TA courses?

[MamaDuckling]

I know that qualifications are not necessary.... However, I want to do one, and am looking for advice on online course providers.

I have worked extensively with children and young people, in informal learning settings (museums/science institutes).

Now that I've left my job to be SAHM for a while, I'm looking ahead to jobs that will fit around term times, and can fit around our nomadic life!

I've always wanted to work in a school, ideally in a support /SEN support role. Would anyone recommend any specific online course providers? We are currently living overseas so needs to be an online course. I'm sure I could get some experience in my sons school over here to fulfil the placement hours.

[Littlefish]

I would say that qualifications are absolutely necessary for many TA jobs. My school would not consider employing someone without relevant qualifications, plus English and Maths GCSE or O level. We have a few TAs who don't have these qualifications, but they were employed many years ago.

[justjuanmorebeer]

The Open University are launching a new range of T A courses this year.

[MamaDuckling]

Thanks, good to know.

I have excellent GCSE's, A Levels, and an MSc. It's the TA specific stuff I'm looking into qualifications for - the Award/Certificate (Level 3). I'm looking for any feedback on individual course providers....

[MamaDuckling]

Oh interesting juanmore (love your user name)!

I do like an OU course. Do you have a link?

[Ditsy4]

Cache is one of the better ones. Level 3 Diploma is the best choice.

[MamaDuckling]

Thanks, Ditsy. I've seen that available through a provider called Stonebridge.

[MerylPeril]

I've been looking into similar and have been confused. Would schools accept the online ones then.
I'm worried I would pay out money and get nothing for it because they really want you to complete the college course based ones?

[Letseatgrandma]

My school wouldn't be terribly interested in a TA with an online qualification. They'd far rather employ someone with vast and (very) recent experience in the classroom.

[MamaDuckling]

My understanding is that the level 3 Certificate/Diploma has a placement component - up to around 150 hours that need to be done in a school....

[MerylPeril]

I've many years experience with children (also working in museums), I just wondered if it would help a little and give me an extra edge?
I'm registered with a teaching agency who think I should get work quite easily through them - but still want to apply for more permenant positions.
Don't mean to highjack your thread mamaduckling

[justjuanmorebeer]

Not sure if they have gone live on the OU site yet as they have been in development this academic year. Send them an email about dates.

[CodyKing]

You must check in the national database for accredited qualifications to make sure your coarse is recognized qualification and not a ' Level 3 CosyKing Award' thanks for the £300

Otherwise it's a complete waste of money

[CodyKing]

You must check in the national database for accredited qualifications to make sure your coarse is recognized qualification and not a ' Level 3 CosyKing Award' thanks for the £300

Otherwise it's a complete waste of money


register.ofqual.gov.uk