Thinking about becoming a TA. Anyone with any advice?

[MessyMummy15]

Just wondered if anyone can share any insight as to what their views and experiences?

It's something I have thought about for a while and am seriously considering being a TA in a primary school as a career after being a SAHM for four years.

What qualifications / training is required?
How would you apply for jobs?
What kind of thing are schools looking for in a TA?
Is it a worthwhile long term job?

Anyone with some experience would be very helpful and appreciated!!

It’s crap pay and no career progression. Many schools are getting rid of them as well.

My advice - go into a school and ask about doing some voluntary work. I did that before I started applying for jobs and decided I didn't want to do it after all.

Thanks everyone!!
Some solid advice there
Will deffo look into volunteering and getting my first aid course this week.
Will also see if there are any NVQ courses that may suit me. :)

Your salary will depend on your hours. 'Full-time' in primary could be as low as 25 hours a week, 44 weeks a year, so you could be looking at c. £900 per month after NI and pension. No overtime! Secondary days might be longer.

My friend was a full time TA and was paid more like £6/700 a month.

Honestly I'd finish your degree. You sound like your so close. Then think about teacher training. Even if you get a very part time job you will probably end up in a better position and with more financial security.

My DSis is a TA. She got her degree and qualified as a teacher, then couldn't handle the hours alongside having small DC. She does enjoy being a TA and feels she has helped particular children, but in my opinion she is completely exploited by her school (she's been in a few now - the current one's the best but they often have her replace the class teacher, once for several weeks due to an absence. I am also a teacher (secondary) but struggled on through the nursery years and now teach part time with some extra responsibility and a bit of freelancing and earn about 5 x what she does, I estimate. I know money isn't everything but it does send a signal of where you are in the school food chain.

Volunteer, by all means, OP but do have a hard think and do your budget carefully before committing to low paid low status work. It shouldn't be you paying to do this!

isn't the pay rubbish though because it's a part time job? You only work school hours and term time which is not many hours at all.

An hourly rate of less than £10 per hour and often replacing the class teacher for whole days on end (primary) for no extra pay is taking the piss.