TA training (Level 2) required for job HELP with options please

[Cherrypie32]

A p/t TA role in our local infants school requires ‘Level 2 or equivalent in Supporting Teaching and Learning’. I’m interviewing for the post this week and put on my application form that I would be willing to undertake this qualification on the job. But I’m really confused after googling as to what the options are. Distance learning, e-learning, local college?? But also the cost involved varies so much and this is a pretty low paid job to be paying course fees. Can anyone help or advise what they did in this position?

Maybe they mean that as a minimum? I was a TA with an undergraduate degree, I never did a specific TA qualification. If you have A Levels/NVQs/equivalent these should count? It does sound like they are looking for someone with appropriate experience.

I completed my level 2 in the local college last year. Academically, it wasn’t challenging as I have post-grad qualifications, but it was interesting. It was bloody expensive though £700-. I’d say if you got the job I’d only do a distance learning or online course, but if you’ve been shortlisted for interview I think it’s a good sign you could do it via a cheaper way. I’d be surprised if they’d pay for it though.

I start a ta job today, part time - I’ll probably pay back the course with 6 months of my salary

You could google the TA teaching standards, which they use in school for CPD and appraisals. This is what the TA course is (I did it a few years ago). If you have a look through it it will give you an idea of what they will be looking for and help you answer any TA training questions.

Thanks for these (very swift) replies. I’ve got a degree and have just finished 4 years as a parent governor at the school. From being part of interview panels I know this qualification is important to the Head. £700 is cheap, some of the online courses are a couple of thousand although this would be my preference as i can’t get to college in the evening.

My college course was 3 hrs per week during school hours. I’m sure a friend of mine paid around £200 to do the course online.

I did the the Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools level 2 at my local adult education college.
It’s 3hrs once a week (I did an evening class). I also volunteered in a school for 3 days a week.
It cost about £800.
I got homework every week - a piece of writing based on that weeks module.
It was fairly easy and didn’t take long to complete.
I found it really interesting and it certainly educated and prepared me for the job.
I then went on to do the Level 3, which basically just builds on the work from level 2.