Teaching Assistant courses

[neddyw]

I want to become a teacher but would prefer to work as a teaching assistant until my 2 young sons are older - I want to spend my free time with them, not planning my next lot of lessons. Can anyone tell me about training for teaching assistants? There seems to be a lot to choose from and I wondered if there are better/worse ones.
Ive studied to degree level and have been volunteering at my sons school if that makes a difference

[leeh233]

well the long and short of it is ( so my mom says )

the NVQ level 1 is like a new generation of dinnerladies.
the level 2 is what most schools employ
the level 3 is pointless.
buut level 4 qualifys you as a higher level teaching ass . hlta cover lessons for teachers but dont do the planning just the teaching. and you can do a course after that and become a teaher.

[thugulike]

There are different levels of teaching assistant and none of the levels are pointless! An NVQ level 4 does not qualify you as an HLTA, you would still need to do the qualification or you could be deemed to be qualified by your headteacher (this is not portable). I would suggest that a level 2 would allow you to apply for a teaching assistant post. In my LA there is a lower level Classroom Assistant which has no qualification requirements. Once in post your school would probably put you through the next level NVQ at their expense. It would be a good idea to contact the HR departement in your LA and ask which qualification they prefer.

[neddyw]

Thanks for your advice. There seems to be quite a few providers of the training courses and a difference in price. Is it like anything else - you get what you pay for?

[sair5412]

Hi Neddy,

You are best off going through your local college to see what they offer. Give them a call and ask to speak to somebody there about childcare courses and they will be able to help you choose which is the right one for you.

I too am educated to degree level but don't fancy teaching yet as i have a young son myself. I have just finished my NVQ level 3 in Children's Care Learning and Development. Having a "placement" is one of the requirements of the course so I worked voluntarily in my sons school and attended college one day a week. I now have a position in the school as they are confident that my knowledge of the current legislations etc is up to date and they know me from my voluntary work!

Good luck! :-)

[neddyw]

Thanks Sair5412. That sounds like the kind of training I want to do. Do you think you will still become a teaher or do you think you might prefer to stay as an assistant?

[thugulike]

Be careful of going to your local college as they will assure you that the course they offer is just what you want. Instead go to the employer and ask what they need. I've had very many people believe what colleges have told them only to find that the qualification is not what the employer wants.