Does anyone here work as a teaching assistant? (LSA)

affordmylife

Yes sorry or course its a dinner lady thats just what they say at my school. Trying to make us sound posh lol.

Its quite a good cop out really cos I can always fall back on Oh I didnt know that I m onl a dinner lady. Unfortunately we are kept out of the loop sometimes as not always in the same class on any consecutive days. But it keeps the brain active having to remember over 100 different childrens diverse needs at any one time. Brilliant fun you should go for it.

Let us know what you decide. Take care - the dinner lady!!!!!

chmmy

IMO "dinner ladies" do a really difficult job. Sometimes I think they should be paid more than the teachers lol. They have to deal with first aid:eek: , all the aggro from the playground, the arguments, kids falling out, pushing and kicking etc as well as keeping the kids in order in the dinner hall and getting kids to actually eat (otherwise the majority of packed lunch and school meals ends up in the bin);) .

bestpud

bestpud wrote: »

I think it's a 'dinner lady'.

Sorry, I've just looked back through the thread and it didn't come across very well. I didn't mean it to be derogatory at all. I should have made it clear I was saying that was the job title in 'old money'.

I will think before I type in future.

jennybb

Try looking @ taforumup.org a really useful, friendly forum. There are threads on there about courses you can do. I've just done E111 with the OU - excellent course - supporting learning in primary schools

HTH

Pinklepurr

tiff wrote: »

I'm thinking of going out to work after being a SAHM for 9 years. I have worked on and off doing part time evening jobs and also worked from home since having the children.)

I've seen a couple of teaching assistant jobs and was just wondering if anyone here is a teaching assistant and if they have any tips or advice? I dont believe you need to have any particular qualification? One of the jobs is an LSA for a statemented child in year 4.

You are in a similar position to me. I've done various work from home and voluntary work (the latter with pre-school kids) and I am thinking of applying for a level 1 TA position at my children's school from September. I've helped out on school trips, helped on the PTA and volunteered in the school kitchen (that was exhausting) in the last two years so I'm hoping that will stand me in good stead. However, I know to some extent your "face has to fit" and I am not sure if mine does!. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

affordmylife

No problem Bestpud I was only teasing anyway!! As they pay me nearly nine pounds and hour i dont care what Im called.

As I work in a special needs school all the usual disputes and problems obviously occur but also many of our children are severely autistic so everything has to be just so or they kick off, some children make loads of noise and throw things which sets off some of the other children. A large number actually have to be fed whilst restraining them at the same time so I guess thats why the pay is good.

Thing is I absolutely love it. The kids are fabulous. Cant think of anything Id rather do.

Februarycat

I have been trying to get a TA job for ages after doing a course, also did a volunteer play worker course, plus helping in school when my son was at primary but cannot find anything, I even started to try and get a dinner ladies job but they seem scarce in my area, so I have now sort of given up looking. Hope you are lucky and find something.

Sarahsaver

MOST teaching assistants do a good job but there are widespread problems.
Heres how to get ahead - Have a poor level of grammar and spelling and if your kids attend the same school make sure you do not expect your own kids to follow the rules, wear uniform or anything. Unfortunately this has been my experience of some TLA's. If you can teach or think you have it in you to do so then train for that instead!

affordmylife

Im really shocked that any school would employ a ta with a poor level of grammar and around here schools rarely employ someone with a child in the school. Im sorry that your local schools sound so poor in service.

We are very lucky here and a ta position is considered very highly regarded - in fact very very many do a far better job than some of the teachers.

BigBouncyBall

what does a TA actually do? Can't teachers manage 30 kids anymore? We never had a TA. Doesn't the teacher just have one more person to organise during the day now? Sounds like a hassle to me. just my 2pence.