22 Aug Teaching Assistants & Learning Support Assistants
Thinking of working as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant?
What’s the difference?
A teaching assistant (TA) is usually assigned to a class or year group and help a range of children to achieve their potential.
They work alongside children in class supporting them when they need help as well as running small groups of interventions designed to improve children’s reading, writing or Maths.
Learning support Assistants (LSA) work with one or two specific children with special educational needs and support them in class using different strategies.
You work more independently from the teacher and tailor what you do to the needs of the specific child. This may involve predicting when they need a learning break, providing motivation and small achievable targets and adjusting their learning to suit their needs.
You may take groups of children and work on social skills, speaking and listening or Maths/English.
What key skills are needed?
You will need to have plenty of initiative, enthusiasm and have excellent communication skills as well a creative streak.
Experience of working with children in a school setting is preferable and strong organisational skill are needed to support the children and the teacher.
Sound Maths and English skills are essential as well as being fluent in the English Language.
Can I get training?
Some schools prefer teaching assistants to have a level 1, level 2 or level 3 teaching assistant qualification and this is a proactive way of developing your own skills and knowledge.
Depending on the level you choose, you’ll cover things like; promoting positive behaviour, supporting pupils, using information and communication technology, helping with children’s social development and special educational needs
Do I need experience?
If you have no previous experience of working with children in an educational setting the best thing to do is to volunteer at your local school, even if it is one day/week.
This can provide you with valuable experience, strengthen your application as well as creating an opportunity to get a referee from a teacher or headteacher.
Become a TA or LSA with Forward Teaching
At Forward Teaching we find roles that suit you as an individual, we listen to what you are looking for and get you valuable experience to help you on your way. We will prepare you for an interview and provide you support throughout your time in schools.
We look forward to meeting you.
