This award is for you if you’re an experienced Learning Support/Teaching Assistant employed or volunteering in a school setting, working alongside the teacher at Key Stage 1-4 (working towards the National Curriculum) and have a range of supervisory responsibilities within the school. It is aimed at learners working in support roles within schools and colleges. It provides you with an understanding of the knowledge needed when working directly with children and young people in a school or college environment. It will enable you to gain an understanding of elements including children and young people’s development, safeguarding their welfare, and communication and professional relationships.
The benefits of being a teaching assistant:-
- Rewarding – Teaching assistants can make a big difference to children’s lives. Watching children develop and learn and supporting them to reach their full potential is extremely rewarding.
- Working alongside others – You will be part of a diverse team that share common goals and objectives. Working alongside others is not only beneficially for the children but for you personally, as you develop and learn new knowledge and skills and take advantage of other people’s expertise.
- Every day is different – The role of a teaching assistant is varied and wide-ranging. You will experience a wide range of work from supporting learning activities in different subject areas, to helping on school trips and school events.
- Flexible working hours – Being a teaching assistant may allow for flexible working hours that fit in around your family. Working in school hours offers opportunities to work full-time, part time and term time only.
- Career progression – Whether this is a career in teaching, working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or studying for a Higher Education qualification, being a teaching assistant opens up great opportunities.
