How to and should i become a TA?

[Skiaddicted]

Really interested to know what TA life is like, would people recommend it? How do i become one? Anything and everything knowledge wise would be lovely

This is something I have also been looking into recently. If you already have a Level 2 or 3 childcare related qualification, from what I have been told it as seen as a TA qualification equivalent. However, most employers are looking for specific skill sets and previous experience. If you dont already have any qualifications, there are lots of different courses available to do to get the TA qualification (Google Search: Teaching Assistant Course) which will give you the knowledge, you would then just need to hope someone gives you a chance or do some volunteering in a school setting :) Good Luck!

I've been a TA at a special school for three years now. No relevant experience.

I'm only part time now as studying social work at uni! I love it.

I did complete my SCITT however due to illness never did my NQT year so I do have some school based experience.

@littlepeaegg glad to hear you're enjoying it. I seem to mainly hear people say positive things

I recommend doing some volunteering in a school to show you have some experience, that may get you an interview. Some areas have hundreds of applicants, others less so. Obviously hours suit family life, pay isn't great. Although I'm not a TA I would say generally TA's in our school find the job rewarding but we are an outstanding school with good behaviour, some schools may be more challenging (but may be want you want, can be just as rewarding but has different challenges). Either way, I recommend looking for a school that has a good head with a strong vision.

I volunteered in an independent school, they are now putting me through the level 3 Early Years qualification as an apprenticeship. When I’m qualified I will employed by them as a TA.

At secondary level you don’t necessarily need a level 3 in child development but are more likely to get a role if you have a degree in that area as you are likely to be attached to a dept, whereas TAs with a medical background are attached to individual children,.

Being a TA is a brilliant mum job as you get the holidays and my school is very flexible in that toil can be taken for sports days etc. Don’t be surprised if you don’t earn over £1000 a month though and TAs are always the first to go with budget cuts.
There is little movement as a TA although I suspect they would put you through your NQT, mine are paying for my teacher training. You could also be called upon for supply if you already have QTS.

Thanks all, will look into the NVQ. I am very keen to not do my nqt year as i dont want to be a teacher, i dont need the extra stress to be honest!

I think if you’ve done a SCITT just start applying for jobs! Presumably you have a degree if you enrolled in a SCITT, that’s absolutely enough to get you a job. Loads of people become TAs straight out of uni with no school experience or a relevant degree.

I work in a secondary school and absolutely love it. It's extremely rewarding and no two days are the same. I did a teaching qualification whilst in the job but it's not necessary at my school.

We would look for maths/English GCSEs passes and a level 3 qualification.

The pay is sadly appalling and there is very little career progression. Full time, my friend was taking home about £9000.

Im ok with the terrible pay to be able to spend more time with DS and do a more rewarding job!

Im going to start applying and see what happens, thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply