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Classroom Assistant

By: Jack Claridge - Updated: 31 Jul 2021 | comments*Discuss
 
Children Classroom Assistants Classroom

A classroom assistant is someone who will aid a teacher in the teaching of his or her classes by spending time with the pupils – who are normally of primary school age – during class time. The role of a classroom assistant is to assist with those classes where numbers are high and the teacher is required to spend most of his or her time teaching the entire class as opposed to spending time on a one to one basis.

Typically classroom assistants will help with any of the following:

  • Preparing the classroom for lessons
  • Listening to children read
  • Telling the children stories or reading to them
  • Assisting with maths
  • Helping children who need additional support in class
  • Assisting with school outings or sports days
Again not an exhaustive list but a list which certainly contains many of those tasks which make the classroom assistant an invaluable aid for any teacher – especially those teachers who have high class numbers or classes containing problematic children.

In Secondary school education a teaching assistant would normally be found to be assisting those pupils who have learning difficulties or some form of disability as it is now common place for disabled pupils, or behaviourally disadvantaged children, to be fed through the mainstream education system as opposed to sending them to special needs schools, which are now becoming fewer in number.

As a classroom assistant you may find that your title is not that of Classroom Assistant but that of Teaching Assistant, Non-Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant. There is also what is known as Higher Learning Teaching Assistants: these assistants have more say in how lessons are put together, prepare teaching aids and materials, supervise the class in the absence of a teacher and also help other teaching staff as and where necessary. As a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant (HLTA) you may also be required to assess the work of the pupils in your class.

How to Become a Classroom Assistant

A good place to start if you want to become a classroom assistant is to volunteer at a local school. Perhaps you are a parent yourself and have a child attending school – if this is the case then you could offer your services to the school to help out where class size demands. If you do decide to volunteer at your local school you must first – as is the case with all roles involving children, the elderly or the vulnerable – have a DBS check carried out. This DBS - Disclosure and Barring Service check allows the school to obtain information as to whether or not you have a criminal record or whether you are a risk to children, the elderly or people considered to be vulnerable. Obtaining this disclosure early on is a distinct advantage.

You should be enthusiastic, easy going, creative and be able to work as part of a team. In addition to this you should be able to communicate as positively with children as you would with adults. Children find it difficult to communicate with adults who find it difficult to communicate with them.

The entry level criteria will vary from school to school so it is best to contact the school you are interested in volunteering for – or your Local Education Authority (LEA) – who be able to put you on the right track.

In some areas of the country new pilot schemes have been rolled out whereby individuals can qualify to become a classroom assistant with qualifications that are similar – and also recognised in the same way – as NVQs.Again it is best to consult your Local Education Authority (LEA) to see if this is the case.

It is also worth mentioning that – as a classroom assistant – your time may not always been spent on site and you may be required outside the normal school hours if outings or after school clubs take place. Again this varies from school to school but if you are enthusiastic and motivated then this will not be a problem for you.

Being a classroom assistant can be a rewarding and character-building occupation, which has led to many classroom assistants continuing their study in order to become full time, qualified teachers.

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[Add a Comment]
Hi, I would like to be a classroom assistant teacher. I was a kindergarten classroom teacher for 5 years before in another country. I have previously taught children age 3-6 years old.
latchmi - 31-Jul-21 @ 2:43 PM
My basic qualification is M.Sc with Chemistry and I have done Bachelor in Education. I have Experience of all three level of students that is primary , secondary and higher secondary.
Shef - 24-Oct-20 @ 7:42 PM
Hi. I have a great experience of teaching in my home country India of. In UK I am doing a research course on education. As I am a teacher since last 15 years of Chemistry subject I can't be away from Class room but at the same time I need a through knowledge about the class room atmosphere of here. So for me working as a volunteer and learning from you guys is very much essentials to steep in field of UK Education system. I am confident that I am very keen in my subjects and I will cop up the education system quickly as well.
Shef - 24-Oct-20 @ 7:40 PM
I would like to either volunteer or be paid to work as a teaching assistant, I have a BA inEnglish/education obtained from a university abroad, the last time I taught in schools was in the early nineties
Justme - 12-Oct-20 @ 1:43 PM
I would like to either volunteer or be paid to work as a teaching assistant,I have a BA in English/Education form a university abroad and the lasy time I taught was in the early nineties
Justme - 12-Oct-20 @ 1:40 PM
Hey there my name is Dennis, I would like to to either volunteer or get paid employment in a school as a teacher assistant /class room assistant but I have only been a teacher assistant in one school for 1 academic year but that was in 1998 and unfortunately I don't have any qualifications and am getting know where with my search. I live in London can anyone advise me as I am very good with children. Thank you.
Dennis - 22-Apr-20 @ 3:29 PM
Hi, I am interested in being a teaching assistant in a primary school. I have childcare level 3 certificate and I am working as a nursery assistant since last February 2019. Is there any chance for me to be a teaching assistant? Hope I’ll hear from you soon. Thanks
Zami - 2-Nov-19 @ 10:03 AM
I would to do a level one courseas an assistantteacher
Bongani - 5-Jul-19 @ 5:13 PM
Hello I am interested in a placement volunteering in a school . I’m just starting my level 2 Children’s and young people’s setting . I’m dedicated and got great patience and my goal is to be a teacher after I finish my studies. Would be great if I had a opportunity to work at a school. Many thanks Blue
Blue - 12-Sep-18 @ 1:04 PM
i have done NVQ 2 teaching assistant and i want to do level 3 what can i do and how can i get voluntary teaching assistantplz guide me .
atiya - 15-Sep-17 @ 12:54 PM
Hi everyone . I would like to assisting in the classroom but I don't have any qualification . I have been working as nany for so many years . I would like to get some help on what I can do or where to start . Thank you
n/a - 17-Aug-17 @ 8:43 AM
john boy - Your Question:
To whom it may concerni am interested in being a classroom teaching assistant in a primary school I have a hons degree in biology and my special interest is in all things natural I have had experience working as a phsyics and also biology technician in secoundry schools in london I hope these qualities are of use to you I hope to hear from you yours john

Our Response:
You would have to apply directly to schools in your chosen area. You can see more information here.
WorkingWithKids - 21-Jul-17 @ 11:07 AM
to whom it may concern i am interested in being a classroom teaching assistant in a primary school i have a hons degree in biology and my special interest is in all things natural i have had experience working as a phsyics and also biology technician in secoundry schools in londoni hope these qualities are of use to you i hope to hear from youyoursjohn
john boy - 20-Jul-17 @ 2:03 PM
Elaine - Your Question:
Hello I was wondering how do you go about volunteer in a school I have no children in school as I only have a baby but I woukd like to teaching assistance but don't know where to start

Our Response:
You could try to find a placement via the Do-It site here . The likes of Beanstalk trains volunteers to become reading helpers in schools and nurseries, please see link here . I hope this helps.
WorkingWithKids - 4-Jul-17 @ 12:06 PM
Hello I was wondering how do you go about volunteer in a school I have no children in school as I only have a baby but I woukd like to teaching assistance but don't know where to start
Elaine - 3-Jul-17 @ 7:27 PM
Hi I've started my coarse support teaching and learning in school level 2 I had a placement locally but they let me down now am struggling to get in a school so I can finish my qualification & move on to the next level I've emailed every school where I live I've heard nothing back it's really frustrating as am paying for the course
Claire - 12-Jan-17 @ 8:21 PM
I'm finding schools that i can start my career. I'm applying as Teaching Assistant. Can you help me find the school where i can start please?
Che - 23-Nov-16 @ 6:52 AM
My daughter is qualified level 3 teaching assistant but has now been told she will need in paid hours before getting paid work?...is there a way of doing the voluntary work whilst receiving some funding please??
Sharon - 9-Sep-16 @ 5:19 PM
claire little - Your Question:
I want to be a teaching assistant but I can't find a placement so I can continue with what I want to do as I 3 children & my youngest has celey Pasy please if anyone can help me get to my dream job

Our Response:
You could begin as a classroom helper. Classroom helpers volunteer to assist teachers on a regular basis, usually helping with tasks such as listening to pupils read etc and are often parents of children at the school. Perhaps you could apply at your children's own school in the first instance. I hope this helps.
WorkingWithKids - 19-Feb-16 @ 11:07 AM
I want to be a teaching assistant but I can't find a placement so I can continue with what I want to do as I 3 children & my youngest has celey Pasy please if anyone can help me get to my dream job
claire little - 18-Feb-16 @ 11:44 AM
Hello. Thanks for the article. I'm a french living in France. I'm doing my bachelor degree in English (literature and British civilisations). I would like to become an English teacher. Meanwhile, I would like to spend some time in UK to become more fluent in language. Do you think I can do some volunteer work as classroom assistant? Need your guidance. Regards.
Heera - 22-Jan-16 @ 2:35 AM
Verewhite - Your Question:
Hello, my name is Natalie and I currently work in a school as an LSA. I am eager to teach KS1 but only have NVQ's. Id study a 2 year foundation degree in education but unsure as what to do after. Can someone help please? Thank you

Our Response:
Please see UCAS video link herewhich shows you which route may be right for you. I hope this helps.
WorkingWithKids - 7-Dec-15 @ 11:30 AM
I am currently studying Btec Level 3 Health& Social Care extended diploma, My career aspiration is to help those children in schools who have special educational needs/learning difficulties, Is this course a good stepping stone towards my goal? Would I need to progress onto a childhood education degree in order to attain this title..
Tia - 5-Dec-15 @ 1:12 AM
Hello, my name is Natalie and I currently work in a school as an LSA.I am eager to teach KS1 but only have NVQ's. Id study a 2 year foundation degree in education but unsure as what to do after. Can someone help please? Thank you
Verewhite - 4-Dec-15 @ 7:45 PM
I have currently graduated in Education Studies (BA) Hons. I am interested in working with primary school children, however i do not have much experience working with children. Would this ideally be the first step to take to gain further knowledge in the classroom and with children in a school? Im still unsure whether to go for a SCITT course or a PGCE or even Schools Direct.
jini - 22-Aug-15 @ 9:38 PM
Hi,i want to be a teacher assistant. I have done bachelors degree in education(b.ed) from Nepal. But I don't have any experience before ,I love to working with kids and also decided to be a T.A so can you please advice me whattraining do I need and also looking for a place for volunteer .many thanks pratima,
no nick name - 18-Jun-15 @ 1:02 AM
Helo Can you please send me more information RE: Teaching Assistant in Victoria BC I havea BC "ECE Licence To Practice" and TESL (ESL Instructor Certificate) Many thanks! Sincerely, H. Willeumier
Hetty - 4-Jun-12 @ 3:10 PM
I am very interested in becoming a classroom assistant and have a Btec national diploma in childhood studies. I am also a mother of 2 children, Ethan who is 2 and a half and freya who is 5 months! I have had lots of experiance in working with children and I feel that I would be very well suited for this position. If there is any information you would be able to send me regarding becoming a classroom assistant I would be very grateful! Kind regards Amanda symonds
Mands - 23-Feb-12 @ 11:27 AM
I want to became a classroon assistant. I love to work with the kids and I hope to get this volunteer job before the schools close, so I can get the job in sept. please would you help me that. thank you
Hamda - 15-Jun-11 @ 10:05 AM
I have completed my nvq2 in early years child care and development but now have decided to move into a school position of teaching asssistant (hopefully). What is the best course for me to go onto next?
DAISY - 14-Jun-11 @ 2:30 PM
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