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How to become a Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Career progression and salary expectations for a Teaching Assistant

1

Teaching Assistant

| Up to £18,000
2

Teacher

| Up to £30,000
3

Head of Department

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Teaching Assistant

For a Teaching Assistant the job is all about making a difference, on a daily basis…

The main role of a Teaching Assistant (also known as TA or Classroom Assistant) is to provide support and assistance to a teacher, making sure students are given all the help they need to get the most out of their education.

The key duties of a TA will usually include, although not be limited to, the following:

  • Providing support to children with mathematics, reading and writing on an individual, class or small group basis
  • Proving one-on-one help to children who require it
  • Giving further attention to children with any other special needs or requirements
  • Motivating and encouraging pupils
  • Supervising students at lunch, on events or trips and for special activities
  • Taking care of various admin tasks, including preparing materials for lessons, photocopying, laminating and marking papers
If you couldn’t wait to get out of the classroom when you were younger, this may not be the career path for you…

To be successful in this position, having a passion for working with children is essential, as well as a genuine interest in education. You will also need exceptional communication skills and must be able to motivate pupils who may sometimes be unruly or lack confidence.

Other key skills and attributes include:

  • A friendly and approachable nature
  • Excellent reading, writing, numeracy and listening skills
  • Flexibility and versatility
  • Ability to build relationships with both staff and students, but also display a good level of discipline when required
  • A passion for teaching
  • Patience
"I try to do as much as possible to help out whoever is teaching the lesson by assisting with lesson plans and doing any paperwork or admin that I can. But my job is about much more than that. Just being there for the children, and seeing the smile on their faces when I help them solve a tricky maths problem or answer a question, is incredibly rewarding."

Get qualified as a Teaching Assistant

You won't need a degree to become a Teaching Assistant, but relevant qualifications that are recognised in the field of education will help you to gain the skills needed to excel in this role, not to mention stand out to employers. Teaching Assistant courses cover essential topics such as child development, behaviour management, and supporting children with special educational needs (SEN). Additionally, undergoing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is necessary for working with children in schools to ensure suitability for the role.

Recommended Teaching assistant courses

  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

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    If you're currently working in or planning to join the early years sector, the Training Qualifications UK Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (RQF) could be your perfect fit. It is an invaluable stepping stone, especially if you're eyeing the Level 3 early years educ …
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  • HLTA - Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF)

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    The Learning College Group offers this HLTA Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification that is fully Regulated and accepted in all schools across the UK. This HLTA qualification enables you to work with children between the ages of 5-18 years. Our TQUK Level 4 HLTA Tea …
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