How do I become a TA?
The Teachernet site has a handy set of frequently asked questions about becoming a teaching assistant that includes details on what qualifications you need and the role of a teaching assistant.
The Local Government employers’ site also has a useful job spec
What qualifications do I need?
The Local Government employers’ site has information on the NVQs available for teaching assistants
LearnDirect is also a good source of advice on the relevant qualifications and how to get them.
And if you’re interested in becoming a TA in Scotland try the Scottish Local Government site
What's all this Higher Level Teaching Assistant stuff about?
Start at the official HLTA website where you can get information on the role of the HLTA, the training and how to apply.
You should also download the guidelines from Unison on the extended role of the HLTA
How much do Teaching Assistants get paid?
At the moment salaries are set by locally but generally they’re somewhere between £12,400 and £13,900. Rising to more than £16,000 in some areas. However, as most TAs are only paid during term time, this is a pro-rata salary.
HLTA salaries are expected to vary between £18,000 to £21,000. But so far only 8,600 training places have been made available.
There have been complaints that the salary is just not enough and that regional variations are far too wide. Unison has called on government to address pay inequalities for TAs.
In response to these requests the Government recently announced it's considering a national pay scale for support staff.
Ruth Kelly has said "If teaching assistants and support staff are taking on more responsibility,we have got to make sure they they are fairly rewarded and this is something we will be thinking about."
Where can I get in touch with other Teaching Assistants?
Chat to other Teaching Assistants on our lively TA forum
