant
There are several different routes to becoming a teaching assistant. As a minimum you鈥檒l usually need GCSE (or equivalent) in maths and English at grade A* to C, along with some experience of working with children. It鈥檚 then possible to apply directly to a school, academy or local authority for a teaching assistant vacancy. However, it is likely most applicants will have a formal qualification from a college, university or through an apprenticeship scheme.
Apprenticeships
A Level 3 advanced apprenticeship is a popular route to becoming a teaching assistant. These courses are employer-led and will usually take at least 18 months to complete. You鈥檒l attend college for approx. 20% of the time and spend 80% doing on the job training in the workplace. Both elements will be continually assessed. Your employer will pay for your studies, and you鈥檒l also receive a wage for the work you carry out, this is usually paid at the hourly minimum wage rate. On successful completion, the employer may offer you a permanent position if one is available.
Entry requirements usually involve five GCSEs at grades nine to four (A* to C), or equivalent and must include English and maths.
You can search for available teaching assistant apprenticeships at .
College course
There are a range of college courses available, some of which can be completed online. Options to consider include a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or a T Level in Education and Early Years.
Level 2 courses require at least two GCSEs at grades nine to three (A* to D), or equivalent. Level 3 and T level ask for at least four GCSEs at grades nine to four including maths and English.
Undergraduate degrees
Although it鈥檚 not essential to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as early years, teaching or education, it could be an advantage as this shows a sound level of knowledge and skills.
Most teaching and education degrees require between 88鈥�153 UCAS points. Undergraduate teaching and education degrees take three to four years to complete depending on whether there is an integrated foundation year, professional placement or year abroad.
As well as having a positive and calm manner, you鈥檒l also need:
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Communication and interpersonal skills
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Reading, writing and numeracy skills
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Safeguarding knowledge
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Teamworking
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Organisation
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Patience
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Respect for diversity
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Flexibility
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Ability to build rapport and trust
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IT skills
You鈥檒l usually need to demonstrate some experience of working with children to apply for a teaching assistant course or role.
Try looking for work by:
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Volunteering at a school, nursery or childminders
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Working as a nanny or babysitter
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Shadowing a relevant professional such as an Early Years Practitioner or teacher
You鈥檒l find teaching assistant roles advertised by a specific school, nursery or local authority. Opportunities are usually promoted on individual education providers' websites or on the local authority jobs board. You might also secure work through educational agencies if you are interested in short-term contracts.
Additional places to look for vacancies include online sites including Guardian Jobs, Times Educational Supplement jobs (TES), Eteach, daynurseries.co.uk and Edustaff.
As a teaching assistant you鈥檒l help children of all ages and abilities with their learning and act as a support to classroom teachers. Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:
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helping teachers prepare lessons and resources
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setting up and tidying classrooms for lessons
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working with students to support their understanding
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observing, recording and reporting the progress students make
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looking after children who are upset or unwell
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leading classes with help from the teacher
You might work in a mainstream school, special needs school or nursery. Most of your work will be classroom based along with playground supervision, outdoor activities and school trips. You鈥檒l usually work as part of a team of educational professionals and support at least one classroom teacher.
Educational establishments tend to have their own induction programmes and professional development is encouraged. You might want to build on your qualifications and can progress to a
Level 4 Certificate. With experience you may decide to train as a teacher or apply for higher-level teaching assistant (HTLA) status.
Qualified Level 2 teaching assistants earn between £18,000 to £20,000. Teaching assistants with Level 3 qualifications can earn up to £25,000 if they have additional specialisms or special educational needs responsibilities.鈥疘t鈥檚 important to remember that a lot of teaching assistant roles are part-time, term-time only or on casual contracts, so your take-home pay could be significantly less.
Is a role as a teaching assistant right for you?
A role as a teaching assistant can be very rewarding, seeing children you work with develop socially, emotionally, and academically. It can be a demanding role and the salary doesn鈥檛 necessarily reflect the effort and dedication that is required. However, it could act as an alternative route into the teaching profession.
- READ MORE
- What do graduates do and earn?
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