The UK employs just under 280,000 Teaching Assistants, making them an integral part of a school's support staff and an essential part of a British education.
The role of a Teaching Assistant is to work closely with Teachers and students in the classroom to ensure students remain academically engaged, challenged, and motivated. They are crucial to helping children reach their learning potential by providing one-to-one support, helping with classroom activities, and creating an inclusive learning environment.
Depending on the learning pathway you choose, you can achieve a number of recognised qualifications, in various different timeframes as some qualifications take longer to complete. If you have little or no experience, you may start with a Level 2 qualification that can be completed in a few months. Following this, students can complete a Level 3 certificate in just over a year and then work towards a Level 4 diploma.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Teaching Assistant?
No official qualifications or experience are required to start training as a Teaching Assistant, however, with the calibre of applicants increasing yearly it’s highly recommended that you do whatever you can to set yourself apart.
For some schools, the minimum requirement of GCSEs in English and Maths must be met, whereas others will only consider applications from candidates who have achieved BTEC or NVQ level qualifications. Ultimately, the Headteacher and school will make the final decision on the entry-level requirements for their support staff, and this will be based entirely on the standard they set for support roles.
It’s not uncommon for Teaching Assistants to begin their career by volunteering for a non-classroom-based support role and then work their way up by gaining relevant in-role experience and working towards recognised online qualifications. By choosing to study online they can become qualified at a speed that works for them.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Teaching Assistant?
The time it takes to become a Teaching Assistant depends entirely on the course you choose, to what level you wish to qualify and how much spare time you have available to study. Level 2 courses can be completed reasonably quickly with self-paced study, with many learners able to gain their L2 qualification in a matter of months.
Learners that can focus full time on their studies should expect to complete the course in as little as 5 months, whilst self-paced learners see their average completion time around 12 months.
How to Become a Primary School Teaching Assistant
You may have plans to work specifically in primary schools, in which case it’s essential to have basic knowledge of the primary school curriculum in the UK. Again, prior experience working with young children will be of benefit here but is not essential. A recommended place to start is by gaining a qualification in Early Years Education, which will undoubtedly support your application to work in a primary school.
How to become a SEN Teaching Assistant
In order to be a SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teaching Assistant, you must be familiar with the needs of special education students, and preferably to have experience supporting those who struggle with conventional learning methods, such as learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or behavioural problems.
A qualification such as the Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs (RQF) will set you apart from many other applicants as you begin your search for available roles. Many schools want skills that are achieved as part of recognised qualifications, but no specific qualifications are explicitly required.
How to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant
Becoming an HLTA comes with a few very reasonable requirements; you must have the relevant GCSEs in Maths and English, and currently, be employed as a Teaching Assistant with the support of the Headteacher.
Many TAs looking to advance their career by taking the path to Higher-Level Teaching Assistant were able to fast-track their development by studying an official qualification that will ready them for the change in role and responsibility, such as Higher-Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate. Funding for this qualification may even be provided by the school you work for and can be completed online in your free time.
Why Become a Teaching Assistant?
If you’re looking for a career where no day is ever the same, where the work you do has an immediate impact on the lives of children, and where you’re able to engage and support young minds to love learning, then look no further. The career pathways for qualified Teaching Assistants are varied but whichever direction you choose to pursue, learndirect can help you become qualified and classroom ready.
You’ll have the flexibility to study and earn your qualification online, however, if you aren’t already employed as a Teaching Assistant, a work placement will need to be agreed upon. Our team will support you through your course and remain available for guidance and tutor feedback.
Upon successful completion of your course, you’ll be ready to decide whether you want to remain in your current role, identify whether your placement role can be extended to a full-time opportunity, or whether you want to pursue another exciting challenge.
Many schools recruit for opportunities directly through their website as well as through the local authority and on the national job board website. This will be a good time to review your CV and add your newly achieved qualification along with any classroom experience you have gained. Be sure to align your skills with any common requirements you see in job ads and highlight any career-specific skills you want to make potential employers aware of.
Get Started Now
Speak with one of our Course Advisors today to learn more about our Teaching Assistant courses and the skills you can gain. They’ll be happy to chat with you about your career aspirations and help you find the right course for you.
Call them today on 01202 006464, chat with them online or click below to check out our Teaching and Education courses in more detail.
