AIBU to apply for a teaching assistant job when I'm not qualified? Do I have any chance?

[orangesandlemonssaythebellsofstclements]

I need a new job, at least part time, and I really want to do something new.

I fancy teacher training but first I'd like to gain some classroom experience to see if I really like it.

There's a TA job come up at the school my daughter will be starting in September. My son has already been through this school and I went there myself. I genuinely love the school, am very familiar with it, and obviously it will be very convenient for me with my daughter there.

I haven't got classroom experience but I do have experience of working full time in a nursery for two years, and I have a level 3 childcare qualification. This was, however, almost 20 years ago. Other than that, I don't have experience with children other than bringing up my own kids who are 7 and 11.
The school is a junior school, and is years 3-6.

I have the necessary GCSE grades they want and some A-levels.

It lists an NVQ Level 2 for teaching assistants as "desired" but not essential.

Have I got any chance? Is it a competitive industry? How likely are they to hire me without experience and the TA qualification?

Please be honest, but nice 😅

Do you have any old first aid and safeguarding qualifications that have expired? Also worth mentioning.

It sounds like you already have relevant qualifications and experience, just a bit rusty with it doing it for a while, maybe it's just a confidence thing?

I didn't have any classroom experience, but had a 2:1 Degree in 'Working with Children and Young People' and volunteer experience in other environments and was able to secure a TA position. Also, you're a parent too, that experience will definitely hold you in good stead, just need to adapt and apply it to a professional environment. You can just explain that, if you apply and get put through to interview, as to why you're applying for the job.

In my experience working to help young people get out of NEET, Not in Education Employment or Training, (I had quite a few jobs in my 20's!) the 'desirable' criteria is something that employers prefer you to have, but not necessarily turn you away or reject your application if you do not have it, otherwise, it would be in 'essential criteria'.

Go for it! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Good luck, hope you get it!

Go for it. They employed just about anyone as a LSA at the school I taught at, so you’ll probably be fine.

In my area you'd be hired if you had a decent interview regardless of qualifications because we are desperate for TA's and take what we can get, but if its an area where the demand isn't a great and qualified people will also be applying then they would likely get the job instead.

Definitely apply. We are desperate for TAs and I would not hesitate to shortlist you with the qualifications that you describe.

If you decide to train to teach you could undertake a teacher degree apprenticeship in a few years.

TAs applying at our school have to do a maths and English competency test. Lots fail, so do brush up on your skills using the methods you will likely find on the school website. We've had applicants taking three or four attempts to pass!

You sound ideal. I’d prepare for questions on behaviour management and safeguarding so they are important policies to read.
Some schools do a task as well as an interview. You’d be told beforehand if so. This could be leading an activity with a small group and you’d be observed.

Have a think about what it would be like working in your dc's school. How would they feel about it? How do you think you can balance being a staff member when being a parent? Do you think you will be able to deal professionally with children you know socially ie children of your friends?
I actually worked in my ds's class. However I already had a lot of experience by that point and he is a very chilled and unneedy child. He barely noticed I was there! Also we were relatively new to the school so the staff barely knew me as a parent.

Go for it. Schools are crying out for TAs as the pay is so low and not many people want to do it. They might even support you to your teacher training if you wanted you go down that route.

Thanks everyone for advice. I've also taken some advice from a teacher friend and I'm going for it. Doing the application form tonight!

Put on your application about you ambition to teach in the future. It will look good 😁

But you do have experience working with children and a working knowledge of the school which can be helpful.
It’s definitely worth giving it a go. I’d have thought you have a chance of at least an interview.
It will obviously come down to who else has applied.

Will it not look like I'm not going to stay long, or I'm not truly committed? I always worry that writing about future ambitions will look bad

My friend was a TA for several years. She had no relevant qualification.

I can't remember what the bloody hell my last GCSE was. I think it must have been French but I know that maths was the only thing I got below a B on and I can't have got a B in French, I was terrible at it 😂

I know of two women who had no experience and who do not have the qualifications you have who got jobs as TA’s. Go for it you have nothing to lose

Definitely apply. You enthusiasm comes across well.

Not in the slightest. Teaching has a long tradition of ‘growing our own’ and the path from TA to teacher is well-trodden, although it can take a long time for a non-graduate.

Most schools are crying out for TAs so will take anyone literate that passes a DBS!

I was a TA for about 17 years. I have no specific TA qualifications at all, but I have a degree (in something completely unrelated) and various O and A levels. I got my first TA job with no problems after I'd volunteered at that school for a few months, and then I was able to get others by demonstrating that I had relevant experience.

One head teacher used to ask me every two or three years if I'd ever considered doing NVQs. I always asked if there'd be any real advantage in doing that given that I already had a higher qualification, and he'd look a bit sheepish and say "um, probably not."

Did you get the job op?!

That very much depends on the school.
We (infant school) ask for a minimum C (or equivalent) in GCSE English and Maths, as well as ideally a TA (or similar) qualification and experience of working with children.
The interviews include a teaching session with a small group as well as an interview.

Most of our TAs have GCSEs, A-Levels/BTEC and many have other training and qualifications, and some have degrees. Some are qualified teachers.

The OP does appear to have relevant qualifications and experience, although a little older.

Good luck OP

You have a level 3 in childcare, and they are only asking for a level 2 ?

I expect you to be shortlisted for interview on that alone !!!

and once you have the job, maybe they could support you on a Level 4 TA course ?

Oh gosh ! I really should look at the date of the thread before posting...

I really don't want to rain on your parade but it's mostly qualified teachers that get ta jobs these days unless your extremely lucky. You have nothing to lose by applying, make sure your CV is up to date and include all relevant training that you had and courses that you have been on. Good luck.