For more than twenty years as a prominent teacher recruitment agency, First for Education has been connecting skilled individuals with rewarding teaching assistant jobs in Sandwell. If you possess a genuine passion for supporting students in their academic journey and you aspire to create a positive impact within Sandwell schools, a TA job allows you to make a difference.
Teaching assistants play a vital role in the classroom, with duties such as classroom setup and post-lesson tidying, supporting teachers in preparing teaching materials and providing additional assistance to students during lessons. These roles also involve monitoring, documenting and reporting on students’ progress. Sandwell offers numerous opportunities for TAs including roles such as:
- 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 Sandwell?
By registering as a teaching assistant in Sandwell with First for Education, you take on a significant responsibility in supporting students and teachers throughout their academic journey. TAs are often the backbone of the classroom and your contributions are vital to the student’s success, whether it’s through providing much-needed assistance in lesson preparation, offering one-to-one support, or fostering a nurturing learning environment. Here are some additional reasons to consider becoming a teaching assistant in Sandwell:
- Making a meaningful impact on the academic and personal development of students in Sandwell schools.
- TA jobs offer diverse opportunities for working in academies, secondary schools, sixth forms and primary schools in Sandwell.
- 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 Sandwell
The First for Education website makes it easy to find teaching assistant jobs in Sandwell. The site features search filters that enable you to select the teaching role, the sector, the key stage and the local authority you would like to work within. Click CURRENT VACANCIES to see the latest teaching assistant 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 Sandwell
Teaching assistants in Sandwell will need a TA qualification from a recognised teaching assistant course before they can work in a school. While studying for a teaching assistant qualification, aspiring TAs are required to complete a work experience placement in a Sandwell school. The recruitment consultants at First for Education will help you to find a suitable placement while you complete the course and this support continues after completion. As a leading teacher recruitment agency with over two decades of experience, we understand the challenges faced by new TAs. This is why ongoing support is offered in the form of free teaching resources, continuous professional development and useful information to ensure confidence in the first days on the job.
If you’re ready to enter a new phase in your teaching career, becoming a teaching assistant in Sandwell might be the opportunity you’re looking for. Contact our helpful team who are waiting to help, alternatively, you can register with First for Education using the portal.
Teaching Assistant Jobs in Sandwell FAQs
What qualifications are needed to be a teaching assistant in Sandwell?
Although you will not need a degree to become a teaching assistant in Sandwell, it will be necessary to gain a teaching assistant qualification. This can be done through a teaching assistant course, many of which have GCSE entry requirements and compulsory work experience placements. With many recognised TA qualifications to choose from, your choice will depend on how far you would like to progress as a teaching assistant in Sandwell. Some of the teaching assistant 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 Sandwell?
Enlisting with a reputable teaching recruitment agency such as First for Education offers the ideal route to explore teaching assistant jobs in Sandwell. As a registered member, you gain access to over two decades of industry experience, guided by knowledgeable consultants experienced in the education sector. Equipped with special search filters, the website enables TAs to tailor their job search according to preferred sectors and school types in Sandwell. Whether you seek a part-time teaching assistant job in Smethwick or a full-time TA role in West Bromwich, you’ll receive professional support throughout the entire process.
When you join First for Education as an unqualified teaching assistant, the recruitment consultants will assist you in securing a work placement within a Sandwell school while you pursue your studies. Work placements are often an essential part of certain TA qualifications, with DBS checks required on entry. To facilitate the process, all candidates registered with First for Education receive dedicated support in completing the necessary DBS compliance checks upon registration, which is a distinct advantage for aspiring TAs seeking to advance their careers.
Is there a demand for teaching assistants in Sandwell?
Specific types of teaching assistants in all areas of teaching are in demand across Sandwell. This is evident in the number of TA vacancies waiting to be filled in the area. According to the individual needs of each school, the types of TAs required will differ. At First for Education, the experienced recruiters have observed that Sandwell schools require a variety of teaching assistants such as higher learning teaching assistants and primary teaching assistants. In areas within Sandwell like Tipton and Rowley Regis, you can find vacancies for nursery teaching assistants, EYFS teaching assistants as well as specialist positions like SEN teaching assistants.
What is the career progression of a teaching assistant in Sandwell?
Your career progression as a teaching assistant in Sandwell will vary depending on your aspirations, qualifications and individual circumstances. To advance in this teaching sector, there are many pathways to choose from. Some TAs choose to specialise in a specific area such as becoming an EAL teaching assistant or a special needs teaching assistant. Others seek to advance their careers and further their studies to become an HLTA or higher-level teaching assistant. Whichever path you choose, First for Education will support your desire to progress. The experienced recruitment staff will help you to find positions like SEN teaching assistant jobs or nursery teaching assistant jobs that may be more aligned with your skills and aspirations.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 teaching assistants in Sandwell?
The qualifications, responsibilities and level of support provided to the classroom are the main differences between level 2 and level 3 teaching assistants in Sandwell. Usually, level 3 teaching assistants are more qualified than level 2 TAs as they hold qualifications like a diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools. Level 3 teaching assistants typically have more responsibilities in the classroom, take greater initiative and work independently with pupils. Level 2 TAs usually work under supervision. It is also more likely that level 3 teaching assistants have gained specific skills to support students with special educational needs while level 2 teaching assistants generally tend to support the class as a whole.
What is the pay scale for a teaching assistant in Sandwell?
The pay scale for teaching assistants in Sandwell may fluctuate depending on factors like qualifications, level of experience and the type of school you select. Early career teaching assistants typically start with a salary of £14,000 per year. For those with more experience, salaries can reach around £21,000 per year, while HTLAs may have the potential to earn more due to their added experience and qualifications. These figures can vary based on the local authority and the school type. To get the most current information on teaching assistant salaries in Sandwell, 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 Sandwell?
In addition to supporting teachers in the classroom with lesson planning, classroom preparation and tidying at the end of the day, TAs in Sandwell are crucial to the smooth running of the school day. Some additional teaching assistant duties 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