First for Education has been a leader in teacher recruitment for over two decades and when it comes to finding teaching assistant jobs in Shropshire, we can help. If making a positive impact in a school in Shropshire is what you aspire to do, becoming a teaching assistant may be right for you.
Teaching assistant duties and responsibilities can be varied and often include things like classroom preparation and tidying, supporting teachers with lesson planning and offering assistance to students in the classroom. The duties also extend to monitoring, documenting and reporting student progress to teachers. In Shropshire, many roles for teaching assistants exist 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 Shropshire?
Becoming a teaching assistant in Shropshire allows you to play an important role in the educational journey of both students and teachers. As a TA, you are an important part of the classroom environment and your close interaction with students and teaching assistance creates a thriving learning atmosphere where students can excel. Some other important reasons to become a teaching assistant in Shropshire include:
- Making a meaningful impact in the academic and personal development of students in Shropshire schools.
- TA jobs offer diverse opportunities for working in academies, secondary schools, sixth forms and primary schools in Shropshire.
- 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 Shropshire
With specialised search filters, the First for Education website makes it simple to find teaching assistant jobs in Shropshire. Choose the sector you’d like to work in as well as the key stage, the subject and the local authority to pinpoint the perfect TA to suit your skills. Click CURRENT VACANCIES to discover the latest teaching assistant jobs.
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 Shropshire
Prior to embarking on your journey as a teaching assistant in Shropshire, it is essential that you gain a teaching assistant qualification from a recognised teaching assistant course. During your studies, aspiring TAs will have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement in a Shropshire school. During this time, First for Education will support you in finding a work placement while you study. As an experienced teacher recruitment agency, our agents understand how daunting the first days as a TA can be. This is why you’ll receive continuous professional development, and access to useful TA info in addition to free teaching resources to bolster your confidence in your newfound role.
If you’d like to take your teaching career to the next level, becoming a teaching assistant in Shropshire might be the right path for you. To start the process, you can contact our helpful recruitment team, alternatively, you can register with First for Education via the registration portal.
Teaching Assistant Jobs in Shropshire FAQs
What qualifications are needed to be a teaching assistant in Shropshire
Even though you won’t need a degree, you will need a teaching assistant qualification to become a teaching assistant in Shropshire. You can find numerous teaching assistant courses, many of which will have GCSE entry requirements and mandatory work placements. With many recognised TA qualifications to choose from, the one you select will depend on your plans for career progression as a teaching assistant in Shropshire. Some of the recognised TA 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 Shropshire?
When you are seeking teaching assistant jobs in Shropshire, connecting with a reputable teacher recruitment agency like First for Education is the most effective approach. Not only is your job search supported by over two decades of experience in the teaching industry, but you’ll also receive guidance from dedicated education recruitment professionals who are experts in the requirements for schools in Shropshire. To enhance your search, the website offers tailored search filters, allowing teaching assistants to explore vacancies within their preferred sectors across schools in Shropshire. Whether you’re seeking a full-time teaching assistant job in Bridgnorth or a part-time TA job in Wem, First for Education will support you every step of the way.
Upon joining First for Education as an aspiring teaching assistant, the helpful recruitment experts will actively assist you in securing a suitable work experience placement within a Shropshire school while you pursue your qualifications. With some TA courses work experience placements are mandatory and may involve meeting certain prerequisites including DBS clearance. When signing up with First for Education unqualified TAs will benefit from dedicated support through the DBS compliance checks during registration which offers them a competitive edge as they search for teaching assistant jobs in Shropshire.
Is there a demand for teaching assistants in Shropshire?
In and around the Shropshire area, a demand for teaching assistants is evident in the amount of teaching assistant vacancies available. Depending on the needs of local schools, the types of teaching assistants needed will vary. First for Education recruiters have noticed that there are a variety of TA roles available in Shropshire. These include level 3 teaching assistant jobs and primary teaching assistants. In areas of Shropshire like Shifnal and Oswestry, you can find vacancies for higher-level teaching assistants and SEN teaching assistants.
What is the career progression of a teaching assistant in Shropshire?
Based on your goals, your qualifications and your individual circumstances, the career progression for a teaching assistant in Shropshire will vary. There are numerous routes to advance as a TA. Many people choose to specialise in certain areas and become SEN teaching assistants or EYFS teaching assistants. Other teaching assistants choose to advance their studies and become HLTAs or higher-level teaching assistants. Whichever path you choose, First for Education can help you to find positions like HLTA jobs or special needs teaching assistant jobs in and around Shropshire.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 teaching assistants in Shropshire?
In Shropshire, level 2 and level 3 teaching assistants differ based on their qualifications, their levels of responsibilities and the type of support they are able to provide to teachers in the classroom. Level 3 TAs typically hold higher qualifications such as a diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools. Level 3 teaching assistants also take on a more significant role in the classroom with greater responsibility. They may also have more autonomy and can work independently with students while level 2 TAs work with closer supervision. Level 2 teaching assistants often provide more generalised support in the classroom while level 3 teaching assistants often are skilled enough to support students with special needs on a 1-1 basis.
What is the pay scale for a teaching assistant in Shropshire?
In Shropshire, the pay scale for teaching assistants will vary depending on the type of school you work in, your qualifications and experience. Newly qualified TAs can expect to earn around £14,000 per year*. More experienced teaching assistants can earn around £21,000 per year while the expertise and experience of HLTAs can allow them to earn more. Depending on the local authority and the type of school, these salary figures can vary. You can refer to the pay scales provided by the local authorities, schools and academies to get the most up-to-date information about teaching assistant salaries in Shropshire.
*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 Shropshire?
Aside from providing assistance to teachers in the classroom, planning lessons and supervising students, teaching assistants in Shropshire are an important part of a successful school day. Some other important TA 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.