Page 2 | Should I do a Level 2 TA course?

MissBlacksheep · 2022-05-28T15:43:51+00:00

I am from India. I grew up in Saudi Arabia- studied in a CBSE Indian school. Studied ABCD like A for Apple, B for Bat, C for Cat. Here, in England, they teach phonics which I haven't studied and is completely new to me. I applied for 2 TA jobs recently- in reception- should I go for the interview or do a Level 2 TA course starting in September? I already got admission for the course and have to do a year 1 placement once a week. If I get the job in reception, will I teach phonics to children or is it the teacher's job? I keep thinking I will get fired for not knowing phonics. I have been watching phonics- fred talk and jolly phonics in YouTube. Jolly phonics is easier for me. Right now, I work as a supply TA. But, only did 7 days as TA so far. What do you reckon- course or job? I did do my A-levels, BSc and PG Cert here in England. I have been here for 16 years. Any reception TAs out there? What do you do in your job?

DinkyDaisy · 31/05/2022 22:34

Harsh?
Op is checking expectations...
Best do it here than in class.
Talking to supply, schools vary. In our school TAs do have to hit the ground running. However, I understand other schools have more staff and are more supportive.

Gobbolinothekitchencat · 02/06/2022 09:14

Former primary TA/teacher/HLTA here, personally I wouldn’t bother with the TA course if you have a job lined up, perhaps it is something to do at a later date. The best way to learn is in the classroom and watching others in the role, although with staffing levels (where I was) unlikely to happen unless supply is brought in to free up people which is an expense so doesn’t happen.

Phonics, this is where lockdown has been a great benefit, so many excellent teachers recorded and posted their phonic lessons online. Look up the scheme your school does and there will be videos. As someone said, these are meant to be delivered in the exactly the same way throughout a school and if they are following a scheme (would be mad not to) then it is following the script devised by the company. I was at a Read Write Inc school, my training involved what the phonics lead and deputy told us after they had be trained from their notes. I had a crib sheet and off I went. I actually found the videos really useful to help me get the precise patter as I covered so wouldn’t have a regular group, I swapped as necessary where needed. Once you get into phonics it is straightforward. I wasn’t taught phonics at school, I learned the same way you mentioned.

As a supply TA, I would be surprised if they made you take a phonics group without going through it with you but these days, it wouldn’t surprise if this did happen.

abitblurry · 03/06/2022 18:02

My advice would be to go to the interviews. The school will know your qualifications and experience and you can ask them about what the job will entail, including which phonics scheme they follow and whether they will offer training. And if you don't get offered the job ask for detailed feedback and for their advice about doing the level 2 course.

I don't have any TA specific qualifications and have learned 'on the job' - from colleagues, training courses provided by the school and completing free online courses.

When I was a TA in Reception we followed Read Write Inc. I was a little apprehensive leading sessions at first but quickly picked it up and seeing the pupils make progress, particularly in Reception, is so rewarding.

Original poster

MissBlacksheep · 03/06/2022 19:04

Gobbolinothekitchencat · 02/06/2022 09:14

Former primary TA/teacher/HLTA here, personally I wouldn’t bother with the TA course if you have a job lined up, perhaps it is something to do at a later date. The best way to learn is in the classroom and watching others in the role, although with staffing levels (where I was) unlikely to happen unless supply is brought in to free up people which is an expense so doesn’t happen.

Phonics, this is where lockdown has been a great benefit, so many excellent teachers recorded and posted their phonic lessons online. Look up the scheme your school does and there will be videos. As someone said, these are meant to be delivered in the exactly the same way throughout a school and if they are following a scheme (would be mad not to) then it is following the script devised by the company. I was at a Read Write Inc school, my training involved what the phonics lead and deputy told us after they had be trained from their notes. I had a crib sheet and off I went. I actually found the videos really useful to help me get the precise patter as I covered so wouldn’t have a regular group, I swapped as necessary where needed. Once you get into phonics it is straightforward. I wasn’t taught phonics at school, I learned the same way you mentioned.

As a supply TA, I would be surprised if they made you take a phonics group without going through it with you but these days, it wouldn’t surprise if this did happen.

Why did you say you wouldn't bother with the TA course? It has a placement in year 1- won't that be useful?

OP posts:

Original poster

MissBlacksheep · 03/06/2022 19:09

Will the school have a problem with my Indian accent when teaching phonics? Worried about that. I have been told by various people my English is good and I speak so clearly- just saying.

OP posts:

Original poster

MissBlacksheep · 03/06/2022 19:12

I don't know if it was in this thread or another that I started- someone said they had a Level 3 TA course and was made redundant saying they don't have enough classroom experience - that scares me to go to a job with no TA course.

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DinkyDaisy · 03/06/2022 20:04

I think if you have a year one placement (paid?) do the course.
Good luck!

Original poster

MissBlacksheep · 03/06/2022 21:05

DinkyDaisy · 03/06/2022 20:04

I think if you have a year one placement (paid?) do the course.
Good luck!

It's not paid placement.

OP posts:

DinkyDaisy · 03/06/2022 21:51

I guess not full time either? So, you will be supplementing with supply work?
If the course is validated and you can afford it then it could be an advantage when looking for jobs. However, as others say not essential for all TA jobs.

Original poster

MissBlacksheep · 03/06/2022 22:23

DinkyDaisy · 03/06/2022 21:51

I guess not full time either? So, you will be supplementing with supply work?
If the course is validated and you can afford it then it could be an advantage when looking for jobs. However, as others say not essential for all TA jobs.

I guess I will go for the course. Will give me confidence. It's a part time course. Yes I will do supply work as well. Thanks for your help 👍 🙂

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DinkyDaisy · 03/06/2022 22:48

Sounds good.
I wish you all the best with it all.
Good luck with the phonics. Sure it will work out 🙂 fine.

Original poster

MissBlacksheep · 04/06/2022 07:47

DinkyDaisy · 03/06/2022 22:48

Sounds good.
I wish you all the best with it all.
Good luck with the phonics. Sure it will work out 🙂 fine.

Thank you x 🙂

OP posts:

Gobbolinothekitchencat · 05/06/2022 16:59

Majority of TAs I have worked with , who aren’t already qualified teachers, or have a BEd or PGCE, undertook TA training once they were in the role. It’s a bit chicken and egg, you need experience in a classroom to get a job and often need experience to get on a decent course. I would be wary at paying out for something which you might not need if you are already getting experience from supply work. But at the end of the day if you feel this would give you the edge over someone then do it. Does your agency offer training? Local councils also offer introductory courses for those interested in TA work.

volcanica · 24/11/2025 08:47

@MissBlacksheephi can i know if you did the ta course? How did it go for you?. And how many hours of volunteering did you do? As I am planning for a TA course too. I am interested to see how it worked out for you as we have a quite similar background. I am from India too and have my B. Ed from india