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Original poster

applying to be a T.A with no experience?

18 replies

Rory786 · 10/05/2019 16:07

Hi everyone, I'm in the 2nd year of my degree in Childhood and Youth studies.

I haven't worked for 18 years, during that time I had 5 children and homeschooled the 2 elder ones from KS1-KS3

Prior to having children I was training to be a primary school teacher but I post poned my studies.

Do you think I have a chance if I apply? I have tried to get voluntary work experience but have had no luck...

OP posts:
CluedoIsMyFavGame · 10/05/2019 16:23

I might suggest applying for a TA apprenticeship. You'll be working towards a level 2 or level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

I'm doing the qualification myself rather than via an apprenticeship (as I couldn't commit to full time this school year), I'm in school 3x afternoons a week at the moment (which isn't quite enough but my DS is only in nursery in the afternoons). I will continue in Sept 2-3 days a week and hope to finish by Easter 2020.

I'm a school governor, which has given me a good relationship with my DC's school and therefore they were really happy to have be in to study and DD's teacher from last year is my mentor. That has been key in getting a placement, as they know me, I already have a DBS as a governor, so no extra costs for them.

CluedoIsMyFavGame · 10/05/2019 16:27

Sorry, I see you're already doing a degree. Not sure what the syllabus covers but you will be up against those with the level 2 or level 3 qualification above. Of course to get the qualification you need to be in school, so other applicants will have that practical side too.

No harm in applying, you can always ask for feedback.

I've certainly been able to do more as a student studying for my Level 3 than I would as a volunteer helper.

corlan · 10/05/2019 16:30

My school has recently appointed a TA with no experience and she's turning out to be pretty good, so I'd say go for it!

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mynameisMrG · 10/05/2019 16:31

Do you have any friends who are teachers that you could volunteer in their classes? Or your children’s precious schools? It’s a competitive market for TAs at the moment and I’d be reluctant to interview anyone without at least some experience. That’s not to say you shouldn’t apply and see what happens, if your application and interview are strong you may be ok

LittleMachine · 10/05/2019 16:32

I would look at registering with a supply agency. We have a lot of agency staff in our school, and there have been plenty who are only just starting out. It’s a good way to get experience, get paid and find out if it’s for you or not.

mummyhaschangedhername · 10/05/2019 16:33

Our school employs TAs with moved amounts of experience, some with very little to none. Worth actually speaking to the school and seeing.

Original poster
Rory786 · 10/05/2019 16:39

Wow, thank you everyone so much for the advice. I'm really passionate about working with young people and helping them to reach their potential. I would be more than happy to volunteer but I cant seem to get my foot in the door!

You have all given me lots of ideas- thank you so much.

OP posts:
Nonnymum · 10/05/2019 16:43

Could you sign up with an agency and do supply TA work for a while to get experience. I know several people who have done this and they don't have TA qualifications or prior experience apart from volunteer reading in schools.

HollowTalk · 10/05/2019 16:45

How can you work as a TA while you're studying? Isn't the course full time?

Zofloramummy · 10/05/2019 16:55

I am a TA and had no prior experience but I work full time school hours. So no time for a degree!

fedup21 · 10/05/2019 16:57

We are advertising for two TA positions and have been flooded with applications. Only those with TA (or teacher, sadly) qualifications were shortlisted as we had to cut the list down somehow and couldn’t interview them all.

Mummyshark2018 · 10/05/2019 17:05

Where I live there's a shortage of TA's so I don't think it's unreasonable to think you can work without direct experience, however I would recommend volunteering at your kids school- helping with reading etc to get an insight into how schools work. Good luck

woodcutbirds · 10/05/2019 17:29

You have some experience - you have some primary teaching training and are doing a related degree which proves interest in this career.

If I were you I'd do at least a term of helping out at a playgroup or children's group like Rainbows, Beavers, Borwnies, Scouts, Woodcraft, Messy Church (very crafts based) so you have some first hand experience of coping with the demands, safety, wellbeing and attention of groups of young children. (You quickly learn what to do and not do) then add that to your CV. Community run play or youth groups are often desperate for an extra pair of hands. And many offer good training too.

CluedoIsMyFavGame · 10/05/2019 18:27

So much great info above. I didn't realise I might be able to do supply TA work while I'm studying for my Level 3, so I'm definitely going to look into that from September when my DS is in Reception.

Original poster
Rory786 · 10/05/2019 19:50

HollowTalk

My degree is with the Open University. So I can work and study but it is a bit of a push...

OP posts:
Original poster
Rory786 · 10/05/2019 19:53

Nonnymum thank you so much for your advice. I called an agency and they were really enthusiastic. I have a meeting (she didn't call it an interview!) on Wednesday.

Thank you everyone. Now to find my A'level and GCSE certificates.....

OP posts:
Nonnymum · 10/05/2019 20:11

Good luck Rory. Hope it works out well for you!

Original poster
Rory786 · 10/05/2019 21:54

Thank you Nonnymum

OP posts:
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