FAQs for Teaching Assistants

Duties and responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant may include:

• Assisting with lesson preparation and planning.
• Providing one-on-one support to students who require additional help.
• Supporting small group activities and facilitating learning exercises.
• Helping to maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Assisting with classroom management and behaviour reinforcement.
• Providing feedback on student progress to the teacher.
• Helping with administrative tasks, such as preparing materials and organising resources.
• Supervising students during break times, lunch, and other non-teaching periods.
• Collaborating with teachers and other staff members to ensure the overall well-being and success of students.
• Providing assistance with technology use in the classroom, such as setting up equipment and troubleshooting issues.
• Participating in training and professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Monitoring and recording student progress and behaviour as required by the teacher or school policies.
• Supporting students during assessments and examinations, including providing assistance with reading, writing, and comprehension tasks.

We offer a diverse range of roles for Teaching Assistants (TAs) to accommodate their skills, preferences, and career goals. Some of the roles we offer include:

• Classroom Teaching Assistant: Providing support to the classroom teacher in delivering lessons, managing student behaviour, and facilitating learning activities.

• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant: Supporting students with special educational needs or disabilities, implementing individualised education plans (IEPs), and providing tailored assistance to promote their learning and development.

• Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs): HLTAs take on additional responsibilities, such as leading small group activities, delivering pre-planned lessons, and providing support in the absence of the teacher.

• Early Years Teaching Assistant: Assisting in early years settings, such as nurseries, supporting young children in their early educational experiences and promoting their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

• 1:1 Support Assistant: Providing one-on-one support to students who require additional help due to their learning needs, behavioural challenges, or other circumstances.

Whether you’re interested in supporting mainstream classes, specialising in SEN support, or working with young children in early years settings, we have opportunities available to match your skills and aspirations.

To become a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the education sector, certain qualifications and experiences are typically required:

• Educational attainment: Generally, a minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics is expected. Some roles may require additional qualifications, such as A-levels or vocational qualifications.

• Relevant training or certification: While not always mandatory, completing courses related to supporting teaching and learning can be advantageous. These may include Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

• Experience working with children: Prior experience working with children, gained through volunteering, placements, or paid roles in schools, nurseries, or similar settings, is highly valued.

• Specialist skills or knowledge: For roles involving support for students with special educational needs (SEN), familiarity with SEN strategies and interventions, or relevant qualifications in SEN, psychology, or related fields may be beneficial.

• Clearance and background checks: Prospective TAs are typically required to undergo background checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, to ensure suitability for working with children.

By fulfilling these qualifications and experiences, individuals can pursue fulfilling careers as Teaching Assistants in the education sector.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) require a diverse set of skills to effectively support students and teachers in the classroom. Some essential skills include:

• Patience: Ability to remain calm and patient, especially when working with students who may require additional support or have behavioural challenges.

• Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to collaborate with teachers, students, and other staff members.

• Interpersonal skills: Capacity to build positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents, fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changing situations and support a variety of teaching styles and classroom environments.

• Organisational skills: Strong organisational skills to assist with classroom management, lesson preparation, and resource organisation.

• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other educational professionals to support student learning and development.

• Empathy: Understanding and empathy towards students’ individual needs, backgrounds, and learning styles.

• Flexibility: Readiness to adjust to the needs of individual students and respond effectively to unexpected challenges or situations.

• Problem-solving: Capacity to identify issues or obstacles to student learning and implement appropriate strategies to address them.

• Creativity: Ability to develop engaging and interactive learning activities to support student engagement and understanding.

• Resilience: Ability to persevere and remain positive in challenging situations, supporting students through setbacks and difficulties.

• Confidentiality: Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding student information and sensitive issues within the classroom.

By possessing these skills, Teaching Assistants can effectively contribute to the educational experience and success of students in the classroom.

There are many benefits of registering as a Teaching Assistant with CER. Here are just a few:

• Ongoing CPD support and training 
• Vacancies leading to permanent roles 
• Interview preparation and CV writing support 
• Induction and ongoing well-being support 
• Jobs in several sectors – Primary, Secondary and SEN 
• Access to our exclusive discounts and cashback offers 
• Competitive pay rates 
• Earn £250* when you refer a friend 
• Sign On bonus – £300*

Yes, Teaching Assistants often have the flexibility to choose between part-time and full-time positions based on their availability, preferences, and personal circumstances. Many schools and educational institutions offer both part-time and full-time roles to accommodate the diverse needs of their staff members.

Every Teaching Assistant working with CER has access to a dedicated recruitment consultant who is available to provide support and assistance. Whether you have questions about your role, need guidance on classroom strategies, or require assistance with any aspect of your work, your recruitment consultant is there to help you succeed in your role.

We offer all candidates access to Affinity Academy, our dedicated hub for learning and development. It provides Teaching Assistants with a wealth of resources, training materials, and information to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Teaching Assistants registered with us have the opportunity to participate in online training courses designed to support their professional development. These courses cover a wide range of topics including personal and professional conduct, insight into supporting teaching and learning as well as providing strategies to enhance student achievement. Why not book a place on our upcoming training sessions?

As a registered candidate of Monarch, you also have access to The Skills Network, where you can explore over 30 level 3 online learning courses that will help you upskill, reskill, and personally develop.

Click here to learn more about our learning and development opportunities for candidates.

The average pay rates for Teaching Assistants working with CER typically range from £70 to £110 per day. However, actual rates may vary depending on factors such as the TA’s specific roles and responsibilities, their location, and other considerations.

Please contact us for more detailed information about pay rates for TAs in your area. You can also click here to view all our Teaching Assistant roles.

Safeguarding is an essential part of education and dealing with children. To find out more about the key information that school staff and TAs need to know, including situations where you might be legally obliged to take certain actions, take a look at the official government documentation Keeping Children Safe in Education.

A Teaching Assistant role can take an individual on a remarkable journey in education. You can choose 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.

With training and experience, you can develop your skills to take a role as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), a move which means you’ll take on more responsibility and will be able to earn a higher salary.

You could also choose to specialise in a certain area, such as becoming a special educational needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant who supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

To start your education journey with us, simply get in touch with your local branch. Alternatively, apply for one of our Teaching Assistant roles and we will contact you directly!