Work as a Teaching Assistant

 Working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) is one of the most rewarding roles in education. Every day, you support pupils, help teachers learn, and make a real difference in the classroom. Whether you’re looking for flexible work, a pathway into teaching, or a role where you can have a positive impact, becoming a TA is an excellent choice — and at SupplySupplied, we make it simple to get started.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

You don’t need a degree to become a Teaching Assistant, but schools do look for a combination of practical experience, core skills, and recognised training.

Most TAs begin with one of the following:

• Level      2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Level      3 Teaching Assistant Diploma
• Level      3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STLS)

If you don’t yet have a qualification, you can still work as a TA while you train. Many schools are happy to take on enthusiastic, reliable people who are willing to learn — especially if you have experience with children, SEND, youth work, coaching, or care.

Schools also expect:

• Good English and maths skills (GCSE grade C/4 or Level 2 equivalent)
• An enhanced DBS check
• Basic safeguarding training (we provide this free of charge)

If you’re unsure where to start, we can guide you through the process and recommend reputable Level 2 and Level 3 courses.

What Does the Role Involve?

A Teaching Assistant’s role varies depending on the school, age group, and type of support needed — but the core purpose is always the same: help pupils learn and thrive.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Supporting the class teacher with lessons and activities
• Working with small groups or individual pupils
• Helping children with reading, writing, and classroom tasks
• Supporting pupils with SEND or behavioural needs
• Preparing resources and setting up activities
• Supervising during break and lunchtime
• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with EHCPs
• Helping maintain a calm, positive learning environment

No two days are the same. You might be helping a child learn phonics in the morning, supporting a maths group after lunch, and assisting with a creative activity in the afternoon. It’s a role that suits people who are patient, adaptable, and enjoy working with children.

Career Changers: A Perfect Route Into Education

Many of our strongest Teaching Assistants come from completely different backgrounds. If you’ve worked in care, customer service, retail, sports coaching, youth work, hospitality, or support roles, you already have transferable skills that schools value:

• Communication
• Patience
• Problem‑solving
• Teamwork
• Empathy
• Reliability

You don’t need prior school experience — just the right attitude and a willingness to learn. We’ll support you with safeguarding training, guidance on qualifications, and placements that match your strengths. For many career changers, TA work becomes a stepping stone into teaching, SEND support, or pastoral roles.

SEND Teaching Assistants

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) TAs play a vital role in supporting pupils who need additional help. This might include children with autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, learning difficulties, or social and emotional challenges.

SEND TAs often:

• Work 1:1 with a pupil
• Help with communication and emotional regulation
• Support sensory needs
• Adapt activities to make learning accessible
• Build strong, trusting relationships
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals

If you’re patient, calm, and enjoy helping children overcome barriers, SEND work can be incredibly rewarding. We have regular SEND roles across mainstream and specialist settings.

What We Pay

At SupplySupplied, we believe TAs deserve fair pay for the important work they do. That’s why we pay:

£130 per day for Teaching Assistants

This is significantly higher than many agencies in the region. We pay well because:

• It attracts better, more committed staff
• It reduces turnover
• It gives schools consistent, reliable support
• It reflects the real value of the role

You’ll also benefit from:

• Flexible work — choose the days you want
• Local placements across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and the West Midlands
• Same‑day opportunities
• Free safeguarding training
• A simple, friendly registration process

If you’re ready to start a rewarding role where you can make a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.