For over twenty years, First for Education has been helping talented teaching assistants find fulfilling teaching assistant jobs in Walsall. If making a positive impact in a school in Walsall sounds interesting, then becoming a TA might be right for you.
Teaching assistant roles can vary and often include duties such as classroom preparation, lesson planning, monitoring students, reporting on their progress and much more. In Walsall, some examples of TA roles 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 Walsall?
In Walsall, teaching assistants play an important role in schools and in the success of the students. The support from the TAs in the classroom benefits both teachers and students and helps to create an environment that encourages academic growth. Additional reasons to consider becoming a teacher assistant include:
- Making a meaningful impact in the academic and personal development of students in Walsall schools.
- TA jobs offer diverse opportunities for working in academies, secondary schools, sixth forms and primary schools in Walsall.
- 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 Walsall
Using the First for Education website simplifies the process of finding teaching assistant jobs in Walsall. On the site, you can find search filters that allow you to identify the key stage and local authority you’d like to work in. Click CURRENT VACANCIES to find the latest teaching assistant vacancies in Walsall.
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 Walsall
Before you can become a teaching assistant in Walsall you will need to gain a teaching assistant qualification via a recognised teaching assistant course. Aspiring TAs will need to complete a work experience placement in a Walsall school while studying for the qualification and the consultants at First for Education can support you through this process. The experienced consultants know exactly how challenging the first days as a teaching assistant can be, this is why First for Education ensures all registered candidates are offered access to useful TA information and free teaching resources as well as continuous professional development to make the transition easier.
If you are ready to take on a new role as a teaching assistant in Walsall, you can contact our team of professionals who will be happy to give you more information. Alternatively, you can register with First for Education online.
Teaching Assistant Jobs in Walsall FAQs
What qualifications are needed to be a teaching assistant in Walsall?
Although you won’t need a degree to become a teaching assistant in Walsall, you will need a teaching assistant qualification. You’ll find a range of teaching assistant courses available with the majority of them having GCSE entry requirements. The type of TA course you select will depend on your teaching assistant career progression. 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 Walsall?
The best way to get a teaching assistant job in Walsall is by registering with a dedicated teacher recruitment agency like First for Education. As a registered member, your job search is backed by over two decades of experience in education recruitment and you’ll be assisted by agents with a deep understanding of what local schools are looking for. In addition to this support, the website features custom filters that enable you to select the local authority and key stage you prefer. This means if you are looking for a full-time TA job in Willenhall or a part-time teaching assistant job in Bloxwich, First for Education will be there to support you.
Aspiring teaching assistants will need to find a work experience placement while they study and a dedicated recruitment consultant will be assigned to help you to find one. Many TA courses involve mandatory work placements which will require candidates to satisfy DBS checks. As a registered candidate, you will have the advantage of having satisfied DBS requirements when first registering with First for Education.
Is there a demand for teaching assistants in Walsall?
Teaching assistants in Walsall are in demand and this is evident by the amount of TA vacancies available in the area. Depending on the needs of the school, the type of teaching assistant most in demand will vary in Walsall. First for Education consultants have seen a variety of teaching assistant roles available in the borough. Some examples include level 2 and level 3 teaching assistant vacancies as well as primary teaching assistants. Vacancies for more specialist roles like SEN teaching assistants are also available in the area. So whether you are searching for a role in Bloxwich or Willenhall, First for Education will help you to find a suitable role.
What is the career progression of a teaching assistant in Walsall?
In Walsall, a teaching assistant’s career progression will vary according to individual aspirations, personal circumstances and qualifications. The pathways to advancement as a teaching assistant in Walsall are numerous. You can choose to specialise in a particular area such as special educational needs and become an SEN teaching assistant. Alternatively, TAs choose to gain further qualifications and become higher-level teaching assistants or HLTAs. Whatever path you choose to take to progress your career in Walsall, First for Education will be there to support you.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 teaching assistants in Walsall?
The differences between level 2 teaching assistants and level 3 teaching assistants in Walsall typically relate to their levels of qualification, the type of teaching support they can offer and their overall experience. Level 3 teaching assistants typically hold higher levels of qualifications such as a diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools. Level 3 TAs also have more responsibility in the classroom as they are able to work alone and they are often expected to demonstrate greater initiative with students. In contrast, level 2 teaching assistants work under the supervision of the class teacher and are not expected to work alone with pupils. Level 2 TAs tend to offer generalised support to the classroom while level 3 teaching assistants sometimes possess additional skills that enable them to assist children with special educational needs for example.
What is the pay scale for a teaching assistant in Walsall?
The pay scale for teaching assistants in Walsall will vary depending on your level of qualifications and experience as well as the type of school you choose to work in. Newly qualified teaching assistants can earn around £14,000 per year while teaching assistants with more experience can earn a yearly salary of around £21,000* HLTAs can potentially earn more due to their advanced skills. These figures will vary however depending on the local authority and the type of school. You can refer to the pay scales provided by schools, academies and local authorities to get the most recent information about teaching assistant salaries in Walsall.
*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 Walsall?
Teaching assistants in Walsall have many duties and responsibilities. As well as helping teachers prepare the classroom beforehand, tidying up after the lesson and helping with lesson planning, TAs have a range of other duties that help make a successful school day. Some additional 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