What is a SEN Teaching Assistant?

In short, a SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teaching Assistant works in schools and offers additional support for classroom teachers. They are responsible for supporting children to develop academically, socially and emotionally. The role is typically full-time.

SEN TAs have a wide range of duties, including:

• support students with Special Educational Needs
• assist with running the classroom
• administer medication for students when required
• support students with personal care
• assist Teachers to deliver exciting and engaging lessons

To work as a Special Educational Needs TA, you will need to gain the relevant qualifications. It is recommended that those who want to become a SEN TA earn at least an undergraduate degree, however, you can still progress into this role with the relevant experience.

In addition, SEN TAs play a vital role in alternative provision schools. Students who attend alternative provisions often exhibit challenging behaviours and require additional and bespoke support.

What makes a good SEN Teaching Assistant?

The qualities that make an excellent SEN TA include:

• flexibility
• ability to adapt to new situations
• patience
• sensitivity and understanding
• communication
• organisation

What is the role of a Teaching Assistant?

People often ask us ‘what do Teaching Assistants do?’. Well, the truth is, being a Classroom Assistant is a varied and challenging role.

Most importantly, learning support staff are responsible for supporting teaching and learning. They work with children in several different settings, including primary schools, secondary schools and special schools.

Day-to-day duties include:

• support class teacher with lesson planning
• support small groups of children who require additional support
• support with literacy and numeracy
• preparing the classroom for lessons
• motivating and encouraging students
• recording and reporting student progress to the teacher
• supervising students during trips and activities.

TA roles are often available on a full-time or part-time basis.

Is being a Teacher’s assistant a good job?

Working as a Teaching Assistant is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling job. You will play an important role in supporting the development of children during their early years and beyond.

Can TAs teach a class on their own?

In short, yes. However, it is only those who are qualified higher-level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) who can do this. HLTAs will have achieved the level 3 award.

Teaching Assistant salary

Most UK Teaching Assistant roles are term time contracts. This means you won’t earn the full yearly amount as seen on the government pay scale.

The amount you can expect to earn varies depending on the type of school, geographical location, the level of the teaching assistant role, and whether you have additional specialisms or SEN responsibilities.

In line with the local government pay scale, a level 1 Teaching Assistant’s salary is set at around £17,000. Expectedly, as you move up the ranks, your pay will increase and level 2 TAs can expect to earn between £18,000 and £20,000. Those TAs who have specialisms or SEN responsibilities can earn up to £25,000.

These pay guidelines can vary for those working in central London.

What qualifications do I need to be a Teaching Assistant?

There are no specific qualifications required to become a Teaching Assistant. Some schools will employ people with no relevant qualifications; however, they will look for key attributes listed above. For those with no qualifications, schools will usually provide on-the-job training.

On the other hand, if you are interested in a more senior TA role, most schools will expect a certain level of TA qualifications in addition to experience in a similar educational setting.

Level 2 Teaching Assistant

The modules for this course include:

· The fundamentals

· Enhancing pupil’s learning

· SEN in the classroom

· Supporting students with literacy and numeracy

Level 3 Teaching Assistant

The modules for this course include:

· Understanding the stages of child development

· Safeguarding

· Health and safety in the classroom

How to become a Teaching Assistant

Do you think this could be a career for you? There are a few ways you can become a Classroom Assistant. If you don’t have the relevant experience, there are still ways to progress in this career! Since the role of a TA is to support a Teacher, the entry requirements are slightly different.

College Course

One way to become a TA is to complete a course at college. You can either complete a Level 2 or 3 course in childcare and education. Alternatively, you could complete a T-Level qualification, which combines on-the-job training and study. For Level 2, you will need two or more GCSEs

and for Level 3 you will need 4/5 GCSEs. Similarly, to be accepted onto a T-Level, you will need 4/5 GCSEs or equivalent.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain some experience and develop your knowledge. You can volunteer at a local school or at a youth centre. The more experience you can gain, the better.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships combine work and study. You will earn a real wage while you learn on the job. Employers may require you to have obtained five GCSEs, including maths and English.

Apply for Teaching Assistant jobs

You can apply for jobs directly, whether you have experience or not.