Do I need qualifications to become a teaching assistant?
Teaching assistants provide crucial support to the class teacher and help with learning, supporting practical tasks, monitoring behaviour and helping students reach their full potential.
The role of a teaching assistant (TA) has developed over time. An experienced TA is extremely valued in the school setting and are highly sought-after members of the teaching profession. Some of the skills a teaching assistant must have include patience, compassion, ability to build a rapport with students and colleagues and a passion for educating young people.
Find out more about the required qualifications to become a teaching assistant
Where do TA’s work?
Teaching assistant roles are required in both primary, secondary schools & special education schools as well as colleges and in some nursery settings. Some teaching assistants are there to support children with specifically educational needs, while others are there to provide more general overall support within the classroom.
What Are A Teaching Assistant Roles and Responsibilities?
A teaching assistant role is varied and their duties can include:
- Helping to deliver tailored learning activities as per the teacher’s lesson plan.
- Providing support for pupils to keep them engaged and focused throughout the lesson
- Supporting social and emotional needs and development of pupils in the class in accordance with the school’s policy.
- Behavioural management
- Administrative duties such as preparing resources for the lesson
- Helping with extra-curricular activities and other duties outside of the classroom.
- Covering lunch time and break time duties
TA Qualifications
You won’t need to hold a degree to become a teaching assistant, though this can be advantageous if there is competition for the role. Some schools will train TA’s on the job. However more senior TA roles do require some qualifications to be considered for the role and experience working within an educational setting.
Desired qualifications include grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and Maths GCSE. You will also need proven literacy and numeracy skills, and may be required to sit a test as part of your application. For some teaching assistant positions GCSEs in the sciences may also be necessary to apply.
Undertaking TA qualifications and courses are the best route to become a teaching assistant and will help decision makers look upon your application more favourably.
There are numerous recognised qualifications for teaching assistants. These include:
- Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
The majority of these courses take a year to complete.
You may be able to undertake a TA course at your local college. Unqualified teaching assistants who are learning ‘in post’ may be granted a day off to attend college and study for the qualification.
If you are unable to attend a college, distance learning is also possible. Online courses are ideal for those who want to learn at their own pace, or work around their current day job in order to achieve the qualification.
Awareness Courses
Awareness courses are also useful for teaching assistants to gain a better insight into children who require extra help because of additional learning requirements. Children with dyslexia, autism, attention deficit disorder and attention hyperactivity disorder often work closely with teaching assistants. Having some prior knowledge and understanding of the additional needs these children have can also be very beneficial to succeeding in a TA role.
Continuing Professional Development
Once in the role, there are other qualifications and courses available to teaching assistants to help them develop their skill-set. It’s possible to take the Higher-Level Teaching Assistant qualification. Doing so means you will be able to provide short-term cover for qualified teachers when required. You could also specialise in a particular area of teaching such as working with children with disabilities or special needs or the Gifted and Talented programme.
