Working as a Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistants provide support to both pupils and teachers - in primary, secondary and special schools and in further education. Over the past few years, teaching assistants (TAs) have taken on an increasingly important role in schools and colleges.

We employ teaching assistants in a variety of roles within the service - the majority within the primary sector. Teaching assistants are also employed in each of the special schools, secondary schools, the College of Further Education and the SEN support services. We also maintain a supply register for Teaching Assistants.

What do Teaching Assistants do?

Teaching Assistants work closely with teachers and other staff involved in education. Some Teaching Assistants have a general support role; others have specific responsibilities, perhaps for a particular pupil, subject area or age group. Duties vary widely but can include:

• helping to plan lessons and prepare resources
• helping with pupils' learning, e.g. assisting those who are struggling, listening to pupils read, helping with number work etc
• supervising pupils in the playground, dining hall, cloakrooms and in class
• keeping records of each pupil's progress
• helping children prepare for PE
• assisting with their health and hygiene
• comforting and supporting children who are unhappy or upset.

Teaching Assistants work with pupils of all abilities, including those with special needs. Pupils with physical disabilities may need help with mobility or in accessing materials, for example. Pupils with behavioural difficulties require particular support to help them achieve their full potential. Teaching Assistants may also help pupils whose first language is not English.

What it takes

You need to be a responsible and organised person. Some experience working with children, perhaps through volunteering in a school, or helping at clubs for young people is important. Teaching Assistants need to:

• have a good standard of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
• build up positive relationships with pupils
• develop good relationships with the people they work with
• understand how children develop, think and learn
• be able to take control of groups of children.

Training and qualifications

Although specific qualifications are not normally required for entry to a Teaching Assistant post, we offer the opportunity for training through a Local Career Development Framework.

All Teaching Assistants must undertake a Guernsey accredited Teaching Assistant Induction Programme. They can then opt to study a two-part Foundation Degree (Professional Studies in Primary Education) and may eventually qualify for entry onto a Graduate Teacher Programme if they fulfil the entry requirements and places are available on the scheme.

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