Becoming a Teaching Assistant

[Themanofmydreams]

I have been working as a lunchtime supervisor for over a year. A job has come up in the school and I was interested in applying however aside from experience in my current role I do not have any classroom experience or hold any childcare/TA qualifications. I have however applied for a level 2 Cache Award in Learning and Supporting in schools.
Initially I was excited but now I'm thinking I've just got no chance as loads of people are likely to apply aren't they?
It's a temporary role which I could do alongside my lunch duty however it's key stage 2 and with no classroom experience I'm going to struggle aren't I? Any tips? Should I wait it out and get more experience or take a chance? TIA

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You can always apply; if you are shortlisted for interview you'll know you stand a chance. If you don't get an interview you could get some more experience while waiting for the next opportunity. Good luck!

Definitely apply. You stand a really good chance already working in the school and every TA has to start somewhere. Good luck, you’ve got nothing to lose by applying and you might just get lucky.

Thanks. It's only temporary but competition is strong probably even more so just now.

I started as a lunchtime supervisor. I had no ta qualifications, but I had done some paid work for playgroup. I would apply and see.

Have you done any voluntary work with children? Do you have your own? How do you feel you perform in your current role and how are you perceived?

You'll need to be good (at least when asked at interview) on safeguarding, taking instructions from a teacher but also using your initiative, behaviour management.

Yes I have my own children one who is in the school and apart from my midday role I've volunteered with nursery and preschool children.

Sounds like you have a good chance then. I went from volunteering to a paid post. Didn't have any official childcare qualifications but had experience at a play group and on a nursery committee. If you are already familiar with the children and the school that has to be a plus surely. T.A jobs are very popular but its definitely worth applying.

Lean heavily on your voluntary work, and use your midday supervisor role as evidence of wanting to work in this particular school, knowing the children/staff/routines and skills such as handling negative behaviour and building relationships.

You've got a good chance. Likeability is a big factor, as is familiarity. You are a known quantity. They want someone who will fit into the school team, and you already do. Apply with confidence. If it doesn't work out ask if you can volunteer so that you look keen and not churlish.

I'd definitely apply.

I had no TA qualifications, no classroom experience, and no kids of my own. But I'd worked with children before and got a TA role. Sometimes the right fit is the right fit.