To want a TA job

[QuestionAndAnswers1]

Calling all teaching assistants! How are you finding it? Is full time full on? How do you cope with the poor pay - I’m worried it isn’t enough money to justify the work?! Please share any tips or reviews!

Some schools do have TAs that work part time, so you would be able to do the school pick up but this would obviously then be a decrease in pay as you would be finishing perhaps after lunch and not doing the afternoon session.
Many schools want you in at the start of the day as you are needed to help children settle as they come in and help support with any issues.

People are right about not going off for events though. I work in my children's school and so far have been lucky to go to things as I have spoken to the teacher and as it's in school means I only need to nip out for a short amount of time. However this year I know it could be harder as I do work supporting a child 1:1 for part of the day. If I can find a colleague who will swap with me then I will be able to go to things like sports day, if not then I won't as the 1:1 cannot be left.

TA here who has just handed in their notice after 13 years. The job has changed so much in that time. When I first started there were 8 TAs in the school, (1 form entry school), 2 of those were mornings only. Now there are 17 of us , only 1 works less school hours, 4 days instead of 5. The explosion of SEN children in mainstream is getting worse and all the TAs in my school work with SEN children all day, every day. I don’t know how they do it. They get bitten, punched, scratched, spat at on a regular basis. That is not something I could or want to do, so I am leaving.

@Lemondrizzle4A @Walkthelakes Got it! Ok thanks and sorry for labouring the point, but am I understanding it correctly - it’s not worth the extra money to be a teacher BUT you’d have to physically be in 5 days instead of 4? Please feel free to explain if I’ve got the wrong end of the stick there!

@cassgate wow😬And this is due to decreases in SEN schools? Parents not wanting to use SEN schools or cut backs to them? Just interested in why. And daunted by the negativity again! (Not blaming you! I just wanted it to be a good option, that’s all. As I don’t know if I’m more or less daunted about trying to find a job that isn’t TA work and works around school hours well!!)
@Moonnstarz ok thanks, so the missing key events depends on the school AND the 1:1 aspect maybe. And am I right in thinking you can still be made a 1:1 even if the job spec didn’t state that?

Yes most schools now only have 1:1 staff, or even if they don't say you are you soon find yourself as one. The only year group in my school that specifically has general TAs is reception due to continuous provision..though those staff do have to support the 1:1s and cover lunch breaks so they aren't just helping in the classroom generally at all times.

And am I right in thinking you can still be made a 1:1 even if the job spec didn’t state that?

At my school all the TA's are working 1:1 with children at least some of the time. They all generally do a mix of classroom based support, 1:1 and small group work. This is to prevent children becoming dependent on 1 individual (which means we then see high levels of dysregulation if that person is off sick etc) and also better for staff wellbeing as being 1:1 with the same high needs child all day every day can be emotionally and physically exhausting. But even if you are in a school that doesn't have this set up, and you're not usually working 1:1 with children there will be something vague in your contract that means you can be directed to provide 1:1 support as needed, a high degree of flexibility is expected from TA's nowadays. Given the number of children with complex needs who need 1:1 support in mainstream now it's very much part and parcel of the TA role.

We do have a number of parents who are in denial about the extent of their child’s difficulties. They believe their children will catch up eventually and refuse to accept any professional advice. Despite the schools best efforts, the gap between them and their peers is widening. We have a few who want their child in mainstream and have turned down special school places offered. We then have a core group who are all waiting for places at SEN schools. We have just had 2 children turned down for SEN schools for September (secondary). All local secondary schools say they cannot meet need so both cases are going to appeal. If you do apply for a ta role read the job spec carefully. The likelihood is that most will have some mention of small group, 1-1 work and helping with health or personal hygiene needs. Basically, you can be asked to do pretty much anything.

I guess even when not 1:1, there’s still a strong SEN aspect as my child’s TA seems to be doing a lot of that kind of stuff with her and others (mainstream education is definitely the place for my child as she’s only mildly SEN and doesn’t even have a plan etc - academically she can keep up and behaviourally she’s all good, just struggles with how she feels sometimes). The TA has been great and my child loves her. I’d already been thinking about TA work purely as it’s the only thing that fits with school hours, but I actually love the way my child talks about their TA and the difference she makes to their day. Just not sure I can do it for the money as that’s still the biggest down side for me (which obviously links directly into the missing key events. Pay me enough and I would suck that up!)

Your children are 10 and 11. There won't be many more events during the day. Have you looked at TA jobs locally?

@dapsnotplimsolls yes maybe timing is key here and wait until both are at secondary? And then hope one becomes available locally and I manage to get it?!

Why not see what's out there for a September start?

Yes it would be Sept 2027 for the youngest, so it would be this time next year. I wonder if they advertise with anything other than asap start though as I’ve been browsing! Also gives me time to try and find something else which doesn’t work toooo badly with parenting and gives a bit more financial independence…

If they increased TA pay they'd have to increase teachers' pay. Now, as a retired teacher I think both would be great - but they're never going to do it!

I really empathise with you problem in terms of finding a suitable career, but I think you need to listen to the feedback here. From your responses, it's clear you currently have a very limited understanding of the role of a TA and the role of a teacher. You really need to spend a significant amount of time in school to see the realities. I mean this kindly, but you would currently be unable to answer half the interview questions and I think that you would be shocked by what is actually expected.

A lot of people have already said that TA roles are now almost exclusively 1:1. That means they are almost exclusively working with children with EHCPs and significant needs. Schools are in deficit budgets and the EHCP doesn't cover a TA wage, so they literally cannot afford general TAs in most cases. The reality of this is that TAs are managing dysreulation and supporting specific interventions. It's no longer sitting in class and "helping".

Teaching is a different role again. Statistically primary teachers are consistently shown to work longer hours. The actual teaching is just one part of the job. Most schools expect teachers to be in 8-5ish. Teacher training is just as long hours.

In your position, the last thing I would be looking at is teaching or TA roles. It sounds like being there for you own children is really important to you as well as financial security. I don't think TA roles provide that at all.

Why not apply for this September?

The teachers in those schools are also missing the same sorts of events.

I know it sounds harsh - but in any given school, allowing all staff out to these events can be a nightmare in terms of covering the classes and individual children's 1-1 needs.

Primary teacher for 25+ years.

I love it. But it's a different job to the one I started in. The workload has got easier in time for me. I love that no 2 days are the same.

Some schools will allow staff to attend their own children's performances/shows. Others don't.

Some schools are easier on workload than others.

Some schools allow staff to have a paid day off every year to do something of their choosing. Other schools allow staff up to 3 unpaid days a year to attend friends weddings, go on a long weekend away. Other schools regard requesting this type of stuff as a disciplinary.

Our school is utilizing the apprenticeship schemes, so 1 TA is currently doing her teaching degree. Another 2 teachers are in their first year of teaching, having completed lots of on the job study from being a TA. All paid, on the job, throughout.

TAs are not paid enough for the work they do. It's a national scandal that (99%) women are allowed to remain on this low wage for such a high demand role. But as the hours work with childcare, woman put up with the low salary.

All the best finding the right role for you.

I was a primary teacher and have considered going back as a TA. But in reality, it’s too much work for not enough pay. Back in the day, it was being an assistant to the teacher. Photocopying, putting up displays, some small group work. Now you’re either a 1-to-1 for kids with intense needs or you’re expected to take on a lot more teaching-style tasks. Anyone with any skills gets pressured down the HLTA route and ends up covering classes for PPA or instead of hiring a cover teacher. It’s not comparable to being a teacher, but it’s far more teaching than the pay would merit!

Unfortunately, being a TA also has a lot of the same negatives as teaching in terms of being able to manage your own children’s schooling. Can’t do school runs, can’t get time off for kids events, working on INSET days so need childcare. A lot of TAs are also lovely people who see the pressures that teachers are under and sacrifice themselves to help. I’ve had TAs who have stayed late or used break time to help me, marked extra books, offered to plan their own small group work, taken on extra break cover (to be clear, I’ve never asked them to and have always tried to stop them!).

I was TA for 4 years, it's really, really hard work and the pay is disgraceful.

I work in HE admin now x3 the pay and relatively little stress.

'Calling all teaching assistants! How are you finding it? Is full time full on? How do you cope with the poor pay - I’m worried it isn’t enough money to justify the work?! Please share any tips or reviews!"
I've been a teaching assistant for 5 years.
I find it hard, frustrating, exhausting... and satisfying, interesting, stimulating - pretty much in equal measure.
Full time for me is 9 - 3.15... 27½hrs a week
The pay is appalling, and in no way matches the intensity of the work, or the skills required to do the job well.
It frustrates me that the job is not treated as it should be, and that when I complain about the pay/conditions, I am told that maybe I should consider becoming a teacher. I don't want to be a teacher... I want the important, skilled job that I do now to be treated with respect and paid accordingly.
The whole role of TA needs to be redefined and renamed.
I have a degree, years of experience working in Early Years, am trained to Level 5, so cover classes. I work 1-1, as a class TA, an ELSA, I deliver SALT and OT Interventions, I am an HLTA... oh and I serve the lunches!
Most TAs now are required to do 1-1 as there is very little funding to cover TAs for any other purpose. Even alongside other roles, I spend the majority of time focusing on supporting the children who would struggle to access education and school life without support.

This can involve dealing extreme behaviours, medical needs and intimate care.
The day goes fast, and I feel I make a real difference to children's lives.... I get paid just over minimum wage.
However, the job fits around the caring duties I have as the parent of a teenager with complex needs, and I have an extremely understanding SLT and team of colleagues around me... we always help each other out, covering when someone needs time off for personal reasons.

@HazeyjaneIII wow you make some valid points there. I guess the reality is no one wants to pay more taxes and the gov doesn’t want to allocate more to education, so it is what it is for now - I really do agree though. Also very interesting about your team supporting you. I feel like I need that vibe for my youngest with her condition, it isn’t just about being there for sports day, it’s about having understanding for her needs and medical apps etc - I have to prioritise her if push comes to shove, but I’d love to find a role with an understanding team about that.

@ldnmusic87 what role exactly do you do now in HE if you don’t mind me asking?

@KitchenQuestion thanks - I’m wondering if I should be coming to the same conclusion as you.

@Globules that’s helpful too, thanks - and more promising. Glad you’re enjoying it. And yes it’s seriously gutting about the TA salary aspect.

@mummymathsteacher fair points and yes I do have limited knowledge - that’s why I’m posting. Starting point of the research and not an interview. Your conclusion is something I am wondering too BUT then I debate office work (previous career for example was a commute and significant hours), training (expensive and again doesn’t fit well with parenting hours - as well as when you actually get the job) - I end up feeling a bit rock and hard place and wondering what else DOES tick those boxes you mention for me!

Oh and @dapsnotplimsolls I’m thinking if I time it for when both of mine are at secondary (2027 Sept), I at least avoid last sports day/assembly plus the school runs I’m needed for will change (will depend which school as to timings but I think I will have longer to play with than primary).

I think it depends on the school as to whether or not they employ part time- job share.

If you want a termtime only job you could also be a dinner lady /lunchtime supervisor

@Unexpectedlysinglemum I mean if a TA salary doesn’t give me comfortable financial independence…that definitely won’t, right?!