Teaching Assistant Courses

About Teaching Assistants

Typically in a school setting, a teaching assistant’s work can include providing young people with learning activities in large to small groups, helping them to engage better in this learning environment, and helping with required administrative tasks. The TA’s responsibilities can also include helping students with learning difficulties and offering further attention whilst still motivating and encouraging all students to achieve their best.

Since the workplace is in a school setting, you would be part of the support staff yet still be just as much of a role model to young people, which for many is a common reason for starting a teaching assistant course. It is a rewarding career and suitable for someone with a kind heart who is also organised, is confident they can support children with learning disabilities, and help all children with their social development. 

For more about this career path, check out our guide on how to become a teaching assistant.

Teaching Assistant Training Courses

The entry requirements for entering into teaching assistant courses UK is generally GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, in English and maths as well as previous experience working with children. Starting your career with a teaching assistant course online is a great way to get qualified in this type of career field.

Level 1 Teaching Assistant Courses

A Teaching Assistant Level 1 course is an excellent start for people who are new to the education industry, new to volunteering or returning to learning and have had little experience of working with children. Most level 1 teaching assistant courses have little to no entry requirements, and this short course typically covers children’s learning in and out of the classroom, encouraging positive behaviour and how school resources can be used to benefit their education.

Level 2 Teaching Assistant Courses

Once a level 1 qualification has been accredited, the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course is the next step forward and delves further into the understanding of how to work in a classroom supporting both learners and teachers. A level 2 course focuses more on the roles and responsibilities of being a teaching assistant and how to support particular skills the young people will learn including English, maths and computer skills.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Courses

The Level 3 Teaching Assistant course can be the conclusion of your qualification to become a teaching assistant, as many schools will accept this diploma. The teaching assistant course level 3 typically looks further into supporting the learning activities and assessments for young people and adults as well as promoting diversity, equality and inclusion for all. This qualification also looks at the wellbeing of children as well as the engagement of their personal development, health & social care plus the promotion of positive behaviour. Once the level 3 certificate is completed you can also look at level 4 teaching assistant courses to gain further insight into this career option.

SEN (Special Education Needs) Teaching Assistant Courses

An SEN teaching assistant training course is for those who wish to focus on supporting children with special educational needs. This type of course looks at specialist support for teaching and learning in schools, specifically on how to best help students with learning difficulties. 

Gaining a teaching assistant qualification through a teaching assistant course online is a fantastic way to start your career as a TA. Not only is it rewarding supporting teaching and learning in schools but this career also enables you to have an impact upon students of all different personalities and learning styles. If you love working with children and would like to have an impact on their education, a career as a teaching assistant could be the best option for you.