What training should I do to become a teaching assistant?

[basementbear]

Have been trying to find out what qualifications are required to become a teaching assistant, but the only info I can find seems to imply that no specific qualifications are needed! All the teaching assistants at my DC's school either have NVQs, some kind of childcare qualifications or are training to be full-time teachers but what NVQs do you need (not even sure what an NVQ is TBH!) Any advice gratefully received!

A NVQ is a 'National Vocational Qualification'

You will need at least a NVQ 2 in Childcare to become a teaching assistant, but you are more likely to get employed if you hold any of the following:

BTEC National Diploma in Early Years Childcare & Education (level 3)

NVQ 3 in Childcare

Cache Level 3

By my right, my understanding is that a NVQ is recognised anywhere in the UK as a proffessional qualification, where as a BTEC is anywhere in the world as they are accepted as a qulaification in America, Australia and EU contries.

If I was you, and you have previous education such as 5 GCSE's above a C grade or any other college course at a level 2, Id do the BTEC. It takes 2 yrs to complete like most Level 3 courses and you can also study in the evening. You will gain valid hands on experience within a school with the variety of ages.

If you want more info dont hesitate to ask me

I hold my Cache Level 2 and 3.

I think most schools prefer you to have a level 3 qualification in the above.

Thanks you two, I will look into both of these. I'm not planning on living abroad, but I have got GCSEs and A Levels so maybe the BTEC might be the one to go for.

If you've got A Levels, you could consider a degree in education + teacher training...