What qualifications do you need to become a Teaching Assistant?

There are many rewarding jobs in education that play a crucial role in pupils' personal and academic development. The main one that springs to mind is a Teacher, who, in most classrooms, takes centre stage, preparing and delivering lessons. However, there is often another important person in that room, one who could often be seen as an unsung hero: the Teaching Assistant.

Teaching Assistants are vital in supporting Teachers and ensuring that every pupil is cared for and given the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. Sound like a career that interests you? Well, our guide explores their responsibilities, why it is a good career option, if there are specific Teaching Assistant qualifications you need, and why they are essential. So, let’s jump in and start with a detailed look into a Teaching Assistant role.

What is the role of a Teaching Assistant?

Teaching Assistants play a vital role in the education of children. The main class Teacher is responsible for sharing their knowledge and ensuring that pupils are educated and developed in a safe teaching environment. Their wide range of roles and responsibilities means that Teachers can’t always oversee every single task themselves.

This is where Teaching Assistants step in. They provide crucial support, helping to ensure that lessons are effective and that pupils gain the maximum benefit from them. Teaching Assistants can be found in schools ranging from Early Years to Primary to Secondary to SEN schools.

The exact role of a Teacher Assistant can vary depending on the type of school and pupils they support; however, here are some of their typical responsibilities:

• Ensure pupils can engage in learning and stay focused during lessons, developing their growth into independent learners.
• Listen to pupils read and read to pupils whether one-to-one, as a whole class, or in a group.
• Recording and reporting pupil’s progress to the class Teacher.
• Support the Teacher in developing lesson plans.
• Support the emotional and social development of the children.
• Carry out administration tasks, such as preparing the classroom and clearing away at the end of lessons, to ensure effective teaching takes place.
• Support with extra-curricular activities such as after-school clubs, breakfast clubs, and supervising lunchtimes.
• Helping the teacher manage pupil behaviour.
• Helping look after ill, upset, or injured students.
• Providing support outside of class, such as covering absences and exam invigilation.

Why is a Teaching Assistant a good career option?

We’re sure that by reading the previous section’s insights into a Teaching Assistant role, it is a great career choice. However, if you need further persuasion, then here are our top five reasons:

1. It is a fulfilling and rewarding career

The main role of a Teaching Assistant is to ensure that pupils maximise their academic and personal potential during their time in school. You will not only support them in the classroom but also serve as a mentor and confidant. As a Teaching Assistant, you will be the go-to person for emotional and academic support, helping them grow and flourish.

The impact of your work will be reflected in the achievements and progress of the children you support. Observing their development and understanding that you influence their journey into adulthood is highly rewarding.

2. Improve the quality of education

Another of the primary motivations for becoming a Teaching Assistant is the opportunity to significantly impact the education system. Here are two examples of the differences they make:

• Individualised support for pupils — Teaching Assistants help reduce the stress that low-attaining pupils often experience by providing focused, individualised attention. This support enables these pupils to cope better with lessons, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education for everyone in the classroom.
• Reducing Teacher workload - Teaching assistants significantly reduce teachers' workload by assisting with various classroom tasks. This allows teachers to dedicate more time and energy to refining their teaching methods and managing the classroom effectively, leading to a more enriching educational environment.

3. Opportunities for career development

At the same time as helping children reach their full potential, you’ll also be able to grow professionally. Training as a Teaching Assistant opens many avenues for career progression within the education sector. As you build your experience in the classroom after you have completed your qualifications, you will be able to specialise in specific areas.

For instance, you could become a Special Education Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant, working with pupils with disabilities or special needs. Alternatively, you could advance to be a Higher Level Teaching Assistant with extra responsibilities such as working with the whole class when the teacher is not present and training other Teaching Assistants.

4. A role filled with variety

Being a Teaching Assistant is multifaceted and engaging, ensuring you’ll constantly be involved in new and varied tasks. Your daily responsibilities will depend on the teacher, the students you support, and the curriculum you follow, which makes each day unique and a positive challenge.

For example, one day, you might focus on one-on-one support; the next, you might work with the entire class. You also could participate in school trips, assist with sports days, or lead nature clubs. In addition, you’ll work with children who have their own unique personalities, providing different experiences every day.

5. Provides a ‘trial’ for those considering a Teaching career

Working as a Teaching Assistant offers valuable exposure to the challenges and rewards of working in a classroom. For those considering a teaching career but haven’t fully decided yet, a TA position provides the opportunity to experience classroom dynamics from a teacher’s perspective without dedicating yourself to a Teacher training course.

This experience helps you understand the daily responsibilities and tasks involved in teaching, supporting you in making an informed decision about your future and whether to pursue a career. Furthermore, if you decide to apply for a Teacher training course, your work as a Teaching Assistant will provide valuable work experience, which is crucial for a successful application.

What qualifications are required?

Now we have gained an insight into the role of a Teaching Assistant, let’s look at the qualifications you need to become one.

Basic Requirements

• Numeracy and Literacy - You will need to possess GCSEs at graduate 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and Maths.
• Experience of Working with Children - Experience of working with children is crucial for your application for a Teaching Assistant role. This could include volunteering, childcare, or supporting sports and social clubs such as Scouts. These experiences show you have practical skills in engaging with and supporting children.
• DBS Check - To work as a Teaching Assistant, you must undergo a criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales or through Disclosure in Scotland.

Useful Qualifications

Although the following qualifications are not essential, they can provide a helpful introduction to education and teaching and an understanding of the skills and knowledge you need to work with pupils in primary, secondary, or SME schools.

• Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools - This qualification aims to provide learners with an understanding of the teaching and learning environment in schools, the development of young people, and how to support the well-being of young people.
• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning - The course is designed to provide learners with an understanding of the skills and knowledge required when working directly with young people and children in school and college settings. It covers several areas, including young people’s and children’s development and supporting their positive behaviour, professional relationships, and communications.
• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools - This introduces the understanding and knowledge needed to work in schools and colleges as a support worker. You will explore various topics during your studies, including communication, child development, activity planning, and progress monitoring. Additionally, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure and operation of schools and colleges, health and safety legislation, and the critical importance of safeguarding and child welfare.
• Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant - This qualification is designed to support existing Teaching Assistants in advancing their careers. It covers key topics such as the day-to-day roles of a higher-level teaching assistant, child development and what influences it, dealing with challenging situations, promoting positive behaviour, and teaching different abilities.
• University Degree - It is important to note that a degree isn’t mandatory for becoming a Teaching Assistant, but it can be highly beneficial. A degree shows a high level of academic achievement and a wide skill set that can be advantageous to the role.

As well as qualifications, you will need a series of soft skills and attributes, which include:

• Excellent writing, reading, numeracy and listening skills.
• Patience
• Passion for teaching
• Approachable and friendly nature
• Ability to build relationships with pupils and staff
• Good level of discipline
• Versatility and flexibility
• Observation and evaluation
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Self-motivated to keep updated with educational policy and training
• Strong regard for pupil wellbeing and safety.

How can Teaching Assistant qualifications benefit your career?

While not all Teaching Assistant qualifications are compulsory, the courses mentioned in the previous section can be highly beneficial alongside the basic requirements needed for the role. Here are the key advantages they can bring to your career:

• Competence - These qualifications help ensure that teaching assistants have the skills and knowledge to support pupils and teach in educational settings. This not only benefits the pupils’ learning experience and personal development but also reduces the workload of the Teacher, allowing them to focus on their core duties.
• Welfare and Safeguarding - Many qualifications cover and train participants in welfare and safeguarding practices, which are vital for protecting pupils and providing a supportive and safe environment.
• Professional Development - Qualifications encourage continuous professional development, helping Teaching Assistants stay current with the latest teaching practices and enhance their skills. This also drives the maintenance of high standards in education.
• Increased Employability - Possessing formal qualifications can increase the likelihood of landing a Teaching Assistant role, as they demonstrate competence and commitment to potential employers.
• Helps Set a Standard - Requiring certain qualifications and encouraging others helps drive high standards across the education sector. These qualifications mean that Teaching Assistants in UK schools are of a certain quality to help support pupils in their learning and development and give them the best chance in life. Furthermore, DBS checks mean there are no criminal reasons why a TA shouldn’t work with children, helping keep the pupils safe.

Ultimately, formal qualifications offer a structured approach to developing the crucial skills needed to work in a classroom environment and have a rewarding and successful career.

Teaching Assistant Qualifications: Final Thoughts

Teaching Assistants play an indispensable role in the education system, providing vital support to teachers and ensuring pupils receive the attention and assistance they need to succeed academically and personally. Their presence in the classroom helps to create a more effective learning environment by allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality instruction while Teaching Assistants handle various supportive tasks. This partnership not only enhances the educational experience for students but also alleviates some of the pressures on teachers, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

To become a Teaching Assistant, it is essential to have a combination of basic literacy and numeracy skills, relevant experience working with children, and a clear understanding of safeguarding and child welfare practices. While formal qualifications are not always mandatory, they provide a structured path to acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge, making candidates more competitive in the job market.

Furthermore, these qualifications promote continuous professional development, ensuring that Teaching Assistants remain up-to-date with the latest educational practices and standards.

Interested in the Latest Teaching Assistant Jobs?

We hope our guide has given you a detailed insight into why being a Teaching Assistant is an excellent career choice and the qualifications and experience needed to become one. If you are ready to take that next step and apply for your dream Teaching Assistant Job, our expert team will support you.

Either discover our Teaching Assistant jobs page or contact us and speak to one of our friendly team for further support.