Some schools employ teaching assistants with a specialism, such as literacy, numeracy, English as an additional language, the creative arts or special education needs. Teaching assistants work under the guidance/supervision of the classroom teacher.

Day-to-day tasks could include:

• planning, delivering and evaluating teaching and learning activities
• preparing the classroom for lessons
• helping pupils who need extra support to complete tasks, individually and in groups
• observing pupil performance and reporting on observations to the teacher
• supervising art and craft activities and displaying work
• looking after children who are upset or have had accidents
• playing educational games with children and encouraging younger children to learn through play
• setting up ICT resources and supporting teaching and learning through the use of ICT
• listening to pupils read, reading to them, or telling them stories
• helping with outings and sports events, and
• carrying out routine administrative tasks.

Teaching assistants are not required to lead lessons but may supervise a class should its assigned teacher be temporarily unavailable. Teaching assistants who have achieved higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status may be expected to take classes as part of their routine duties.

What skills do I need?

• an ability to build good working relationships with both pupils and adults
• good organisational skills
• enjoy working with and have an interest in children
• good literacy and numeracy skills
• ability to manage groups of pupils and deal with challenging behaviour

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

There are no mandatory qualification requirements to apply for an entry level teaching assistant position in a government funded school. However, increased competition for teaching assistant places in schools has meant that many employers can select candidates with a range of skills and qualifications.

Local authorities and individual schools decide on exactly what qualifications and experience they expect from someone applying for a teaching assistant post, therefore you should do some research locally to find out the requirements in your area. But for an entry level position, a teaching assistant will usually need to:

• demonstrate good reading, writing and numeracy skills
• have some experience of working with children of the relevant age.

The majority of qualifications for teaching assistants are aimed at people who are working or volunteering in schools. Teaching assistants also attend our induction programme, which takes place over four days. 

Further information

There are many awards and qualifications that are relevant to the role of teaching assistant. Visit the career development framework to learn more.

The national occupational standards for supporting teaching and learning in schools (STL NOS) outline the roles and responsibilities teaching assistants may be required to perform.

Watch a video of teaching assistant Ruth Russell talking about her role.