Teaching Assistant

Entry Requirements

• Level 2 courses are available to people aged 19 or over, which means you'll qualify if you were born on or before 31 August 2005.
• Live in Devon & Torbay? We'll verify your postcode during the application process.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• You must be unemployed or earning less than £32,200 per year, whether employed or self-employed.

What you'll be studying

• Understand Children and Young People’s Development
• Understand Communication and Professional Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults
• Understand how play forms part of a child’s development and support early learning and development.
• Understand Schools and Colleges as Organisations
• Understand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Understand Children and Young People’s Health and Safety
• Craft activities with young children
• Respecting and Valuing Children

Career Progression

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• Specialisation in specific subject areas or SEN support
• Potential pathway to teacher training
• Opportunities in pastoral care or behavioural support roles
• Progression to senior TA or TA team leader positions

Teaching Assistant Role Overview

Teaching Assistants work alongside teachers to support student learning, help create engaging educational environments, and meet individual student needs. This role is crucial in enhancing the quality of education and providing personalised support to help all students thrive.

• Support Teachers in Lesson Delivery
• Provide One-to-One and Small Group Support
• Assist in Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring
• Promote Positive Behaviour
• Support Students with Diverse Needs

Teaching Assistant Key Responsibilities

• Support Teachers in Lesson Delivery
• Assist with classroom management and organisation
• Help prepare and set up learning materials and activities
• Support the implementation of lesson plans
• Provide One-to-One and Small Group Support
• Work with individual students or small groups on specific tasks
• Offer additional explanation or guidance on lesson content
• Support students with different abilities and learning styles
• Assist in Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring
• Observe and record student progress
• Provide feedback to teachers on student performance
• Contribute to student assessments and reviews
• Promote Positive Behaviour
• Implement behaviour management strategies
• Encourage positive interactions between students
• Support the creation of a respectful learning environment
• Support Students with Diverse Needs
• Assist students with special educational needs or disabilities
• Help implement individual education plans
• Adapt activities to ensure all students can participate

Teaching Assistant Skills and Qualities

• Excellent communication skills
• Clear and effective communication with students, staff, and parents
• Patience and enthusiasm
• Ability to remain calm and motivate students
• Essential academic skills
• Proficiency in literacy and numeracy to support student learning
• Adaptability
• Flexibility to change approaches based on student needs and classroom dynamics
• Creativity
• Innovative thinking to make learning engaging and accessible
• Empathy
• Understanding and responding to students’ emotional needs
• Teamwork
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and other staff members
• Organisation
• Flexibility to change approaches based on student needs and classroom dynamics