I want a career in teaching (i think) how do i become a classroom assistant.

[lucyellensmum]

I have a universtity education, but do i need any specific qualifications? Someone mentioned NVQ. I want to do my PGCE but i need to return to work sharpish and it seems to make sense to get some experience in teaching at primary school level. Im not sure if i want do teach 4-7 or 7-11, probably the latter.

Please help me make applications, adjust my CV and provide covering letters, pretty please. Also, is there the opportunity for part time work in this field??

shameless bump before i tackle my day

thanks hana

you don't need any special qualifications to be a Teaching assistant. just phone a teaching supply agency, they will ask for a cv and invite you for interview. it will really help that you are thinking of doing a pgce but no experience is necessary. supply agencies, Protocol. Academics, Select to name a few but there are loads

That's exactly what I'm doing at the moment! Working as a TA, applying for PGCE next year, uni educated...

No specific qualifications needed, although you will need experience working with children of the relevant age group. Voluntary work, working with after-school clubs, anything like that is good.

I work P/T, it just depends on the available position. I work with 14-19 year olds.

I have registered with that site hana recommended. To be honest TA jobs are like gold dust around here. I am currently volunteering at my dd's school. You can get some funding if you just bite the bullet and go for the PGCE. TA's don't get paid loads so it might be worth just going for it....
I am not going to the Train to teach events this year as I will not be applying until Sep 2009 (and my DH can't get the time off ) but the seminars will be online at the end of March I believe.
I am loving helping at dd's school and can't wait to get more stuck in tbh but won't be in a position to start until 2010 . Good Luck.
Have you done any playgroup / preschool committee/ volunteering while you have been a SAHM? Whack all that on a CV.

cosima, i was thinking of sending my CV to local schools but is it better to go through the agencies?

most schools use agencies, and it takes ages to get replies from schools. also they often don't have the time to interview/ go through police checks for these often part time jobs. plus you might want to try different schools out, and the school might want to try you out. you could contact your local lea , they often have vacancies centrally offered.

Send your CV to local schools.

When i was looking for a job within the school, the head told me they were advertising and to come in to collect an application form.

Once i was in the school, al of the staff are told first about any vacancies and asked if they know of anyone suitable.

Schools in St albans tend to advertise a job themselves rather that use agency staff.