Teachers: what makes a good TA?

[Hopper123]

I've just been offered an apprenticeship as a TA in a primary school so I'm just wanting to ask any teachers out there what makes a good TA and what makes a terrible one in your experience?

@Whinge

I have linked an advert for a school in my area.

Level 3.

Level 2 is 25k ish.

Yes but all level 3's in my area are paid this.

Just this particular school wants to cover classes. My husband didn't cover any classes.

Did some small group interventions though.

@Vitriolinsanity

www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/current-vacancies/Details?id=www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/_/274006

This is a level 2, in class support. Not taking full classes.

I can see the adverts... but I do think it is unusual!
It's also unusual for it to be advertising for level 3s to cover ppa routinely (this should really only be in emergency situations) as this is usually the role of a level 4/HLTA.
I also think those are the only 2 TA jobs I've seen advertised with a) that many hours (outside private) and b) actual wage rather than pro rata/term time only pay.
That's not to say I doubt you... but I do think those examples are outliers and not typical of the TA roles I've seen.

My point stands. L2 if it's primary is not a qualification that factors into ratios, that would be L3 or better L6.

I'm not arguing that TA's should be be paid better. I believe the good ones should be paid in gold ingots for the work they do.

My point is, it's vanishingly unlikely unless there are very specific circumstances a TA is getting £28k actual take home before deductions.

Firstly because TA's are TTO which knocks 13 weeks off their salary. Second they are typically on a 30hpw contract.

Maybe it isn't all grim up North.

Agree its usually level 4's that do cover.

Well they are in Darlington.

People have said this is rare but its happening all over the town.

I'm secondary so it is a bit different, but I think the vast majority of TAs are good and helpful! I do struggle if they talk when I am talking, particularly when I've asked for complete focus as I'm e.g. giving a safety briefing for a practical (science). I understand some students may need additional explanation for the briefing BUT by talking when I'm talking a) I find it harder to remember what I'm trying to say and b) it makes it harder for all students to hear.

If they don't do that, we're pretty much golden!

I'd also say just clarify if you're unsure of anything, rather than ploughing ahead with something that turns out to be wrong. The best TAs play to areas where they may well be stronger than me e.g. spelling, grammar, proofreading!

Anyway, there is a national shortage of TAs, so if you do your best, you'll be fine!

Really, it's the teacher's responsibility to plan activities accessible to all students in the class. That said, equally (despite what our contracts say) there are limits to how long teachers can realistically spend planning an individual lesson too. But that's not the responsibility of the TA either- and I think really everyone in education needs more allocated/paid admin/planning time.

TAs 100% are not paid enough for what they do!

You don't knock off 13 weeks for term time only, there's usually a week of CPD and then 5 weeks holiday pay so 44/45 weeks paid. 37 hours a week is unusual for primary, schools don't like paying outside of school hours. Wish I had worked up north, fantastic wages so decent pension, I could be living the life of Riley in my retirement now!I'd love to know why schools/councils have more money in some areas. I thought they were all starved of cash.

The difficulty of the job will depend on the demographic of the school IME. You can’t just say it’s an awful job for minimum wage and that be the case for everywhere.

what makes an excellent TA in my experience is being switched on and proactive. Having a firm but fair attitude and knowing the curriculum well so you can do excellent interventions.

I’m surprised by the number of people who want a TA to tidy up the classroom. The kids should be doing that, otherwise they just learn to leave a mess and the tidy up fairy will deal with it.

4 year olds can’t be expected to wash up the paint pots etc.

I think the nature of the planning has changed as well. There are more children whose needs are such that the planning and curriculum need to be much more bespoke, and sometimes adapted throughout the day, dependant on how the child is that day.
I think a good TA is able to adapt as they go through the day.

4yr olds should definitely be tidying up after themselves... its a really good skill to learn.
Even in preschool the kids would wash the paint pots!
(We'd just have to wash them up again afterwards!😂)

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I have been volunteering at my children's school so have some idea of what TA role is by watching the others but just wanted a few more teachers perspectives. The teachers are obviously aware I'm volunteering my time and seem to feel bad giving me things to do but I have been proactive in asking so that's a good sign. I just don't want to go into an actual role and step on teachers toes by just getting on with things but at the same time don't want to be seen as incapable of just getting on with things either. I have a lot of experience working with children and families in other roles but not in schools and I was then in leadership roles, running my own diary and had a lot of autonomy etc so I'm aware that i will need to reign in some of that experience and instead be led by the teacher in the classroom, which is fine by me it's just ensuring I do this well.
I haven't applied for this job the school down the road rang me and asked if I'd like to do it as i had volunteered there for one day a week for a term and since being at home with three kids it just fits perfectly now with family life as the head has said she can be flexible with times for school runs etc (sorry to the poster who hates TAs leaving earlier but that will definitely be me 🤣). In terms of the pay o know it's a lot of work for rubbish pay but me working is not financially motivated l. I could continue to be at home as a kept woman if I wanted but I want to get out there and do something now as long as it fits with our family life. I will need to do a fair bit of research on how best to support SEND children so if anyone has any good links that could help please put them on here. I just want to do a good job and I'm nervous it's been almost 10 years since I've properly worked other than some admin for my husband.

Tidy up yes. But filing papers, sticking stuff in books, washing up paint pots, etc they can’t do, or they don’t do well.
Many years of teaching reception have taught me this.

Good luck in your role, I’m sure you will be great- the simple fact that you are asking for advice shows that you care and want to do a good job. I have been a TA for 12 years now and am definitely not in it for the money.
Keep asking questions especially in relation to SEND pupils. I have two amazing SEND leaders who give loads of advice and tips and are so supportive.

And as for the TA who left early- maybe she got into school early to prepare for the day - unpaid.

Sorry, not who left early but on time!

autisticgirlsnetwork.org/autism-and-girls/

It does have some information about support. However it is a good site for raising awareness of how Autism can present in girls.

Don’t talk over teacher, or have conversations with pupils you are working with while teacher is talking.

Why shouldn't a TA leave on time? They might only do tha job because they have their owns to collect. And why should they be expected to do free overtime? Of course as a one off here and therr, but everyday? No!

Is this a school in England, and his actual salary rather than the FTE.
How many weeks a year did he have to work?

Do you mind me asking what his monthly take home pay was?

Just seen the adverts - I'd say that was incredibly unusual. Looks like that area has made some huge changes to the normally poor TA pay.