Which Teaching Assistant qualification is best for you?
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Which Teaching Assistant qualification is best for you?
Becoming a teaching assistant is a highly rewarding role,
but if you’re new to the education sector you might be struggling to know how
to get started. Fortunately there are numerous teaching assistant
qualifications out there to help, and depending on where you are in your career
and on your future aspirations, some may be more advantageous than others.
Here we explore the different qualifications that exist,
question whether you need them at all, and delve into how they can help you to
reach your career goals.
Do teaching assistant roles require qualifications?
Not all teaching assistant roles will require a
qualification, as it’s down to each individual school to set their
requirements. Most will look essential numeracy and literacy skills (often
measured as A*-C grades in English and maths at GCSE level, or the equivalent),
as well as a strong set of soft skills, such as good organisation and
communication.
However, having specific qualifications can significantly
boost your chances of finding employment as it ensures you are better prepared
for life in the classroom. It also ensures that you have the necessary skills
and knowledge for more advanced positions which bring greater responsibility
and pay, such as being a higher level teaching assistant. Other qualifications
can also be achieved while in a job, enabling you to find an option that best
suits your lifestyle.
The key things to know about teaching assistant qualifications
Teaching assistant qualifications come in a range of levels,
with each higher level requiring a greater deal of knowledge and time than the
level below. While you’re free to study at a level which suits you, it’s
recommended that each level is completed in turn, as many of the skills learned
can then be applied as you progress.
When completing a course, look to ensure that it is fully
certified. This means it is awarded by a professional body and will be
recognised by employers.
Level 1 qualifications
As the base-level of qualifications, Level 1 courses focus
on the basic information you’ll need to know in order to succeed in the
classroom, assessed via written submissions. You’ll be prepared for what school
life will throw at you and will be left with an understanding of the core
concepts behind being a teaching assistant.
Example courses
·
Level 1 Teaching Assistant Certificate
·
Level 1 Certificate in Preparing for Work in
Schools
Level 2 qualifications
Deemed the equivalent of a GCSE, Level 2 courses build on
the skills developed in lower courses and may include an element of work experience.
The main variations here will depend on whether you complete an award, a
certificate or a diploma (this ultimately relates to the number of hours you’ll
need to commit to the course and to the number of teaching credits you’ll
receive at the end of it).
Example courses:
·
Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate
·
Level 2 Teaching Assistant Diploma
·
Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and
Colleges
Level 3 qualifications
If you’ve been a teaching assistant for a while and are keen
to further your career, a Level 3 course could be right for you. The equivalent
of an A-level, the focus here is on enhancing knowledge and potentially
specialising in certain areas, such as being a teaching assistant for children
with special educational needs.
Example courses:
·
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Certificate
·
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma
·
Level 3 Award in Supporting Learning and
Teaching in Schools
Level 4 qualifications
As touched on previously, Level 4 qualifications provide the
necessary tools for becoming a higher level teaching assistant. However, in
order to complete these courses, you must have a suitable level of experience
and be sponsored by your employer.
Example courses:
·
Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Course
·
Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced
Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
Ultimately, the course you complete should be dependent on
your individual circumstances. If you’re just starting out, the lower level
courses provide the ideal introduction. Or if you’re keen to progress your
career, the upper level courses should help you make that next step.
Let Tradewind help you build a rewarding teaching assistant career
If you're ready to start the search for your next role, we can help. As one of the UK's top teaching assistant agencies, we help candidates all around the UK find an education job that is suited to them. View all teaching assistant careers to find an assortment of roles, including part-time TA jobs, graduate teaching assistant jobs and SEN TA jobs. Or submit your CV and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
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