For over twenty years, First for Education has supported TAs to find teaching assistant jobs in Staffordshire. If you are interested in supporting the success of students while progressing in your teaching career, a role as a teaching assistant might be a suitable position for you.
The duties and responsibilities of TAs can vary and usually include tasks such as getting the classroom ready for the day, clearing up after lessons, assisting with lesson plans as well as monitoring student progress and reporting back to teachers. The are a variety of roles for teaching assistants in Staffordshire and these include:
- 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 Staffordshire?
When you become a teaching assistant in Staffordshire, you become an important player in the educational journey of students as well as teachers. Your interaction with students and the support to provide to teachers help to create a learning environment that allows students to thrive at school. Some other reasons to become a teaching assistant in Staffordshire include:
- Making a meaningful impact in the academic and personal development of students in Staffordshire schools.
- TA jobs offer diverse opportunities for working in academies, secondary schools, sixth forms and primary schools in Staffordshire.
- 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 Staffordshire
The First for Education website is built with special search filters that make finding teaching assistant jobs in Staffordshire easier. You can select the key stage, the subject and the local authority you’d like to work in to find a TA job that is right for you. Click CURRENT VACANCIES to discover the latest teaching jobs in Staffordshire.
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 Staffordshire
Before you can work as a teaching assistant in Staffordshire, you will need to gain a teaching assistant qualification from a recognised teaching assistant course. While studying, unqualified teaching assistants have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement in a Staffordshire school. First for Education will support you to find the ideal placement while you pursue your studies. As an experienced teacher recruitment agency, the staff at First for Education know how daunting the early stages of being a TA can be. This is why helpful TA info, free teaching resources and continuous professional development are offered to all registered candidates in an effort to boost their confidence.
If you think now is the time to steer your teaching career in a new direction, becoming a teaching assistant in Staffordshire might be right for you. For more information, contact our experienced team of professionals or start the process now by registering with First for Education via the portal.
Teaching Assistant Jobs in Staffordshire FAQs
What qualifications are needed to be a teaching assistant in Staffordshire?
To become a teaching assistant in South Staffordshire you won’t need a degree but you will need to complete a teaching assistant course and gain a TA qualification. A majority of TA courses have GCSE entry requirements and you’ll usually need to complete a mandatory work experience placement. The course you select will depend on how far you want to progress as a teaching assistant in South Staffordshire. Some recognised 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 Staffordshire?
To find teaching assistant jobs in Staffordshire, enrolling with a specialised teaching recruitment agency like First for Education is the most effective route. As a registered member, you’ll have access to over two decades of industry expertise, guided by consultants with a deep understanding of the education sector. The First for Education website is designed with advanced search filters that allow teaching assistants to streamline their search and highlight vacancies based on their preferred sector and school type in Staffordshire.
This means whether you’re looking for part-time teaching assistant roles in Cannock or full-time TA positions in Stoke-on-Trent, you’ll receive dedicated professional support throughout your journey.
Upon registering as an aspiring teaching assistant with First for Education, our recruitment consultants will assist you in securing a work placement within a Staffordshire school while you pursue your qualifications. Some TA certifications require a mandatory teaching assistant work placement, often accompanied by DBS checks as course prerequisites. By aligning with First for Education, you’ll gain the advantage of comprehensive support through the DBS compliance checks during registration, providing trainee teaching assistants a competitive edge as they advance their careers in Staffordshire.
Is there a demand for teaching assistants in Staffordshire?
There is a demand for teaching assistants in Staffordshire which is evident in the number of teaching assistant jobs waiting to be filled. Schools in the area have various needs which will determine which type of TAs are needed. The recruitment experts at First for Education have observed that schools in Staffordshire have vacancies for level 3 teaching assistants as well as primary teaching assistants.
What is the career progression of a teaching assistant in Staffordshire?
The career progression of a teaching assistant in Staffordshire will vary since it is primarily based on qualifications, aspirations and individual circumstances. There are numerous ways to progress as a teaching assistant. Some TAs choose to specialise in a specific area such as special educational needs and other teaching assistants gain higher qualifications and become higher-level teaching assistants. When you register with First for Education, you will be supported throughout the process should you choose to advance your TA career. You will receive expert guidance to help you find positions that align with your career goals like HLTA jobs or SEN teaching assistant jobs in Staffordshire.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 teaching assistants in Staffordshire?
The difference between level 2 teaching and level 3 teaching assistants in Staffordshire lies in their qualifications, their responsibilities and the level of support they can provide to other teachers. Level 3 TAs generally hold higher level qualifications such as a diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools. Level 3 teaching assistants are often expected to have more responsibility in the classroom while showing greater initiative. They are also usually expected to work independently with students and are often equipped with the skills needed to support students with special educational needs. Level 2 teaching assistants will usually work under closer supervision and provide a generalised level of support to the entire class.
What is the pay scale for a teaching assistant in Staffordshire?
Teaching assistants in Staffordshire have varying pay scales depending on their qualifications, their experience and the type of school they work in. TAs at the start of their career can begin with an annual salary of around £14,000 while more experienced teaching assistants can earn around £21,000 per year.* TAs with higher qualifications like HLTAs can earn more due to their additional experience. These figures will vary however depending on the local authority and the type of school you work in. To get the most up-to-date information about teaching assistant salaries in Staffordshire, 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 Staffordshire?
Teaching assistants in Staffordshire have many responsibilities that help ensure a successful school day. As well as setting up the class for the day, clearing the room at the end of lessons and supporting teachers with lesson planning, TAs have many other responsibilities. Some other 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