classroom assistants

[linzoid]

Just had a look through a list of courses in my local area. I quite fancy doing the classroom assistants course. Don't have any info on it at the moment, was just wondering if any of you mumsnetters are classroom assistants and any help or pointers you could give me??

My mum was a classroom assistant for ages, but she drifted into it from being a voluntary helper in the school, so didn't do any courses. If there is anything specific you want to know I can ask her, but she's not done it for a few years now.

Linzoid - the market for classroom assistants varies a lot from area to area. Here, for instance, there are loads of well-qualified people, and no jobs. In other areas they are desperate for staff. If you are in an area like mine, it can be tough to find work. BUT if you are in the other type of area, you may well be able to find a job as an NTA, they will pay you for the work you do, and you will be able to do the course at the same time ... If they are desperate they may pay for the course too. As part of the course you have to do - I think - at least 10 hrs a week 'actual classroom time' in placement in a school ... that doesn't sound a lot, but by the time you've taken into consideration playtimes and lunchtimes, etc., you need to be doing at least 4 or 5 mornings, or 2 full days. What I am saying is, if you sign up for the course they will arrange a placement for you, and you will do this school-time on a voluntary basis. But if you are lucky enough to find a job, then you will be paid for this time.

I would therefore recommend phoning a few local schools, and asking whether they have forthcoming vacancies, or expect to have forthcoming vacancies.

HTH

Go for it. If you ever want to trade up to a teaching job it's the best possible training you could have.

As a teacher, I love having assistants in the room (and that's not just because I started out as one myself ) A good classroom assistant can make a difference to the whole class.