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Original poster

20 yr old male TA in primary - what would you think?

243 replies

newromantics · 15/12/2023 09:33

Just that, really! DS is thinking of becoming a primary teacher and wants to get some TA experience. He's been invited for interview today at a local school (last day before Christmas break so it'll be manic!) to start next term.

However he was worrying this morning that he's not the usual 'TA type' and I must admit my only experience of TAs is of older women who've perhaps had their own kids already etc. I think he'd be great but obviously I'm biased!

What would you think if your Year 1 child had a TA like my DS?

OP posts:
Definitelyastrongcoffeeday · 15/12/2023 10:21

My first thought was “what a world we live in if a parent these days is still asking this question”….so I am REALLY REALLY pleased to read the rest of your post, OP.

i think your DS is a great role model. Wishing him all the best ❤️

Winnipeggy · 15/12/2023 10:21

I'd be very happy, good on your son. There's a wide spectrum of TA's so I don't think there will be any issues

Shelby1981 · 15/12/2023 10:22

I think it's great if all the staff aren't female! Our neighbour of a similar age is a SEN ta at our sons school and he's great.

Also pleased that our son has a male teacher this year (y3)

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20 years old General education Primary education
PatchworkWellies · 15/12/2023 10:22

@Onionsmadeofglass

'I also might not be thrilled if my child had additional needs and needed 1to1 intimate care (eg. Toileting) from a TA.'

I'm pretty sure this wouldn't happen with male staff and female child. A (female) child in my son's class needs regular intimate care and although the main TA is male as per my previous post, the only staff who are trained to support the child with needs are female even though they may have to pop through from another class when needed. This has been set out to us at governor level so all leadership are aware of the safeguarding protocols put in place - which also includes always having 2 members of staff there to do the care. Schools are usually exceedingly careful around this kind of thing.

MouseTheDog · 15/12/2023 10:26

No problem. The job is open to men and women. He sounds as if he would make a good TA/teacher and we could do with more of them!

Literally my only problem with male staff in education is the fawning over them like they’re doing the world a favour. See also dads doing basic parenting being amazing 😒

Onionsmadeofglass · 15/12/2023 10:26

PatchworkWellies · 15/12/2023 10:22

@Onionsmadeofglass

'I also might not be thrilled if my child had additional needs and needed 1to1 intimate care (eg. Toileting) from a TA.'

I'm pretty sure this wouldn't happen with male staff and female child. A (female) child in my son's class needs regular intimate care and although the main TA is male as per my previous post, the only staff who are trained to support the child with needs are female even though they may have to pop through from another class when needed. This has been set out to us at governor level so all leadership are aware of the safeguarding protocols put in place - which also includes always having 2 members of staff there to do the care. Schools are usually exceedingly careful around this kind of thing.

That’s reassuring to know. Especially the 2 staff members thing. I think this is key to preventing abuse of kids by adults outside the family - good safeguarding protocols that make it near impossible for abuse to occur without a colleague noticing and reporting.

JFDIYOLO · 15/12/2023 10:27

Brilliant! So good for boys especially to see a young man as a role model

beckycharlie · 15/12/2023 10:27

My son has a male ta in his class, seems mid 20s and all the kids love him and he's a great help. Tell him to go for it

NortieTortie · 15/12/2023 10:28

I wouldn't think anything of it, maybe that he's getting experience before teaching. My sons would love having a male TA.

OwlWeiwei · 15/12/2023 10:28

I'd be glad. Good male role models in schools are fairly rare at primary level.

bananamangoes · 15/12/2023 10:28

I don't understand the issue. Men and women can do the role. Age shouldn't be an issue eitner

EtiennePalmiere · 15/12/2023 10:28

It's fine

Socialyawkward · 15/12/2023 10:30

First thought as a ta - thank the lord we need more males.

Actually just first thought.

There is lots of students that benefit particulary from a male ta and that applies from reception through high school.

Selenitetower · 15/12/2023 10:31

We love a male teacher, whether it be a TA, classroom teacher, PE teacher or educator for outside of school hours care. All the ones we’ve had have formed great bonds with my boys. My oldest especially had a male teacher last year and it was the best year at the school as well as the PE teacher they really helped him out of his shell and made such a positive difference in his life.

ModestMoon · 15/12/2023 10:33

I wouldn't think anything of it. I would say that young people really need to have the right intuitions, enthusiasm and personality to counter balance the lack of experience. I'm sure if he's hard working and kind that he will be a great contribution to the kid's learning.

MrsMariaReynolds · 15/12/2023 10:33

It's a great thing! There aren't enough young men in primary education. All of the male teachers and ta's I've worked with over the years have been amazing. And they provide a crucial role in a lot of little boys lives.

Seriously79 · 15/12/2023 10:34

My son had a male key worker in pre school and he was amazing!

He is now 15 and has expressed an interest in teaching.

Good luck to your son!

mynameiscalypso · 15/12/2023 10:35

My brother is one, albeit I need to remember that he's a bit older than 20 these days despite being my baby brother! My DS also had a number of young male key workers at nursery and they were brilliant. I'd be totally happy with this - I think it's important for young children to have access to a diverse range of adults.

eatdrinkandbemerry · 15/12/2023 10:36

I'd think fabulous it's nice for children to be taught by a wide variety of individuals.

Rachaelrachael · 15/12/2023 10:38

I used to work in education recruitment. Male TAs and teachers would get snapped up!

User1343 · 15/12/2023 10:39

I’d be really pleased

LorlieS · 15/12/2023 10:42

I'm a qualified primary teacher - will have been qualified 20 years next year (God I'm old!)
My honest advice? Do NOT go in to teaching. It's always been an incredibly tough job with many unpaid hours working in your own time, but currently the working conditions are appalling. I've never known budget cuts like it. Teachers are no longer respected.
For the past five years or so I've left class teaching and working as an HLTA. The pay is dire; around £12 ph whereas could be earning £30+ ph, but I wouldn't return for six billion.
Please don't do it.

graciasinmorzine · 15/12/2023 10:42

His sex isn’t an issue- I have struggled with young TAs because they want to be the kids’ friend and have behaved inappropriately in a quest for this- chatting about Pokémon and football when they should be supporting them with doing their story planning, for example. It’s really really frustrating. We have had so many agency TAs like this and it’s like having an extra child.

As long as he goes in, professionally, willing to learn and understands that his role is to support the children’s learning- he’ll be great.

LorlieS · 15/12/2023 10:43

Also, HLTAs are now used to cover teacher absences and to teach planned lessons, often with no TA. Not everybody knows this.

Passingthethyme · 15/12/2023 10:44

Fantastic and I wish him the very best. Boys (amd girls) need male role models, especially those with no fathers, it is extremely important

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