Post Contents
Is being a teaching assistant worth it? Absolutely! If you’re searching for a job that offers flexibility, decent pay, room for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact on children’s lives, then look no further. Being a teaching assistant can fulfil all these aspirations and more. In this blog post, we’ll explore the responsibilities of teaching assistants, discuss how much they earn in the UK, and provide tips on how to increase your earning potential in this rewarding profession. So let’s dive in and discover just how much teaching assistants bring home!
Is Being a Teaching Assistant Worth It?
Being a teaching assistant is absolutely worth it! Not only does it offer flexibility, but it also provides relatively good pay and numerous opportunities for progression. But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this role is the chance to make a positive impact on children’s lives.
As a teaching assistant, you play an essential role in ensuring that students can engage in learning and stay focused during lessons. By supporting their social and emotional development, you create a nurturing environment where they can thrive. You also assist teachers in managing challenging behaviour and promoting positive conduct among students.
One of the great things about being a teaching assistant is the variety of tasks involved. From listening to pupils read or reading to them as a class, group, or one-to-one, to monitoring their progress and providing valuable feedback – your contributions are invaluable.
In addition to these core responsibilities, teaching assistants often carry out administrative duties like preparing classrooms and assisting with first aid when needed. They may even have the opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities such as clubs or revision sessions.
Being a teaching assistant allows you not only to support education but also to be an integral part of shaping young minds for the future. So if you’re seeking flexibility, growth potential, and the ability to positively impact children’s lives – look no further than becoming a teaching assistant!
Are Teaching Assistants in Demand UK?
Yes, teaching assistants are in high demand in the UK. In 2020, there were over 41,000 teaching assistant jobs advertised in the UK, making it the top 10 most in-demand jobs.
This is due to a number of factors, including:
- The growing population of children with special educational needs (SEN)
- The rising cost of living, which is making it more difficult for schools to attract and retain staff
- The increasing workload of teachers, which means they need more support from teaching assistants
As a result of the shortage of teaching assistants, schools are often forced to use unqualified staff or combine classes, which can have a negative impact on the quality of education.
The average salary for a teaching assistant in the UK is £23,000, but this can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and location. Teaching assistants in London typically earn more money than those in other parts of the country.
If you are interested in a career as a teaching assistant, there are a number of steps you can take to increase your chances of getting a job.
These include:
- Gaining the necessary qualifications, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Education and Childcare (CACHE) or a T Level in Education and Early Years
- Volunteering or working in a school setting to gain experience
- Developing your skills in areas such as behaviour management, SEN support, and literacy and numeracy
- Networking with other teaching assistants and teachers
Teaching assistants play a vital role in the education of children and young people. If you are looking for a rewarding career in education, then get a job as a teaching assistant that could be the perfect choice for you.
Responsibilities of Teaching Assistants
The responsibilities of teaching assistants can vary depending on their experience, training, and TA status. Generally, as a teaching assistant, you play a crucial role in supporting the learning and development of pupils. Your main objective is to ensure that the students you support are actively engaged in their lessons and stay focused on their tasks so they can become independent learners.
In addition to academic support, you also contribute to the social and emotional development of pupils by providing guidance and reporting any issues when necessary. You assist teachers in managing challenging behaviour among students while promoting positive behaviour throughout the classroom.
As a teaching assistant, you have opportunities to enhance reading skills by listening to students read individually or as part of a group. Additionally, monitoring pupil progress and providing detailed feedback to teachers allows for continuous improvement in student performance.
Administrative duties are an integral part of your role as well. This may involve preparing classrooms before lessons commence and ensuring everything is organized after class for effective teaching sessions.
Beyond these core responsibilities, you may find yourself taking care of pupils who have had accidents or require assistance with dressing or emotional support. Creating resources for both teachers and students adds value to the learning environment while showcasing pupil artwork through art displays fosters creativity within the school community.
Teaching assistants often extend their support beyond regular classes by assisting during exams, covering absences from other TAs, or accompanying students on educational trips. Engaging in extra-curricular activities such as breakfast clubs, and after-school clubs homework sessions further contributes to the holistic growth of pupils under your care.
For higher-level teaching assistants (HLTAs), additional expectations come into play including delivering tailored one-to-one or small group teaching activities under teacher direction. Taking charge of certain class activities gives teachers time for planning and marking work while supervising other support staff ensures efficient teamwork within the educational setting.
With experience comes specialization opportunities such as focusing on literacy, numeracy or SEN (Special Educational Needs) areas. Bilingual teaching assistants may specialize in supporting children whose first language is not English, providing crucial
Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid Over the Holidays?
Teaching assistants often wonder if they get paid over the holidays. Well, the answer is not so straightforward. In most cases, teaching assistants are on term-time only contracts, which means they won’t be earning the full yearly amount as stated on the government pay scale.
On average, a teaching assistant’s actual yearly pay comes to around £12,000. However, there are exceptions. If you’re fortunate enough to have a contract that extends beyond term time, then you may receive paid leave during school holidays and your salary will align more closely with the government pay scale.
While it’s true that your salary as a teaching assistant won’t match those of other jobs with similar hourly rates that work throughout the year, there are advantages to consider. You’ll enjoy more free time and holidays than many other careers offer. This gives you opportunities to pursue part-time work or side jobs during your off-time while also building up your qualifications.
So yes, being a teaching assistant does come with some considerations regarding holiday pay. However, when weighed against the benefits of flexibility and ample time off for personal pursuits and professional growth, it’s clear that this career path offers its own unique rewards.
How Much Do Teaching Assistants Earn in the UK?
Starting salaries for full-time, permanent teaching assistants in the UK can range from around £18,300 to £19,000, depending on their level of responsibility. Those with increased responsibilities at level 2 may earn between £18,880 and £19,000. Meanwhile, experienced teaching assistants at level 3 or those with additional specialisms or SEN (Special Educational Needs) responsibilities can earn money anywhere from £19,260 to £25,000.
It’s important to note that many teaching assistants are employed on part-time or term-time only contracts. This means that their actual take-home pay may be lower than the figures stated above. Additionally, there is no national pay scale for TA salaries; however, most schools follow the local government pay scale for support staff.
While state-funded schools must adhere to LA (Local Authority) pay guidelines when it comes to salary scales for teaching assistants, independent schools and academies have more flexibility in setting their own rates.
Furthermore, some providers offer term-time-only wages which are calculated as a proportion of the full-time salary. However, you should still receive a monthly salary even if you’re not working during school holidays.
Ultimately, the amount you’ll earn as a teaching assistant will depend on various factors such as your role, responsibilities, and educational setting.
Working through an educational recruitment agency may result in higher rates of pay since many agencies seek out graduates.
However, it’s important to note that work is not always guaranteed or permanent. The income figures provided here are intended as a guide only and can vary significantly.
How Can You Earn a Higher Teaching Assistant Salary?
Looking to increase your teaching assistant salary? Consider investing in additional skills and knowledge that will make you more valuable in the job market. One way to do this is by obtaining supporting qualifications. Our distance learning teaching assistant courses offer a convenient way for you to enhance your skills from anywhere in the UK.
If you’re new to the field or looking to enter a position with no prior experience, an accredited Level 2 teaching assistant course is essential. This qualification covers all the necessary aspects of the job and gives you an edge over unqualified applicants when applying for higher-level positions.
Already have experience but not seeing the pay you desire? Our Level 3 teaching assistant course is equivalent to an A-Level and designed for those who want to progress into higher-level roles. With this qualification, you can specialize as a teaching assistant working with SEN children, pursue opportunities as a higher-level TA, or even become a teacher yourself.
Other valuable qualifications include Level 2 safeguarding training, understanding autism courses, and first aid certification. These additional certifications will make your CV stand out and increase your chances of securing higher-paying jobs and advancing in your career.
Investing in supporting qualifications demonstrates your commitment to professional development and makes you an attractive candidate for employers seeking highly skilled individuals. To explore different types of teaching assistant qualifications available, check out our comprehensive article on which ones may be best suited for you.”
Working Hours of Teaching Assistants
Working hours as a teaching assistant can be quite flexible, but they are typically during the school day in term time, from Monday to Friday. However, there may be occasions where you are required to work early mornings or after school if you’re involved in supporting additional activities like breakfast clubs or after-school care.
In addition to your regular working hours, there may also be training days and parents’ evenings that you’ll need to attend. It’s important to note that some schools offer activities over the summer which could provide opportunities for extra work and additional pay.
When it comes to holidays, half-term breaks and summer vacations are usually included in your holiday allowance. Taking time off during term is generally restricted unless you have a valid reason that has been authorized by the school.
The nature of employment contracts for teaching assistants can vary greatly. While part-time work and job-sharing arrangements are common, permanent contracts do exist. However, many schools opt for fixed-term or temporary contracts that are reviewed annually based on school or pupil needs. These types of contracts often arise when the focus of your role is supporting a particular student.
Additionally, educational recruitment agencies sometimes offer short-term opportunities for teaching assistants. Although these positions don’t guarantee permanent employment, they can serve as valuable stepping stones in your career journey as a teaching assistant.
It’s important to consider the varying factors related to working hours and contract types when pursuing a career as a teaching assistant. It’s always wise to familiarize yourself with the specific terms offered by each individual employer before making any commitments
Qualifications of Teaching Assistants
To become a teaching assistant, there are certain qualifications and skills that you’ll need to possess. While a degree is not always necessary, it can be advantageous as it demonstrates your competence in various subjects. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are essential, usually requiring GCSE or equivalent qualifications in maths or English. Experience working with children is also valuable.
Moreover, qualifications and experience related to childcare, nursery work, play or youth work can provide an excellent foundation for becoming a teaching assistant. There are specific courses available that introduce the knowledge and skills required for working with children in primary, secondary, or special schools.
Some of these courses include the Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools, the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools, and the Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. While some courses allow individuals without prior education experience to enrol directly, others may require practical placements within educational settings.
Additionally, intermediate or advanced apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 offer another pathway to becoming a teaching assistant. These apprenticeships involve working within a school while receiving training and earning a salary.
It’s important to note that individual schools set their own entry requirements for teaching assistant positions. Therefore, carefully reviewing job vacancies will help you understand what specific skills and experiences each school is seeking.
Last but importantly before starting your career as a teaching assistant, you will have to undergo an enhanced criminal records check through either the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland
Skills That You’ll Need to Have
As a teaching assistant, there is a wide range of skills that you’ll need to have in order to succeed in your role. Having a positive approach to working with children is essential. You’ll need the ability to motivate and inspire them, as well as build rapport with them so that they feel comfortable and supported.
Another important skill is having a strong regard for pupil safety and well-being. This means being vigilant and proactive in ensuring their welfare at all times. Respect for diversity is also crucial since you’ll be working with pupils from various backgrounds. Being able to communicate effectively and have good interpersonal skills will help you build relationships not only with the students but also with parents, teachers, governors, and other support staff.
Having solid reading, writing, and numeracy skills is vital as these are fundamental areas of learning that you will be assisting students with on a daily basis. Excellent team working skills are necessary too since you’ll collaborate closely with other members of the school community such as classroom teachers and professionals like educational psychologists or speech therapists.
Being creative can also benefit your role as it allows you to find innovative ways to engage students in their learning journey. Patience is another valuable attribute because every child has different needs and progresses at their own pace.
You should have a flexible approach towards work since teaching assistants often take part in various school-related activities like cooking projects or art sessions. Organizational skills are essential for managing tasks efficiently while maintaining professionalism throughout your workday.
Keeping up-to-date with educational policy changes and training opportunities related to your role shows dedication and commitment towards continuous professional development.
Fluency in local community languages may give an advantage when supporting English language learners (EAL) pupils who speak those languages primarily at home. Additionally, having knowledge or certification in first aid practices or communication methods like Makaton or British Sign Language can prove beneficial when working alongside individuals who require additional support.
Conclusion
After exploring the various aspects of being a teaching assistant and discussing their responsibilities, salary, qualifications, and working hours, it is evident that this profession offers both challenges and rewards. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting students’ learning journey while also assisting teachers in creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.
The salary for teaching assistants varies depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and type of contract. While starting salaries may be around £18,300 for full-time positions (level 1), experienced TAs with additional specialisms can earn up to £25,000. However, it’s important to note that many TAs are employed on part-time or term-time only contracts which can impact actual take-home pay.
