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Learn How to Become a Teaching Assistant

We understand that getting into a new career can be confusing. That is why we have compiled this informative 'How to Guide', to walk you through the process of becoming a Teaching Assistant.

The Role of a Teaching Assistant
Qualities of a Great Teaching Assistant
A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant
Things to Consider Before Becoming a Teaching Assistant
Career Progression
How to Get Started
Click here to get a free advice call with a learning advisor

The Role of a Teaching Assistant

What is a Teaching Assistant?

A Teaching Assistant (TA) is someone who works with both teachers and students to support and assist learning in schools. TAs are essential, ensuring that every child gets an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential in education.

What does a Teaching Assistant do?

One of the best parts of being a Teaching Assistant is that every day is different! You’ll be a speaker, confidant, mediator, first aider, safe guarder and educator – and that might just be Monday! Some TAs choose to undertake additional training, this may be in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), First Aid, Safeguarding or a specific subject specialism.

Qualities of a Great Teaching Assistant

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to remain professional in pressured situations
  • Teamworking skills
  • Principled approach to safeguarding, wellbeing and safety
  • Organisation skills
  • Empathy, patience, care & compassion
  • Creative thinker
  • Respect for diversity & equality

A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant

Every day is different as a TA, here’s some of the things you might get up to:

  • Assisting students during class
  • One to one support
  • Working with the teacher to implement learning strategies
  • Helping to set up the learning environment
  • Assisting in the preparation of teaching materials
  • Contributing to pupil progress reports and reviews
  • Monitoring student progress and highlighting any students who need further support with their learning and development
  • Helping to manage student behaviour
  • Administrative tasks such as arranging trips and conducting risk assessments
  • Ensuring students are engaged and maintain focus
  • Supporting safeguarding efforts
  • Listening to pupils in distress and finding a resolution
  • Promoting positive behaviour with compassionate, measured guidance
  • SEN/SPLD guidance/assistance

Get the Full Teaching Assistant Guide...

Haven't got time to read this today? Complete the form below and get the full version of our 'How to Guide' straight to your inbox and one of our professional Learning Advisers will give you a call to walk you through it.

 

 

 

 

Things to Consider Before Becoming a Teaching Assistant

Becoming a Teaching Assistant promises a rewarding and varied career, in which you’ll always be taking on challenges and meeting new people. The great thing about being a TA is that the work you do will make a real and profound difference to young people, giving them the support and guidance they need to succeed.

1. Job Requirements

Entry requirements for a Teaching Assistant roles will vary from school to school, however literacy and numeracy skills at GCSE level will be a general expectation.

For some TA roles, a qualification with placements may be required to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Some schools even offer to support employees in further study to progress their careers.

Don’t worry, Oxbridge can help get you qualified.

2. People & Community

If you’re a ‘people person’, a TA position means you’ll be part of a large community of teachers, parents, social workers, safeguarding officers, and fellow TAs, all working towards the same goals.

3. Flexible Working Hours

Full-time Teaching Assistants get to enjoy term time off, amounting to 14 weeks paid leave, including the six week summer holidays.

TA positions aren’t always permanent and fulltime however, meaning your hours of work may be flexible! This creates a great work-life balance, especially if you want to spend more time with your family.

4. Skill Building

The role of a TA allows you to build and develop many transferrable skills, as well as expand your knowledge and expertise.

Did you know that many Teaching Assistants go on to become fully qualified teachers? A TA position can be the jumping-off point for a long and varied career in education…

5. Shaping the Future

As people grow up and become adults, they tend to remember specific individuals who helped them at some point during their childhood or at school. As a Teaching assistant, you’ll meet new faces every year with the ability to have a positive contribution to your students’ future.

This job guarantees the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Helping a child realise their potential – you can’t put a price on that!

Career Progression

Many qualified teaching assistants branch out into other areas after getting their first job. The range of teaching assistant courses available means you’re in control of your career trajectory, and just some of the pathways you might consider include:

  • Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
  • SEND Teaching Assistant
  • Studying to become a Teacher

How to Get Started

Our Top Pick for You…

Hopefully, you’re feeling primed and ready to get started after reading this guide. We have hand-selected the perfect Teaching Assistant courses for you. Take a look below…

⭐ Most popular ⭐

95% of students choose this course to become a fully qualified Teaching Assistant...

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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning

Looking for something different?👇

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Dyslexia Awareness Level 2

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NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Safeguarding in a Learning Environment

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NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning

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NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

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NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning

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NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges

Get the Full Teaching Assistant Guide...

Haven't got time to read this today? Complete the form below and get the full version of our 'How to Guide' straight to your inbox and one of our professional Learning Advisers will give you a call to walk you through it.

 

 

 

 

Trustpilot

Awarding bodies that partner with us:

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See what people have to say:

Lucy

Enrolled on to a teaching assistant course, the service and tutor I have received have all been amazing and my course is going really well. I am really happy to be studying with them.

Tiffany

I enrolled with Kelly on a Teaching assistant course and the finance application process was quick and easy. Kelly was amazing throughout every step of this, thanks.

Vicky

I have now been studying my TA course with Oxbridge for just over 3 months and the support and reassurance I get from my tutor is amazing. She is always so positive and supportive. Thank you!

See what people have to say:

Lucy

Enrolled on to a teaching assistant course, the service and tutor I have received have all been amazing and my course is going really well. I am really happy to be studying with them.

Tiffany

I enrolled with Kelly on a Teaching assistant course and the finance application process was quick and easy. Kelly was amazing throughout every step of this, thanks.

Vicky

I have now been studying my TA course with Oxbridge for just over 3 months and the support and reassurance I get from my tutor is amazing. She is always so positive and supportive. Thank you!

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