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What is the best teaching assistant qualification to aim for?

(32 Posts)
durhamjen Mon 01-Aug-16 22:44:13

I do not know of any teaching assistants applying now who do not have a degree and lots of experience in schools.

NotTooOld Mon 01-Aug-16 22:30:41

IMHO TAs are exploited because they are paid peanuts and often expected to undertake tasks that should be done by a qualified teacher. Unfair to TAs and to teachers, not to mention the school children. I should encourage your daughter to train as a teacher if she wants to work in a school.

Lillie Mon 01-Aug-16 20:40:50

If she wants to work with young children she needs an EYFS recognised qualification Level 3. With this she can work in schools and nurseries. I am not sure there are any home-studied courses because it is a practical course. She can become a classroom TA without any formal training but she would probably need to have experience to get as far as interview.

gettingonabit Mon 01-Aug-16 18:18:06

I'd be careful about courses being offered. Some may be useless. Check with the General Teaching Council about what qualifications.

Has the school offered her a placement?

Alima Mon 01-Aug-16 17:57:03

Thanks DaphneBroon, valid points which need taking into consideration.

DaphneBroon Mon 01-Aug-16 17:53:36

I am afraid I don't but I would just beware. So many TA jobs have been axed and even qualified teachers who are looking for something less stressful are finding it hard to get a job. Obviously it varies depending on region. Pay rates are low, so nobody is in it for the money, but the satisfaction of making a real difference.
Best of luck to her!

Alima Mon 01-Aug-16 17:49:37

DD2 would like to become a teaching assistant so she can spend more time with her son (school terms) as he starts school in September. Does anyone know of a particular home- studied course which primary schools recognise as the one to have?