Everything You Need to Know About Classroom Assistant Jobs

Are you thinking about becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) or SEN TA? Teaching assistants play a vital role in helping students feel supported, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Could this rewarding role be the perfect next step for you? Becoming a teaching assistant can also be a great way to start a new career, even for those without a degree.

At Prospero Teaching, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From qualifications and experience to career progression opportunities, here’s everything you need to know about teaching assistant jobs.

What is a Teaching Assistant?

A teaching assistant is a vital member of the educational team, working alongside teachers to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. As a teaching assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students’ educational journeys, helping them to achieve their full potential. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include supporting students in the classroom, assisting with lesson planning and preparation, helping with student assessments and evaluations, and providing individual support to students with special educational needs.

Types of Teaching Assistant Jobs

There are various types of teaching assistant jobs available, each offering unique opportunities to support learning and development:

• Primary Teaching Assistant: Working with students in primary schools, you will support their learning and development across a variety of subjects, helping to create a strong educational foundation.
• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): Taking on more responsibility, HLTAs lead small groups of students, support teachers with lesson planning and delivery, and may even take charge of the classroom in the teacher’s absence.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant: Working with students with special educational needs, you will provide individualized support, helping them to access the curriculum and achieve their potential.
• Seconadary Teaching Assistant: Supporting teachers and students in a particular subject, secondary, and special schools, you will assist with a wide range of classroom activities and administrative tasks.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?

You don’t need a degree to become a teaching assistant, but having a relevant qualification is key. Strong numeracy skills are a fundamental requirement for teaching assistant roles, as they are essential for effectively supporting students in a classroom setting. Most roles require:

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
• T Level in Education and Early Years

These qualifications equip you with essential skills like child development, safeguarding, and communication.

Classroom Assistant Courses

Building your skills and knowledge is a great way to stand out as a teaching assistant, and our Prospero Learning platform makes it easier than ever. We offer a range of online courses designed specifically for teaching assistants to help you succeed in the classroom. Our courses allow you to learn at your own pace, adapting to your individual schedules and commitments.

Here are some of our most popular courses:

• The Teaching Assistant Starter Kit: Develop your ability to support the teacher in all learning activities. Now available for £20 (was £26.97).
• Using Scaffolding to Promote Learner Independence: Learn techniques to encourage independent learning for just £8.99.
• Positive Behaviour Management: Gain insights into managing classroom behaviour effectively for £8.99.
• Modelling in the Classroom: Discover the power of modelling to enhance student understanding for £8.99.

Explore these courses and more on Prospero Learning to take the next step in your professional development.

Do You Need Experience to Be a Teaching Assistant?

Experience working with children is often essential. Many schools require references from previous roles, ideally within educational settings. If you’re new to working in schools, volunteering or placements can be a great way to gain experience.

There are many primary teaching assistant jobs available, especially in educational settings in London.

You’ll also need an Enhanced DBS Check to work with children. When you register with Prospero Teaching, we can help you arrange this.

Understanding Teaching Assistant Levels

Teaching assistant roles are categorized by qualification and responsibility levels:

• Level 2 TA: Support with lesson planning, student progress, and general classroom assistance.
• Level 3 TA: Work closely with teachers on lesson planning, assist groups or individuals, and take on a more active classroom role.
• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): With additional qualifications, HLTAs can plan and deliver lessons, lead classes in a teacher’s absence, and provide specialist support.

How to Become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant

If you’re already a Level 3 TA, becoming a HLTA is the natural next step. With your school’s support, you’ll need to undergo an assessment process, which includes submitting a portfolio and being observed in your role.

Experience as a HLTA can also be a fantastic steppingstone if you’re considering a career in teaching.

Benefits of Becoming a Teaching Assistant

Becoming a teaching assistant can be a highly rewarding career choice, offering a range of benefits, including:

• Positive Impact: You have the opportunity to make a significant difference in students’ lives, supporting their educational journeys and helping them to achieve their full potential.
• Varied Work Environment: Enjoy a flexible and varied work environment, with opportunities to work in different schools and settings, keeping your daily routine dynamic and engaging.
• Skill Development: Develop new skills and knowledge through hands-on experience and further education, such as teaching assistant courses, which can enhance your professional growth.
• Job Satisfaction: Experience a sense of fulfillment and job satisfaction, knowing that your work is making a positive impact on the lives of young people.
• Career Progression: Take advantage of opportunities for career progression and professional development, including the chance to become a higher level teaching assistant or to pursue a teaching qualification.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher?

Absolutely! Many teaching assistants use their role as a springboard to a teaching career. Here’s how:

• If you already have a degree, you might qualify for the Straight to Teaching programme or a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
• Without a degree, you can study an undergraduate Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) programme with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Finding Teaching Assistant Jobs

Once you’re ready to step into the classroom, Prospero Teaching is here to help. We specialise in connecting teaching assistants with local schools, offering:

• Short-term roles to build experience.
• Long-term or permanent positions to match your career goals.
• Flexible opportunities for students or career changers.

Application and Interview Tips

When applying for a teaching assistant job, it’s essential to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Here are some key points to consider:

• Previous Experience: Emphasize any previous experience of working with children or young people, whether through paid positions, volunteering, or placements.
• Basic Qualifications: Ensure you have the necessary basic qualifications, such as GCSEs in English and maths, which are often required for teaching assistant roles.
• Key Skills: Highlight your numeracy and literacy skills, as well as your ability to support students with their learning and development.
• Teamwork and Communication: Demonstrate your ability to work well in a team and to communicate effectively with teachers, students, and parents.

In an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience and skills in detail. Provide examples of how you have supported students in the past, and show enthusiasm and passion for the role. Highlight your ability to work flexibly and adapt to new situations, which are crucial qualities for a successful teaching assistant.

Support and Resources for Teaching Assistants

As a teaching assistant, you will have access to a range of support and resources to help you succeed in your role:

• Training and Development: Take advantage of training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Pursuing a teaching assistant course can provide you with valuable insights and techniques to support learning effectively.
• Support from Colleagues: Benefit from the support of teachers and other members of the educational team, who can offer guidance and assistance as you navigate your responsibilities.
• Access to Resources: Utilize a variety of resources and materials to help you support students with their learning, ensuring you have the tools you need to be effective in the classroom.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other teaching assistants to share best practices, learn from others, and build a supportive professional network.
• Well-being and Mental Health: Prioritize your own well-being and mental health, with access to support services that can help you manage the demands of the role and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

By leveraging these support systems and resources, you can make a positive impact on students’ lives and achieve your career goals as a teaching assistant.

Why Register with Prospero Teaching?

At Prospero Teaching, we do more than match you with roles. We offer:

• Access to free training and CPD opportunities.
• Guidance from experienced education consultants.
• Support with DBS checks and career advice.

Ready to get started? Call us today at 020 7404 6383, or browse and apply for current teaching assistant jobs on our website.

Follow us on social media for more tips, case studies, and advice for your teaching journey. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.