applying for teaching assistant job

[quickhide]

Not sure if this is the right place- a job has come up as a TA in the school where DD1 will be starting reception in Sept.

I want to apply but I'm not sure if I've got any chance. I do have a little experience- 3 years ago I was planning on doing a primary pgce so did some volunteer work in a local primary. I got offered the place on the pgce but in the end I didn't take it up due to childcare costs (and I was too nervous to quit a secure job to be a student again!)

I am on the committee at DD's preschool and I have done a few stay and play sessions there.

I really want this job, I have been thinking yet again recently about retraining to work with children- my current job is office based, stressful and I don't enjoy it.

I'm worried that either they'll say I don't have enough experience, or if I mention the pgce they will think that I just want to do this as a step to becoming a teacher (I genuinely don't!) Basically I'd like to work with kids but I don't want the stress of teaching, but I can't really say that in an interview. I also genuinely think I am better with kids in small groups, which is why I think I'd be good in a support role.

Also I'm not sure if the fact DD will be at the school will be a help or a hindrance? Or would it not matter either way?

you sound passionate about it so i say go for it! im a teacher in rec. however if you have no childcare qualifications you may have to be willing to train. dont know what age youre going for but the new eyfs states staff should be trained to at least nvq level3.
dont know about having child in school but in our school we had a mum who was employed as a classroom assistant and she was given the job mostly cos we knew her and knew she would be good

Thanks! Good point about qualifications, I will say in my letter that I am willing to train.

Thanks! Good point about qualifications, I will say in my letter that I am willing to train.

I think you can really talk up your experience and I wouldnt be scared of mentioning the PGCE at all. The fact you were accepted onto it is a good sign for a prospective employer. Many many TAs wantnto be teachers and are upfront about that. If yu arent sure, just say you are committed to pursuing a career in primary education and leave it at that.

Good luck. Talk your experience up, come across as passionate and do a bit of research on the school, foundation stage learning and things like safeguarding, child protection etc.

Definitely go for it, you sound like you have both experience and drive, and your dd being at the school wouldn't be a problem (I would see it as a positive).

And if you don't get it, why not ask if you can do voluntary work as a parent helper (even if only a couple of hours a fortnight?) when your child goes to school? Another position may well turn up in the future and it might be a fun distraction from your office job in the meantime.

Go for it! I started as a TA 13 tears ago when my 2 ds were in Reception and year 1. I had done a bit of volunteering in the school but had no qualifications. I am still there but am a cover supervisor now. I got my nvq 3 while I worked. We have a fully trained teacher who works as a TA because she doesn't want the hassle of being a teacher.
As others said, if you don't get it, do a little bit of volunteering. so they get to know you.
You will never know until you try!