Teaching Assistant

[~Wingnut~]

Hi!
I am considering a career change. I already work in a school as a kitchen assistant but feel that I really need to change and would like to know what qualification's I would need to become a Teaching/classroom assistant?
I have looked on my local college's part-time courses and all I can find are;
Childminding practice - Introduction.
Then it goes on to; Childcare learning
& development - NVQ2.

So would doing the Childminding practice be the first step on the ladder to then go on to the NVQ2? and are these qualification's the one's needed for working as a TA?
I plan on going and having a word at the college but wanted to be prepared.

Thanx xx

[Jules001]

I stopped working as a TA in a Middle school a couple of years ago, however when I got the job, I was already helping out in the school as a volunteer and mentioned to a few people that I was interested in being a TA and they told me that a vacancy was coming up.. When the vacancy arose, the post was advertised and I was interviewed for it along with the other applicants. I hadn't worked for 13 years as I was a SAHM, so only had my pre-children qualifications. They give you on the job training and I did have to go on an Induction course, a lot of it is just common sense and discussing with the teachers what is expected of you. check out the Learn Direct site http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile180
hope this helps.

[~Wingnut~]

Thanx for your reply Jules :o)

I was going to reply with; I work up until after lunchtime so couldn't do the reading with children, but of course maybe doing a bit in that last hour would be enough to help me on my way to getting out of the kitchen and into the actual school and do other bits and pieces to possibly lead into a TA job.
I really do need to do something, my currant situation at work has gotten so bad that I really just want to leave but can't afford to. I'm hoping the fact I have worked at that school for quite a number of years and I get on really well with all the children, is enough to hopefully help me along my way, but I do understand I need to work hard to get there.
Thank you again :o)

[judethepude]

Talk to your Head Teacher if it's a Junior school. He/she will be best placed to advise you on opportunities in school, and can also discuss the skills you will need, and jobs you may find yourself doing. I have been a primary teacher for over 20 years, and have worked with some wonderful TAs. Building relationships and establishing high expectations of work and behaviour for the pupils will be an important part of your role - the rest will come out of discussion and partnership with the teachers. You will learn on the job, but a good Head will encourage you to develop your skills through training. Good luck - it's a challenging but rewarding job, and, who knows where it might lead!

[mosesg]

Go with the advice given, but check out your local college as well as they oftem run part time courses for Classroom Assistants, But you will probably get your best training actually doing the job

Good Luck

[Careers_Advice_Service]

Hi there,

Jules - the link you posted has now changed to http://careersadvice....=Teaching%20Assistant .

Thanks,

Careers Advice Service