Teaching Assistants Jobs A Comprehensive Guide 

All you need to know about Teaching Assistants jobs

Becoming a teaching assistant offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, support teachers, and gaining valuable experience in the education sector. This guide will tell you all you need to know about teaching assistant jobs, pay, what the role includes, progression opportunities and FAQ’s!

Find teaching assistant jobs near you

Finding Teaching Assistant (TA) roles can be approached in several effective ways. If you’re looking for a position in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, or Hertfordshire, contact us today! We have numerous opportunities for support staff in these areas, whether you’re interested in working in mainstream schools or Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools. Each environment offers unique experiences and the chance to make a significant impact on students’ lives. To stay updated on vacancies, connect with us on social media—we’re active on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Following us will keep you informed about job openings and allow you to access valuable tips and resources that can aid in your TA journey.

What does a Teaching Assistants do

TA’s play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students in the classroom. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the school and the specific needs of the students, but some common tasks include:

Classroom Preparation: Setting up the classroom for lessons, preparing materials, and ensuring that resources are available.

Individual Support: Providing one-on-one assistance to students who require extra help, such as those with learning difficulties or special needs.

Group Instruction: Leading small groups of students in various activities, such as reading, writing, or math.

Behavior Management: Assisting teachers in managing classroom behaviour and promoting a positive learning environment.

Administrative Tasks: Helping teachers with administrative duties, such as grading papers, recording attendance, and tracking student progress.

Special Needs Support: Providing support to students with special educational needs, following individual education plans (IEPs).

Extracurricular Activities: Supporting teachers with extracurricular activities, such as after-school clubs or sports teams.

SEN Teaching Assistant

A Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting pupils with additional needs in both mainstream and specialist school settings. Their main responsibility is to assist the SEN teacher in creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. This involves working closely with individual pupils or small groups, providing tailored support according to each pupil’s unique needs. Whether they have learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or behavioural challenges. They also provide emotional and social support, helping pupils build confidence, independence, and positive relationships with peers. Additionally, SEN teaching assistants often collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals. This, therefore ensures pupils receive consistent care and guidance throughout their school experience. Their role is essential in ensuring that all pupils can fully engage and thrive in their education.

Key responsibilities include:

Assisting in the classroom: Teaching Assistants help teachers to manage the classroom and to support students with their learning. They may provide one-to-one support, small group instruction, or whole-class support.
Providing one-to-one support to students: Teaching Assistants often provide one-to-one support to students with SEN. This may involve helping students with their work, providing emotional support, or teaching them specific skills.
Helping with classroom activities and resources: Teaching Assistants can help to prepare and set up classroom activities and resources. They may also help students to use assistive technology or other tools.
Supporting students’ social and emotional development: Teaching Assistants can help students to develop their social and emotional skills. They may provide counseling, social skills training, or other interventions to help students build positive relationships and manage their emotions.

Part time Teaching Assistant jobs

Many schools and educational settings offer flexible part-time positions that allow you to support students and teachers while accommodating other commitments, such as studies or family responsibilities. With agencies like 4myschools, you have the option to choose hours that work best for you, whether that’s a few days a week or specific hours each day. We cover areas including Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, and Norfolk, providing numerous opportunities for part-time roles. This flexibility not only helps you gain valuable experience in the education sector but also allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

How much do Teaching Assistants get paid

Teaching Assistants pay can differ depending on factors such as:

Experience: Teaching assistants with more experience may command higher salaries.
Qualifications: Those with relevant qualifications, such as a teaching assistant diploma, might earn more than those without.
School Type: The type of school (e.g., private, public) and its location can influence salary levels.
Role and Responsibilities: Teaching assistants with specialised roles or additional responsibilities may receive higher pay.

Education recruitment agencies can be a valuable resource for both Teaching Assistants and schools. Recruitment agencies often have a wide network of schools and can help connect teaching assistants with suitable positions. By working with an agency, teaching assistants have access to a broader range of job opportunities and potentially higher pay rates. Recruitment agencies often negotiate teaching assistants pay on their behalf to ensure they are compensated adequately for their work, at 4myschools, we always strive to negotiate the pay teaching assistants deserve.

Once you reach 12 weeks in a role, both the school and 4myschools will be legally obliged to pay you according to the pay scale that the school would offer if they employed you directly. This is in line with the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), which aim to ensure that agency workers receive the same pay and working conditions as permanent staff after 12 weeks in the same role.

How much do day-to-day teaching assistants get paid

The pay for teaching assistants working day-to-day can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, how many hours you are working each day. Typically, daily rates for teaching assistants range from £85 to £90 per day.

Salary and Benefits

The salary of a teaching assistant can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location. While there’s no guarantee of a pay rise, there are several factors that may influence salary increases:

Experience: As you gain experience as a teaching assistant, you may be eligible for higher pay rates.
Qualifications: Obtaining additional qualifications, such as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, can increase your earning potential.
Role and Responsibilities: Teaching assistants with more responsibilities or who work in specialised roles may receive higher salaries.
Economic Factors: The overall economic climate and inflation rates can also impact salary increases.

How to become a teaching assistant

Qualifications: While specific requirements may vary, many schools prefer candidates with a GCSE or equivalent qualification in English and Maths. Some schools may also require additional qualifications, such as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
Experience: While not always essential, having experience working with children or in a school environment can be advantageous. This could include volunteering, tutoring, or previous experience as a teaching assistant.
Training: Some schools may offer on-the-job training for new teaching assistants. However, it’s advisable to consider completing a relevant training course, such as a Teaching Assistant qualification, to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Application Process: Submit your application to 4myschools, including an up-to-date CV. Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review it and discuss the available options with you to find the best fit for your skills and experience.

Can I work as a Teaching Assistant without experience?

Yes, you definitely can, many schools are open to hiring candidates without prior experience. 4myschools often works with individuals to find suitable roles even if they are new to the field. We offer all of our candidates free CPD training, you can find out more about this here. Contact us to find out how we can help you secure your dream role.

What jobs can you do after

Starting as a teaching assistant, individuals can gain valuable classroom experience, build strong communication skills, and support student learning. With additional training or qualifications, you can advance to higher roles such as a higher level teaching assistant or qualified teacher. Continuous professional development is key to unlocking new responsibilities and enhancing career prospects in education.

Transitioning from a Teaching Assistant (TA) to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) increases your responsibilities in the classroom. Start by gaining diverse experience, including working with different year groups and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Pursue further qualifications, such as the HLTA qualification, to show your readiness. Focus on developing key skills in teaching, assessment, and leadership, and take advantage of professional development opportunities. Build strong relationships with teachers for collaboration and mentorship.

TAs often serve as a valuable stepping stone for those aspiring to become teachers, as they already possess essential skills and a strong understanding of classroom dynamics. To facilitate this transition, Teaching Assistants can pursue further qualifications, such as a degree in education or a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE). Many Teaching Assistants choose to enroll in School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programmes, which provide practical, hands-on training within a school setting, allowing them to be mentored by experienced educators. This practical experience, combined with opportunities to lead small group sessions, helps TAs build confidence in their teaching abilities. With the right training and support, including SCITT, TAs can successfully transition into teaching roles and make a significant impact on students’ learning and development. Additionally, supply teaching can be a great way for TAs to gain experience in various classrooms and age groups, helping them to refine their teaching skills and adaptability.

FAQs

If you’re inspired to start your journey as a Teaching Assistant, now is the time to take action! At 4myschools, we offer a wide range of Teaching Assistant opportunities in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Hertfordshire. Whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time positions, we can help you find the perfect fit in mainstream or Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.