Looking to become a teaching assistant? Great idea! You’ll be helping students learn the skills they need for the future while you gain first-hand classroom experience. To help you get a better feel for what to expect and whether it’s right for you, our guide talks through:
- What a teaching assistant job involves
- What qualifications you need to become one
- The soft skills that will help you to succeed
- How much teaching assistants earn
- Possible teaching assistant targets
- Teaching assistant career prospects
- Finding part and full-time teacher assistant jobs near you
what you’ll do in a full-time teacher assistant job
Both part-time and full-time teaching assistant jobs involve working closely with teachers to support children through learning activities. You might work in nursery, primary, secondary, special or independent schools, as well as colleges and sixth forms.
Your exact roles and responsibilities will depend on the school and the age of the pupils, but may include:
- Preparing and clearing up the classroom
- Helping children who need extra support, individually or in small groups
- Helping teachers plan learning activities and complete records
- Supporting teachers to manage behaviour in the classroom
- Supervising group activities
- Helping with outings and sports events
- Assisting with practical sessions, e.g. science projects
- If you’re bilingual, working with children whose first language is not English
Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) have more responsibilities, e.g.:
- Planning lessons and preparing teaching materials with teachers
- Specialising in certain subjects
- Leading classes or small groups under the teacher’s direction
- Supervising other support staff
- Assessing, recording and reporting on pupil progress
- Attending staff meetings to help develop the school
entry requirements for teaching assistant jobs
Individual schools set their own requirements in terms of qualifications and experience, so check the details of job adverts carefully. You’ll likely need to show:
- Experience of working with children. Volunteering to help in a school is a good start – even for a few hours per week – but you could also help out with local sports activities, summer camps and youth initiatives
- Capacity to develop positive relationships with children, teachers, parents and carers
- Understanding of the basics of how children learn and develop
- Creativity and flexibility
- Team working ability
- Good reading, writing and numeracy skills. Most paid jobs require you to have achieved a GCSE or equivalent at English and maths, but don’t be put off if you haven’t got them
In some jobs, IT skills or local community languages are desirable. Qualifications in early years, childcare, play or youth work can also be useful. But if you have enough experience, or can demonstrate the right attitude and potential, schools may say yes and train you on the job.
The following qualifications are available if you’re volunteering, searching for full-time teaching assistant jobs or are newly in the role:
- Level 2 Award: Support Work in Schools
- Level 2 Certificate: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
There is normally a short, nationally approved induction training programme once you start work. Further training is available, depending on your responsibilities, at local colleges and through on-the-job training, including:
- Level 3 Award: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Certificate: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma: Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
other skills you’ll need to succeed
There are other skills and qualities that can help you stand out in the job market and progress once you secure a role. These include:
- A passion for motivating and inspiring children
- Understanding and prioritisation of pupil safety and wellbeing
- Support for diversity, both in terms of pupils and colleagues
- Professional attitude and patience
- Willingness to follow educational policy and seek out training
what does a teaching assistant earn?
Full-time teaching assistant jobs s typically come with a starting salary of around £13,000 per year, with opportunities to increase your pay as you progress.
work 30-40 hours per week,You’ll work 30-40 hours from Monday to Friday during term time, plus early mornings or after school if supporting activities like breakfast or sports clubs. You may also need to attend training days or parents’ evenings outside of your regular commitments. on a starting salary of around £13,000 per year. There is then the possibility to progress to Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant, which would mean earning almost double that amount.
If you’re on a part-time or casual contract, your pay will likely be reduced.
teaching assistant targets
Given the broad range of potential settings and responsibilities, setting goals for a teacher aide depends heavily on the nature of the role. But your targets will probably revolve around themes such as:
- Professional conduct, relating to how you maintain boundaries between pupils while understanding where you fit in the classroom and wider school
- Knowledge relating to subjects, specialist skills, lesson planning, behaviour management and supporting pupils with special educational needs
- Teaching ability, primarily while supporting the teacher but also in leading individual or small group activities
- Working with others including teachers, parents and the pupils themselves
SMART targets for teaching assistants are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Creating goals around this framework will help to make your performance easier to track and give you greater clarity on the targets at which you should be aiming.
opportunities for progression
You may be able to become a senior assistant as you gain experience, or you can apply to train and be assessed for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status. You’ll need the support of your head teacher or school manager for this and, if you do take this step, you’ll be rewarded with extra responsibility.
Experienced teaching assistants can study for a foundation degree in an area like Teaching and Learning Support – and, of course, you could also go on to become a fully qualified teacher. Learn more about routes into teaching.
Watch our video below for Alex’s quick tips on progressing as a teaching assistant.
find full-time teaching assistant jobs near you
Are you ready for the classroom? Then start searching for available teaching assistant jobs near you. You can also submit your CV to get tailored opportunities sent straight to you when they come up.
You can also contact our specialist education team on 0845 600 1234, or email education@randstad.co.uk.
