Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant

Teaching assistants/learning support assistants work alongside teachers in the classroom, helping pupils get the most out of their learning.

In a nursery or primary school, with children aged 3 to 11, a teaching assistant's tasks may include:

• setting up equipment and getting things ready for lessons
• listening to children read, reading to them or telling stories
• helping children with special educational needs
• helping the teacher to maintain records.

Most teaching assistants in secondary schools work as special needs assistants.

Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) are experienced teaching assistants who plan and deliver learning activities under the direction of a teacher and assess, record and report on pupils' progress.

Full-time teaching assistants normally work regular school hours, Monday to Friday, term time only. They may sometimes have to be at school at other times, such as for training days or parents' evenings. Many teaching assistants work part time.

Salaries range from around £14,000 to around £19,000.

A teaching assistant should:

• be able to build good relationships with children, teachers, parents and carers
• be able to work well with the teachers they support
• have good spoken and written communication skills
• have good numeracy and computer skills
• be aware of child protection and safety procedures
• have lots of energy
• be interested in children's development and learning.

Jobs are available in both state schools and in private schools. Teaching assistants are employed directly by schools or local education authorities (LEAs).

People normally need to be at least 18 years old to begin training. Personal qualities and relevant experience of working with children are more important than specific academic qualifications.

There is a wide range of courses available as well as Apprenticeships for teaching assistants, which offer a work-based route to NVQ Levels 2 and 3 and can lead to higher level qualifications.

With HLTA status, a foundation degree or equivalent qualifications, teaching assistants can progress on to teacher training by taking a degree leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Teaching assistants can also move into other work with children.

Further details