TA training advice please

[Hugsfromdermot]

I am looking to do a Level 2 TA training course online/correspondence course (Level 2 is the right one to start with right? I have a degree and volunteer in school but have no 'school/education' training). Has anyone done one recently that they would recommend? How long did it take? There seem to be a lot of different courses around at wildly different prices and I obviously want to make sure I do one that means something! Thanks in advance for any help.

[Hugsfromdermot]

Shamelessly bumping as I posted late last night!

[CharlesRyder]

I really don't think it is necessary? None of my VERY skilled TAs has TA training. One is a qualified teacher, one has EYPS, three have degrees and the other has 20 years experience, but no TA courses in sight!

If you have a degree and are already doing voluntary work in school then I would just start applying for jobs.

If you want additional qualifications (and I was reading your CV) I would probably be more interested in something like a literacy or SEN module from the OU.

[spanieleyes]

Whereas we wouldn't employ anyone, unless already a qualified teacher, without a Level 3 qualification! ( Although we do have TAs with a wealth of experience and without qualifications, they were taken on over 20 years ago, we wouldn't do the same now!)
Whatever you decide, PLEASE make sure your course includes an element of work experience in schools, volunteering is good but every applicant for a TA post has volunteered at some point, you need to stand out!!

[Notonaschoolnight]

Same as spaniel you have to do the level 2 then the level 3, in the NE no one with just level 2 gets employed anymore, there's too much competition, but the school will still only pay the level 3 qualified person a level 2 rate of pay. Here level 3 pay is classed as being for a TA giving an SEN child one to one support.

That's the council area I'm in though it's surprising how things are different nationwide, I'm sure I read recently that someone somewhere still got paid during hols, yet that stopped about 9 years ago here

[CharlesRyder]

I think it does depend where you are. I have just moved away from an area where there was a huge recruitment problem across the LA. We had to use agencies to get TAs and were pleased with people who's English was clear.

I also work with severe behavioural difficulties which attracts less candidates- so maybe my perspective is not the norm.

[Hugsfromdermot]

Thanks for the advice. Really goes to show the differences around the country! I have been advised having spoke to my own daughters head teacher (in the school I'd of course love to work in!) that from the skills she knows I have I would be very employable to her BUT there is so much competition for any positions that come up she advises I do a level 2 to make myself as attractive as possible. Can anyone recommend a course they've done? I'm finding them ranging from £250 to £1000!!