TA role- do I need level 2/3 qualification?

[FairyOnTheTree]

I'm currently completing a psychology conversion MSc; the first step towards a career as an educational psychologist.

Once I graduate (next summer) I'll need to complete at least one year of work with children in order to meet eligibility requirements to apply for the (insanely competitive) ed psych doctorate. More likely it will be several years, given that the doctorate is incredibly hard to get on to and can take many attempts.

I would really like to work as a TA once I graduate, to build experience needed. I currently fit about 10 hours a week volunteering at a local school with a preschool class attached so will have a little bit of experience across Early Years/KS1/KS2 to draw on, but I don't have a TA qualification.

I've been looking into courses and it seems as though it would take at least a year to qualify (plus not exactly inexpensive). Another year of study for a qualification that I only intend to use for a couple of years (if luck is on my side, I could fail to get onto the doctorate for far longer!).

So I guess my question is: do I really need level 2/3? Is it worth the investment of time and money?

Secondly, I'm wondering how a school would perceive a TA application from someone like me? Would the Ed psych interest be seen as a positive thing or would the fact that I'm essentially using the role as a stepping stone make me an unattractive candidate?

Any thoughts welcome!

[june2007]

I would talk to the school your at, they may be willing to support you with a level2 or 3. (Level may A depend on what the school wants but also what you would need for your further ed.)

[Mumof3cherubs]

I’ve been an Lsa fo 3 years over two different schools, no LSA qualification I just had experience from volunteering. You may find a Special School easier to get into as they have more adults in a class a mixture of very well qualified LSAs and those without.

[FairyOnTheTree]

Do you mean support me with it in terms of letting me complete it 'on the job' @june2007?Unfortunately my children are at said school and they avoid employing parents so I'm not fancying my chances.

I suppose there would be no harm in applying for jobs and making clear that I would be happy to undertake a qualification while in the role 🤔 My MSc is full time so there is no way I can squeeze another course in until I have graduated anyway, and I understand there is a significant amount of work on placement needed too.

That's reassuring to hear @Mumof3cherubs. I'd be really interested in a special school role, or a PRU role for that matter!

[Howlongtillbedtime]

I think our school would jump at the chance to have you on board.

[hazeyjane]

Go and work in my child's school..they seem to take anyone who walks through the door on, especially when it come to working with children with complex needs. In fact I would imagine they would think you massively overqualified

[FairyOnTheTree]

Really @hazeyjane! TA roles seem really competitive around here, lots of well educated mums wanting jobs to fit in school hours!

I hope you are right and I'm looked favourably on @Howlongtillbedtime. I guess I'll find out next year 😆

[Fizzypoo]

Loads of TAs get in their role through being dinner ladies first and have no qualifications. Experience and the head already knowing you will help you get into a TA role.

[HerculePoirotsGreyCells]

It depends on the school. Some schools don't stipulate that you have a qualification but plenty do. I had to have level 3 supporting teaching and learning in my last role.

[hazeyjane]

Yes, @FairyOnTheTree, it beggars belief really, especially when you get a school who rely so heavily on TAs for some very complex children. If I could move my son I would.

[LoonyLunaLoo]

TA jobs around here are very competitive but you will be qualified with your degree. I have a degree in education with Special Educational Needs and work as a HLTA. I don’t have a level 2/3 qualification (well actually I’d need a level 4 qualification to be a HLTA). It would be quite obvious that you weren’t intending to stay long term though.

[MrJellyBean]

TA roles are hard to come by around these parts, hence why I took level 3 (2Hrs a week class + study time + 1 day a week placements) with a view to apply for level 2 roles (less pay) making me a more 'attractive' candidate. I agree with above poster who suggested special schools as a stepping stone, apply to volunteer in one for your placement maybe? good luck

[FairyOnTheTree]

@LoonyLunaLoo not sure my undergrad or postgrad would count really given that they are not education specific (although chunks of my MSc are child/educational psychology related).

I plan to be very honest about my career plans/motivations when I apply for jobs. It'll either put schools off or it won't.

@MrJellyBean it's similar round here although a mix of qualified vs parent volunteers with zero qualifications who are known to schools being recruited. Given that our school doesn't like recruiting parents I'm wondering now whether it's worth investing my volunteer time in one of the other local primaries.

I suppose thinking logically I can apply for September start roles when they start popping up and then register for a course to start in the autumn if I have no luck. I should think September would be the earliest I could start a new course after the masters in any case so nothing lost by putting myself out there before then.

[BrigitsBigKnickers]

MyDD has A levels and quite a bit of experience with SEN children through volunteering at a special school and working at a summer camp for children with high functioning ASD.

She signed up with an education temp agency and was snapped up by a school within a few weeks. Had a trial for a day and then a further two week period before being offered a contract till Easter.

[ChickenofDoom]

That's a good point about agency work @BrigitsBigKnickers, it sounds like a good way of getting yourself in front of potential employers and proving you are worth your salt.

Hope your DD is enjoying her role! My brother did the same after A levels and his school ended up putting him through teacher training whilst doing his job which worked really well for him