Training as a Teaching Assistant

Fruitloops

Can anyone help me with this? I want to train as a teaching assistant but need to be in the role to train... but of course, can't get into the role without qualifications. Is it even possible to get a role while unqualified and then train?

I could volunteer for experience and fund my own training while doing that, (although no idea how yet) but even if I did that, what's the best way to get into even a volunteering position? Should I approach schools and ask? Or is there another way to go about it?

Thanks.

elfen

Ask at your local primary schools about volunteering to help with reading/playtime etc. You'll have to have an enhanced disclosure and these cost about £40...but when you're volunteering and sure it's right you can then apply for the courses you need.

Fruitloops

elfen wrote: »

Ask at your local primary schools about volunteering to help with reading/playtime etc. You'll have to have an enhanced disclosure and these cost about £40...but when you're volunteering and sure it's right you can then apply for the courses you need.

Hey, thanks. But I thought I needed to be in a position first to apply for a CRB... is there some other way of doing it myself? I may have misread the CRB website.

PixiePie

Fruitloops wrote: »

Hey, thanks. But I thought I needed to be in a position first to apply for a CRB... is there some other way of doing it myself? I may have misread the CRB website.

You can't apply for the enhanced CRB yourself, you need an agency or a school to do it for you. It depends on the school or agency whether they will charge you or do it for free. Most of my agencies charge on account, and take the money out of your first pay packet, which I think is much better than charging up front, as some of those agencies then don't find you any work so you're £36 down with no work. I wasn't aware most TA's trained (sorry if most do) - all of those I've worked with haven't any TA qualifications, they just started doing it. Approach some teaching agencies and see if they will take you on, if not volunteer at a local school as an anything - you won't get paid for that, but they should do your CRB for you (they are getting free labour so it's a small price!).

Oldernotwiser

PixiePie wrote: »

I wasn't aware most TA's trained (sorry if most do) - all of those I've worked with haven't any TA qualifications, they just started doing it. Approach some teaching agencies and see if they will take you on, if not volunteer at a local school as an anything - you won't get paid for that, but they should do your CRB for you (they are getting free labour so it's a small price!).

It's a long time since TA's were taken on untrained!

little_evo

Hi My husband and myself are currently on a TA course. For a level 2 qualification they require you to be in a school for one day a week. We approached our children's school and filled out a CRB form. For volunteers there is no charge, at least that's what it said on the form.

Our course is funded through the local Adult Education Centre and depending on your income you might be able to qualify for free aid. Best of luck, it's a great course.

CHARDONNAY_3

I second little_evo's post.

I'm currently doing an NVQ level 2 for TA'S thru my local college. Filled my CRB forms in during enrolment then phoned my local primary school to secure a placement.

It's important to make sure the headteacher is supportive of you doing the course as you will need access to school policies & individual or small groups of children for carrying out observations.

It's a great course, very interesting & met lots of new people. I also got the course for free as I'm in receipt of a means tested benefit.