EAT Jobs is the place to find Teaching Assistant / Learning Assistants Jobs!

A Teaching Assistant / Learning Assistant allows class teachers to concentrate on the task they do best; nurturing young minds, therefore play an important part in a modern classroom environment. Teaching Assistants are required to support teachers in schools. They may work with individual children, small groups or even a whole class. Teaching Assistants help a variety of children ranging from pupils with learning difficulties, physical impairments and students that do not have English as a first language. Teaching Assistants also work as Special Needs Assistants by escorting a student around the school, helping them to carry bags, take notes in classes and help with classroom materials and equipment such as arts and crafts, woodwork or musical instruments.

Suitable candidates for the role of Teaching Assistant / Learning Assistant are expected to help children with their educational needs and be able to deal with all aspects of the classroom environment. In addition, their tasks may include classroom and materials preparation, administration, student record maintenance and liaising with parents.  The best Teaching Assistants are those that allow classes to start and progress smoothly. 

There are no specific academic requirements for a Teaching Assistants post, but those with an aptitude for Math and English combined with a good level of general education will often be favoured.

Applicants for Teaching Assistant / Learning Assistant roles are expected to have the requisite NVQ level qualification and those who have reached Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) national standard are usually given preference as they are able to lead classes with minimum teacher supervision. 

Candidates for these jobs need to be at least 18 years old for training schemes such as those offered by the National Council for Further Education, including an Initial Training for Classroom Assistants, stage 1 and 2. Previous work experience for stage 1 is not a requisite. Apprenticeships can be obtained ‘on the job’ and include SVQ/NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants and other higher qualifications.  It is worthwhile remembering though, that employer’s value relevant experience from youth work and nursery nursing often more than qualifications for a Teaching Assistant / Learning Assistant post.

Being creative and flexible with good communication skills, Teaching Assistants are also expected, as part of their role, to be able to encourage play between children and to listen to pupils and care for them in case of accidents.

Teaching Assistants who are patient, well organised, a good team player and those able to cope with challenging behaviour whilst maintaining a positive level of energy will succeed and enjoy this rewarding role.

Since the government recognised a need for Teaching Assistants / Learning Assistants in 2003, vacancies for these positions have increased massively. Teaching Assistants usually only work in term-time and are paid salaries from around £16,000 per annum.