Take on new challenges in the education sector, by getting a job as a teaching assistant. It’s the opportunity to give every child confidence in the classroom and it’s also a popular career choice for parents. Teaching assistants benefit from flexible hours and time off in the school holidays, making it the perfect job role for working around family life.
Securing a job as a teaching assistant can be challenging. If you’re going back into the world of work, or leaving another industry, starting from scratch can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to get you started.
What is the role of a teaching assistant?
Teaching assistants are there to support both teachers and pupils. This often involves working with an individual pupil, or a small group, to fill gaps in their knowledge, understanding and skills. You could be working with pupils who are struggling to keep up, have English as a second language, or special needs.
It’s a hands-on job that could see you tidying up a classroom, putting children’s work on display and preparing for parents’ evening. No two days will be the same in the role of a teaching assistant. You’ll have the chance to develop new skills and work with pupils of all abilities.
Skills you’ll need:
- A genuine love of working with children.
- Good communication skills.
- The ability to build relationships with children, parents and teachers.
- The confidence to manage bad behaviour.
- Organisational skills, flexibility and creativity.
- A calm approach to any situation.
- Reading, writing and numeracy skills, so you can provide pupils with specific support.
How do you get a job as a teaching assistant?
Get the training you need to stand out
There isn’t an official qualification for teaching assistants, but taking a course that is accredited and listed on the Ofqual site, will make a difference. Competition can be high for teaching assistant roles. To secure a job, you’ll need to show your commitment to supporting children and improving your skills. Getting a qualification will build your knowledge. It will also develop your understanding of what it takes to impress at a job interview and start a successful new career.
We can help
Stonebridge College has many years of experience and an excellent record in training teaching assistants. Three of the most popular courses we run are:
Teaching Assistant: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate (QCF) Level 3.
An NCFE accredited course, with wide recognition across most schools, this qualification requires a 50 hour work placement and is made up of 11 modules, which are assigned 32 credits.
Teaching Assistant: Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (QCF) Level 3.
This NCFE accredited course is designed for teaching assistants who will be directly supporting teaching and learning, in an area that requires specialist knowledge and skills. It has 15 modules, that are assigned 44 credits and requires a 50 hour work placement.
Teaching Assistant: CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (QCF).
This CACHE accredited course has 4 modules and doesn’t require a work placement. 12 credits are assigned upon successful completion. CACHE qualifications are widely recognised across most schools.
Why study with Stonebridge?
Studying with Stonebridge will not only provide you with a theoretical understanding of the role of a teaching assistant, but it will also give you practical experience, with the opportunity to learn in a school environment.
Best of all, we offer 19+ Learner Loans, which will cover the cost of your course, until you’re earning over £21,000. Only then will you need to start paying back your loan, in affordable monthly instalments.
Securing a school placement
Two of our courses require a work placement of 50 hours. This will give you valuable experience and look great on your CV. Most schools are happy to accept volunteers for a few hours a week.
Start looking for vacancies
You may already have a school in mind, but there are also many job sites out there that can help:
- www.indeed.co.uk
- www.totaljobs.com
- www.eteach.com
- www.reed.co.uk
- www.hays.co.uk
- www.jobs.theguardian.com
If you find a job that interests you, download the application form, the job description and any other material that’s included.
Do your research
Think about what the job description is asking for and what skills you could bring to the role of a teaching assistant. If you don’t have all the experience needed, then think about any examples you could give of transferable skills from previous jobs.
Every school is different, with a different ethos, which means it’s important to get a feel for the school before you apply. Research its history, read its blog, or news page, and note down any recent awards, or student success stories. Think about why it’s a work environment that you’d like to be part of.
Submitting an application
When you apply for the role of a teaching assistant, you need to follow the application process exactly as it has been laid out. Remember that the time to show your creativity is in the interview.
The application form
Print a spare form out and fill that in first, so you can correct any mistakes before the final form is completed. Answer all the questions accurately and completely and where appropriate, add specific reasons why your experience and training make you the ideal candidate.
Your CV
A CV is the opportunity to package yourself as a fantastic current and future employee. Make sure your contact details are up-to-date and accurate, with a professional sounding email address. You should also check carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a friend, or relative, to take a look at your CV with a fresh pair of eyes.
List your academic qualifications and any qualifications that you think would be useful for the role of a teaching assistant, for example a first aid certificate. Include your teaching assistant qualification if complete, or confirm that it’s in progress and specify when you expect to qualify. Discuss what you have learnt on the course and how you plan to use your knowledge and new skills in a teaching assistant role.
You may not think you have an impressive work history, but every job provides a learning experience. You might have communication skills from working in a shop, or organisational skills from working in an admin role. An excellent application will promote what you have to offer as a person.
Your cover letter
This is your chance to use your earlier research and where possible match your skills to any points listed in the job description. Explain why you are interested in the job and what you could bring to the role of a teaching assistant. Tailor each application to each specific job opportunity. Showing you’ve taken the time to find out more about the school, will make a good first impression.
Going to an interview
If you’re selected for an interview, you know that you’re one of the top few applicants. You’ve done well to get an interview, but the job isn’t yours until you get an offer. Read the invitation letter carefully and identify what you need to do to prepare.
Go through the job description again and any other material you have received from the school. Take a look online at the kind of interview questions you can expect and prepare some answers.
On the day, take a copy of the address and appointment time with you. Arrive early to give you time to calm down and take a final look through your notes. If your nerves get the better of you, then remember that you have:
- Received professional training and achieved a highly respected qualification.
- Had practical experience through your course placement and know you can handle the role.
- Done your homework about the vacancy and the school and you’re ready to share that knowledge.
Many people have to go to several interviews before they find the perfect fit for them. Keep working hard and you’ll gain more confidence every time you prove to yourself that you can get through an interview.
Don’t forget that if you have a passion for working with children, the right role is out there for you. Study with Stonebridge and you’ll get the head start you need to ace an interview and begin your new career as a teaching assistant.
I am looking to train as a teaching assistant in KS1 , can I take a teaching assistant course straight away or would I need to do an early years course first?
thank you
Hi Hayley, you can go straight to the Teaching Assistant course. Stonebridge
Am looking to train teaching assistant level 3 but I have to finish my level 2 with adult education in Nov waiting to sign me off. Can I start straight away.
Hi Sarah, yes you can start at any time. Stonebridge
Hi, I have Bachelor ( Honours ) degree from Russia. And interested in teaching assistant . Which level would I need to start?
Hi Elena, we would suggest starting at Level 3. Stonebridge
Sorry, I forgot to mention that the Title of my degree is in Psychologist, Teacher.
Hi,
I’m looking to change career and hope to become a teaching assistant. I’m not currently based in a school as I’m on maternity leave and don’t have any childcare based qualifications. I do have a bachelors (ba hons) degree in business management. Which course do you recommend I take first?
Hi Rachel,
We would suggest the following course:
https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/course/supporting-teaching-and-learning-in-schools-certificate-qcf-level-3
For more information on any of our teaching assistant courses please do not hesitate to get in contact with us or send us your details and I will put you in contact with one of our advisors.
Stonebridge
Hi
28/12/2016 17:56
I’m looking to change career and have thought about becoming a teaching assistant.
My background is nursing.
Please advise.
Don
Hi Doneraile, thank you for your enquiry. We will get in touch with you to provide more information. Stonebridge
Hi 🙂
I have a Master Degree in Public Administration (NARIC compatibility certificate) from Poland. I would like to start a new career in teaching. Where do I start ? Thank you for your advise.
Kind regards,
Monika
Hi Monika, thank you for your message. One of our team will be in touch. Stonebridge
Hi I am a paediatric staff nurse looking at a change of career, something that fits in with family life (not 12 hr shifts). What course do you recommend I do (I will still be working while doing the course)?
Hi Angela, one of our team will be in touch to discuss your options. Stonebridge
hi my name is rachael barnes and i would like to work with reception and year one children but i work at mcdonald’s for 5 and half years full time would i still be able to do it online to become and teaching assistant and this want i have always wanted to be and i love children
Hi Rachael, yes a teaching assistant qualification will help you to make a career change. An adviser will be in touch. Stonebridge
Is there any time limit to complete the course for teaching assistant? What paperwork I need to produce as a proof of placement? Thank you
Hi Magda, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
Hi, I currently work full time and am interested in a career change to teaching assistant. Can I still work full time in my current job and train to be a TA?
Thanks, charlotte
Hi Charlotte, yes our courses are very flexible. An adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
Thanks for writing this awesome post. It has seriously helped me.