Starting a new TA role on Monday. Any advice?

[frenchbreadandbites]

I'm starting a new TA role on Monday? I'm getting experience this year as I want to apply for a primary PGCE starting September 2025.

I've been given no information other than the head teachers' name. What can I expect on the day? What will I be doing? it will be a TA with a Year 5 class.

Any help of advice greatly appreciated.

Well hopefully you'll have a short induction period where you can get to know the school, the class and the students and perhaps some observation time? But if you are heading straight into it you need to introduce yourself to the class teacher, ask who they would like you to work with and how best to support them. The students you will be helping should have a document called an IEP which should set out their needs and any adaptations that need to be made for them.

Massive well done for applying for the job, it will definitely make you a better teacher and put you in a really good position for beginning your PGCE!

Can I say massive thank you @shardlakem for such a lovely and helpful reply! I'm really excited and slightly nervous but your reply has put me at ease!

@frenchbreadandbites how did your first day go?

Hope your first day went well OP?

My advice? Learn how to work the photocopier. Possibly THE most complicated piece of machinery known to man! 🙈

Hi @Enigma52 @Fullofpudding the two days went really well, as in I really loved being in the classroom and being with the children. I had a good rapport with the kids and was mainly with three SEN children, who were very capable but sometimes I found it hard to focus their attention. Hoping I was of help to the teacher, I had to ask her a few questions (are the children allowed to use the bathroom And so many children coming up to me with different ailments)! I'm not sure how helpful the teacher found me, as obviously as I am so green but I hope I was of some help! I'm keen to do more TA work now, and hoping there is a possibility of a longer term placement with them through the agency!

Just an FYI this wasn't a perm role was a temp role through an agency!