First for Education has been helping new and experienced TAs find teaching assistant jobs in Oldbury for over two decades. If you are interested in taking your teaching career to a new level, then becoming a teaching assistant in a school in Oldbury might be for you.
Teaching assistants have many varied responsibilities from prepping the classroom for the day to supporting children and helping to create a nurturing learning environment. The duties of a TA will depend on the type of teaching assistant job you desire. There are a variety of teaching assistant jobs in Oldbury including:
- Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)
- SEN teaching assistants
- Part-time teaching assistants
- Supply teaching assistants
- Learning support assistants
- PPA (Planning, preparation and assessment) teachers
Why Become a Teaching Assistant in Oldbury?
Becoming a TA in Oldbury means having the important role of supporting the educational journeys of both teachers and students. The consistent approach and contributions of teaching assistants make a positive difference within schools in Oldbury. Whether the TAs are supporting children individually or aiding the teacher by preparing lessons, their presence has a positive impact on the classroom. Some additional reasons for becoming a teaching assistant in Oldbury include:
- Making a meaningful impact on the academic and personal development of students in Oldbury schools.
- TA jobs offer diverse opportunities for working in academies, secondary schools, sixth forms and primary schools in Oldbury.
- A collaborative environment where teaching assistants work closely with qualified teachers to create a supportive atmosphere. This also provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with an experienced team of educators.
- Future opportunities for teaching assistants who wish to use the role as a stepping stone to further their career. Becoming a TA provides valuable first-hand experience in the teaching profession and allows you to make an informed decision about your future in the education sector.
Finding Teaching Assistant Jobs in Oldbury
To make finding teaching assistant jobs in Oldbury easier, the First for Education website features special search filters. You can use the search filters to select the type of teaching assistant role you prefer as well as the key stage, the local authority and the school sector in order to find a suitable teaching assistant vacancy. To find the most recent TA jobs, click CURRENT VACANCIES.
Alternatively, you can register with us using the registration portal and let one of our experienced agents support you in your job search.
Teaching Assistant Training and Development in Oldbury
Before TAs are able to work in a school in Oldbury, they need to gain a teaching assistant qualification by completing a recognised teaching assistant course. While studying, it is also necessary to take on a work experience placement within a school in Oldbury before becoming a teaching assistant. Finding a placement within an Oldbury school is made easier by registering with First for Education. Registered candidates are supported by recruitment consultants to find the most appropriate placement. The team at First for Education is aware of the difficulties faced by new teaching assistants and understands how important it is to make the first days on the job easier. For this reason, free teaching resources, helpful TA info and continuous professional development are offered to all new TAs to facilitate this journey.
If you’d like to advance your teaching career and become a teaching assistant in Oldbury, First for Education can help. Contact us today and the team of expert education recruitment agents will support you throughout the process of finding your ideal teaching assistant job. Alternatively, you can register online by using the portal.
Teaching Assistant Jobs in Oldbury FAQs
What qualifications are needed to be a teaching assistant in Oldbury?
You’re not required to hold a degree to become a teaching assistant in Oldbury but you will need to gain a teaching assistant qualification. There are usually GCSE entry requirements for these courses and often it is necessary to complete a work placement in a school while studying. Depending on how far you would like to progress as a TA in Oldbury, there are numerous recognised TA qualifications to choose from. Some of these qualifications include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
- T Level in Education and Early Years
- Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
There are also options for apprenticeships like the Teaching Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
What is the best way to get a teaching assistant job in Oldbury?
The best way to find a teaching assistant job in Oldbury is by registering with a dedicated teacher recruitment agency like First for Education. When you become a registered member, not only is your job search supported by over twenty years of industry expertise but you will also be personally supported by consultants who have a deep understanding of the industry. The First for Education website is also designed to make searching for a teaching assistant vacancy simple. The site features search filters that make it easy to find a TA job. Simply select the sector, key stage, subject and local authority you’d like to work in. This means whether you are searching for a temporary teaching assistant job in Langley or a permanent teaching assistant in Brandhall, First for Education can help you find the right job.
For many teaching assistant courses, completing a work experience placement is a mandatory requirement and the First for Education recruiters will assist you in finding a suitable role during your studies. A DBS compliance check is a necessary part of the work experience requirements and candidates registered with First for Education are supported through this process at the time of registration. Having this support is an advantage for aspiring TAs at the beginning of their career.
Is there a demand for teaching assistants in Oldbury?
There is a demand for specific types of teaching assistants in Oldbury, across all teaching sectors which is demonstrated by the amount of available TA vacancies in the area. You will find that according to the school’s needs, the types of TA needed will vary. For example, First for Education recruiters have found that schools in Oldbury have vacancies available for SEN teaching assistants and higher-level teaching assistants. In areas within Oldbury like Hilltop and Rood End, TAs can find vacancies like SEN teaching assistant jobs and primary teaching assistants jobs waiting to be filled.
What is the career progression of a teaching assistant in Oldbury?
The career progression for a teaching assistant in Oldbury will vary as it depends largely on your aspirations as well as your qualifications and personal circumstances. Typically there are multiple pathways for TAs to progress in this field. Some teaching assistants choose to specialise in a specific field like special needs teaching assistants while others choose to advance their qualifications and become HLTAs or higher-level teaching assistants. Whichever path you choose, First for Education will support your career progression. If you decide you would like to find specific TA roles like EAL teaching assistant jobs or HLTA jobs, your dedicated recruitment consultant will support you in finding a TA job that aligns with your aspirations.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 teaching assistants in Oldbury?
Primarily, the difference between a level 2 teaching assistant and a level 3 teaching assistant relates to their qualifications, their duties and the level of support they can provide in the classroom. Generally, level 3 teaching assistants have higher qualifications than level 2 teaching assistants such as a diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools. Level 3 teaching assistants often have more autonomy and responsibilities in the classroom and may work independently with students. In contrast, level 2 teaching assistants often work under closer supervision. Level 2 teaching assistants usually offer more generalised assistance while level 3 TAs have often gained skills such as supporting students with specialised needs.
What is the pay scale for a teaching assistant in Oldbury?
The pay scale for teaching assistants in Oldbury can differ based on qualifications, experience level and the chosen school setting. Those embarking on their teaching careers may typically begin with an annual salary of £14,000. Experienced teaching assistants, on the other hand, could earn around £21,000 per year, while HLTAs might have the potential for higher earnings due to their added expertise and qualifications. It is important to note that these figures may vary depending on the local authority and the school type. For the latest information on teaching assistant salaries in Oldbury, you can refer to the pay scales provided by local authorities, schools and academies.*
*Information about teaching assistant salaries taken from https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/teaching-assistant
What are the duties and responsibilities of a teaching assistant in Oldbury?
Apart from providing valuable support to teachers in the classroom, taking on tasks like lesson planning, classroom set and end-of-day tidying, teaching assistants actively contribute to the seamless flow of the school day. Among their various responsibilities, some of the other duties of a TA include:
- Promoting positive behaviour and watching for occurrences of challenging behaviour
- Offering first aid to students.
- Listening to pupils read in the classroom.
- Supporting teachers and pupils on outdoor activities and offsite trips.
- Sourcing materials for class activities.
- Supporting pupils in the playground during break times.
- Preparing extra-curricular activities such as after-school clubs and breakfast clubs.
- Monitoring pupil’s progress and providing feedback to teachers