Becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a brilliant route for people who want purposeful work that fits around family life. Below you’ll find the steps, skills, checks, and practical actions to get started—plus where to explore roles, salary & hours, and progression.

New to the route? Start with TA levels (Level 2 vs Level 3 vs HLTA), what needs a placement, and typical salary & hours.

Teaching Assistant role: what will I actually do?

TAs support teachers and help pupils make progress—academically, socially, and emotionally. Responsibilities vary by phase (primary, secondary, SEN) and your experience, but common tasks include:

• Supporting learning in literacy, numeracy, and across the curriculum
• Listening to children read and modelling fluent reading
• Motivating and focusing pupils during tasks and group work
• Helping prep materials and resources; tidying away after lessons
• Supporting behaviour routines and de-escalation strategies
• Supervising at breaks, lunches, trips, and clubs
• Recording observations and contributing to pupil progress

For a first-person perspective, read A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant.

Core skills schools look for

• Professionalism, reliability, and safeguarding awareness
• Positivity and resilience—keeping pupils motivated
• Teamwork with teachers, parents, and other professionals
• Calm, patient communication (especially with SEND pupils)
• A genuine love of working with children and helping them grow

1) Choose the right TA qualification

If you’re brand new, a Level 2 or Level 3 Award (no placement) may suit; if you already help in a classroom, a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma (with placement) could be ideal.

Not sure which level to pick? Start with Teaching Assistant Levels Explained. To verify recognition, you can check the Ofqual register, and read how frameworks work in RQF, NCFE CACHE & Ofqual — Why They Matter. If your course involves school-based evidence, see Do I Need a Placement?.

Portfolio & evidence tips: see what assessors look for.

2) Get classroom experience (if needed)

Some qualifications require an in-school placement where you gather evidence (observations, witness testimonies, reflective accounts). If you don’t have a school yet:

• Start locally—your child’s school, nearby primaries/secondaries, or special schools if you’re SEN-focused
• Approach schools in person where possible; be friendly, flexible, and prepared
• Use your network (parents, governors, local groups) for introductions
• Be clear you’re working toward a recognised qualification

First, confirm if you actually need a placement: Do I Need a Placement?. Then use our guide to apply for voluntary work in a school.

3) Safeguarding & checks

Schools typically require an enhanced DBS check (and often the DBS Update Service). You can learn about DBS checks here: DBS overview (GOV.UK). If you want to read the core school guidance, see Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

For a step-by-step TA view, see DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants.

4) Apply for roles (CVs, interviews, and where to look)

CV tips (quick wins)

• Tailor to the job—mirror keywords from the advert
• Show impact: use brief STAR examples from school, clubs, or childcare
• Proofread—zero spelling/grammar errors for an education role

Use our TA CV & Cover Letter examples.

Interview tips (quick wins)

• Research the school (vision, values, SEND info, recent Ofsted)
• Pause, compose, then answer with STAR examples
• Prepare behaviour, safeguarding, teamwork, and SEN scenarios

Practise with Common TA Interview Questions (With Sample Answers).

Where to find TA roles

• Teaching Vacancies (Department for Education)
• Local authority and multi-academy trust websites
• TES Jobs and Eteach

5) Working life, job titles, and contracts

Job titles vary by school. Compare roles in TA vs LSA vs SEN TA vs HLTA. Most TA roles are term-time only with annualised pay—understand how that works in Term-Time Only Roles Explained. For pay context, see Teaching Assistant Salary & Hours in England.

6) Explore specialisms (SEN, Early Years, interventions)

Considering SEN or Early Years? Start with What Does an SEN Teaching Assistant Do? and Early Years vs School-Age Support. You’ll often help with small-group interventions (phonics, reading, maths)—see our intro to common approaches in Supporting Phonics, Reading, and Maths Interventions.

Summary

The fastest route is: pick the right level, secure any required placement, complete your course and DBS, then apply with a tailored CV and strong interview prep. With a clear plan, you could be supporting learning in the classroom sooner than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a placement to become a Teaching Assistant?

Some qualifications require in-school evidence (e.g., Level 3 Certificate/Diploma), while Awards usually do not. Check Do I Need a Placement? for a by-qualification breakdown.

Which qualification level should I start with?

It depends on your experience and goals. Our guide Teaching Assistant Levels Explained compares Level 2, Level 3 and HLTA so you can choose the right route.

How much do Teaching Assistants earn?

Pay varies by school and region. For typical ranges and how term-time annualised pay works, see Teaching Assistant Salary & Hours in England.

Do I need a DBS check?

Yes, schools typically require an enhanced DBS. Learn about the process on GOV.UK and the DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants guide.

Can I study online while looking after children?

Yes. Many learners choose flexible online study. Read Online vs College TA Courses and our tips to study a TA course with kids at home.

Where can I find TA jobs?

Start with the Department for Education’s Teaching Vacancies, local authority and MAT websites, and sector job boards like TES and Eteach.

How do I improve my chances at interview?

Tailor your CV to the role, prepare classroom examples, and practise answers to common questions: TA CV & Cover Letter examples and Interview Questions.