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Original poster

TA course

5 replies

betterlatethannever1 · 24/10/2022 15:04

Hi I'm a 29 year old mum of two ready to further my education and get a job being a TA. I have a SEN child and personally am really passionate in making a difference so a SEN course after would be fab. Has anyone found any online courses I can start before my youngest starts nursery so I can finish it by the time he starts. Also recommendations. I've been a SAHM for 5 years and I feel ready to start a new chapter but have no idea where to start.

Thanks x

OP posts:
Feart · 24/10/2022 21:37

Honestly I wouldn’t bother with courses. Most people I know have got TA jobs with no experience whatsoever. Just apply or sign up with an agency when you’re ready. Unless it’s just my school, there’s currently a shortage of TAs as we are struggling to find enough to fill posts. The pay is really poor and expectations are high.

Original poster
betterlatethannever1 · 25/10/2022 21:56

Feart · 24/10/2022 21:37

Honestly I wouldn’t bother with courses. Most people I know have got TA jobs with no experience whatsoever. Just apply or sign up with an agency when you’re ready. Unless it’s just my school, there’s currently a shortage of TAs as we are struggling to find enough to fill posts. The pay is really poor and expectations are high.

Thank you so much for getting back to me. It's really sad it's poorly paid my sons TA's at mainstream were honestly such a important part of his life before his Sen move and literally did the very best. I will definitely look into signing up to an agency. X

OP posts:
AloysiusBear · 26/10/2022 07:24

Its poorly paid because anyone can sign up without much in the way of skills/experience and historically it was a popular choice for women who didnt want to use any childcare at all, as a second income that fitted around school hours. The fact that many people wanted the job kept the wage down.

Fewer and fewer people can afford to manage on such a part time wage (the short hours and long holidays make it comparable to about 60% of a full time min wage job), so the roles are becoming harder to fill. You won't have any trouble finding one, especially if interested in working as a 1 to 1/support for children with SEN and you don't need any training.

Original poster
betterlatethannever1 · 27/10/2022 23:59

AloysiusBear · 26/10/2022 07:24

Its poorly paid because anyone can sign up without much in the way of skills/experience and historically it was a popular choice for women who didnt want to use any childcare at all, as a second income that fitted around school hours. The fact that many people wanted the job kept the wage down.

Fewer and fewer people can afford to manage on such a part time wage (the short hours and long holidays make it comparable to about 60% of a full time min wage job), so the roles are becoming harder to fill. You won't have any trouble finding one, especially if interested in working as a 1 to 1/support for children with SEN and you don't need any training.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

I really feel like although the wage is shocking (my sons TAs went above and beyond and I'm eternally grateful) it's something I could do and feel like it would fit around my family life. The 1:1 prospect is something I'd put forward to being very interested in.

Do you just sign up to a agency? I honestly thought I'd have to complete lots of courses.

Many thanks x

OP posts:
Adeleex · 08/11/2022 14:20

Hey.
Just thought I'd pop a comment you OP @betterlatethannever1 as to how this is going for you?
Your post pretty much describes me and I'm at a loss as to where I start! X

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