In this blog, you will learn:
What a Teaching Assistant is.
What the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant are.
What the responsibilities of a Senior Teaching Assistant are.
What qualifications a Teaching Assistant needs.
What skills a Teaching Assistant needs.
Who employs a Teaching Assistant.
The average salary of a Teaching Assistant.
Where the latest Teaching Assistant jobs are and how to apply for them.
What is the role of a Teaching Assistant?
A Teaching Assistant (or TA for short) assists a teacher by providing teaching and learning support to help children with their educational and social development, both in and out of the classroom.
Some Teaching Assistants work exclusively with pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities (SEND).
Teaching Assistants are also known as learning support assistants, classroom assistants, pupil support assistants or teacher’s aides.
What are the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant?
While working as a Teaching Assistant, you will be required to:
Prepare the classroom for lessons and help to tidy up after activities.
Create displays of children's work.
Work with pupils to make sure they understand the work.
Work with pupils to make sure they stay focussed.
Motivate and encourage pupils.
Help children who require extra support.
Support the teacher in managing challenging behaviour.
Promote positive behaviour.
Listen to pupils read.
Read to pupils and tell them stories.
Supervise group activities.
Attend training lessons.
Keep a record of pupils' progress and provide detailed feedback to teachers.
Report any issues if they arise.
Take care of pupils who are upset, unwell or have had an accident. Teaching Assistants can administer first aid if necessary.
Assist with extra-curricular activities such as breakfast, after-school and homework clubs.
Attend and assist on classroom outings or sporting events.
Assist in providing a safe and healthy environment which follows safeguarding procedures.
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Teaching Assistant?
While working as a Senior Teaching Assistant, you may also be required to:
Lead a class on their own.
Help the teacher to plan lessons.
Supervise and assist junior support staff.
Cover absences.
What qualifications does a Teaching Assistant need?
To become an entry level Teaching Assistant, you will need GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) in maths and English, experience of working with children and basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Although not essential, further education such as A Levels, a degree or passing a Teaching Assistant course could be advantageous in the recruitment process.
To work within a school, Teaching Assistants will also need to pass an enhanced criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland.
What skills does a Teaching Assistant need?
Key skills of a Teaching Assistant include:
Excellent communication skills.
Great organisational skills.
A positive mindset with the ability to motivate, inspire and build rapport with pupils of all ages and backgrounds.
A professional attitude to work.
Establish constructive relationships with pupils and interact with them according to their individual needs.
Empathy, sensitivity and understanding.
The ability to teach pupils.
The ability to successfully work alongside other colleagues within the school including Teachers, fellow Support Staff, Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Social Workers.
The ability to relate to pupils of all ages and backgrounds.
Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
Knowledge of the school curriculum.
IT skills.
Patience including the ability to manage challenging behaviour.
A creative mindset.
A strong focus on pupil safety and wellbeing.
Promote self-esteem and independence in pupils.
Friendly and welcoming.
Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the school.
Respect for diversity. While working as a Teaching Assistant, you will work with pupils, parents, teachers and governors from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Commitment to continued professional development and staying up to date with educational and school policies.
Comply with policies and procedures which relate to confidentiality, child protection, health, safety and security and data protection.
Who employs a Teaching Assistant?
The majority of Teaching Assistants are employed by mainstream (primary and secondary) & independent schools, SEND schools, colleges & sixth forms, academies and nurseries.
Average salary of a Teaching Assistant
The average salary for Teaching Assistant jobs in the UK varies depending on location, experience, and type of school. They vary from around £19,000 to £22,000 per year.
However, due to the higher cost of living, Teaching Assistants in London can expect to earn between £23,000 to £26,000 per year.
Some Teaching Assistants may earn more than this range, while others may earn less. It's important to note that Teaching Assistants may also receive additional benefits, such as pensions and holiday pay.