Frequently asked questions by new Teaching Assistants
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Frequently asked questions by new Teaching Assistants
Starting a new job as a teaching assistant could be your
first to a long and rewarding career in the education sector. If you’re new to
the role of being a TA, or are considering it as a potential option, we’re
here to ensure you’re fully prepared for what is to come.
Here we delve into a handful of the frequently asked
questions which come from TAs across the country, so you’ll have all the
information you need to kick-start your career exactly as you want.
What might my day as a teaching assistant look like?
While the exact nature of the role will vary depending on
what school you’re at, it’s important to note that no two days as a TA will
ever be the same. Typically though, the role will involve supporting children
with a range of learning needs, working with different age groups, and
providing assistance on a one-to-one or small group basis.
You may also need to discuss specific support plans with
teachers and other school staff, before implementing them in lessons and
reporting back on a child’s progress. Other support activities, such as doing
library or playground duty, may also be expected, depending on the school
setting.
Where can I find guidance on safeguarding?
Safeguarding is an essential part of education, and there is
official government documentation which provides guidance on why this is.
Titled Keeping
Children Safe in Education 2022, it details all of the key information that
school staff and TAs need to know, including situations where you might be
legally obliged to take certain actions.
What resources are available to help TAs?
There are numerous online checklists and blogs which focus
on the essentials of being a TA too, all of which can provide inspiration if
you’re unsure on anything. If you’ve taken a role through Tradewind
Recruitment, we’re also just a phone call away too.
Another option is Twinkl, which offers a free
TA taster pack so those new to the role will have all of the essential details
they might need. There’s also a range of subject specific intervention packs,
such as this one for maths,
which can provide useful information and support.
What does career progression as a TA look like?
A teaching assistant role can take an individual on a
remarkable journey in education. You could opt to stay in the role on a part-time basis to suit your lifestyle or personal needs, while it could also
act as a stepping stone into a life of teaching. Further to that, you could
develop your skills to take a role as a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA),
a move which means you’ll be able to command a higher salary, albeit with far
greater responsibility. Alternatively, you could opt to specialise in a certain
area, such as becoming a special educational needs (SEN) TA who supports
children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
What support can Tradewind Recruitment offer TAs?
Alongside a raft of downloadable resources which are readily
available online, TAs using Tradewind Recruitment can also benefit from regular
continued professional development courses.
Delivered via webinar, these courses help to develop the basic skills that the role requires, and can serve as a refresher for those considering switching schools or roles. In addition, several NVQ courses can also support your development needs.
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