Do TAs get sick pay? Yes, they do — but the amount can differ. It depends on where you work, your contract, and how long you’ve worked there. Most teaching assistants get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) after being off sick for three days. It helps a little when you are not well.
If you work in a council school, you may get extra sick pay too. This is called occupational sick pay, and it grows the longer you stay in the job. So, when you’re unwell, you can take time off without too much stress. It’s good to know your school supports you when you need a break to recover and feel better.
In this article, we talk about teaching assistant sick pay in the UK. You will learn how sick pay works and what you can get when you are off work. We will explain the difference between Statutory Sick Pay and occupational sick pay in simple words. You will also see how your contract and working time can change what you get. By the end, you will understand your sick pay rights and know what support you can expect if you become ill.
What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?
A teaching assistant plays a big part in helping children learn and feel supported. The job changes a little each day, but it is always rewarding. Teaching assistants help the class teacher by preparing resources, setting up activities, and making sure lessons run smoothly. They also guide small groups of pupils, helping them understand lessons and build confidence.
Many teaching assistants work closely with children who need extra support. Some pupils may have learning, behaviour, or language needs, so extra care and patience are very important. They also supervise pupils during breaks to keep everyone safe and happy, and handle small admin jobs like marking work or getting things ready for the next lesson.
It is a busy role, but it is also a very special one. Teaching assistants make a real difference every day. Because they work so closely with pupils, schools need to know when they are off sick. This helps the school plan and make sure children still get the care and support they need.
If you already have a degree and are wondering whether you can become a teaching assistant, you’ll find a helpful guide on Unified Course. Check out Can I Be a Teaching Assistant with a Degree? to learn how your qualifications can open the door to this rewarding career.
Do TAs Get Sick Pay in the UK?
Do TAs get sick pay in the UK? Yes, most do — but it depends on where they work. Most teaching assistants get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they earn enough and follow the notice rules. It’s the basic support that helps when you’re not feeling well.
In many council schools, TAs also get extra sick pay, known as occupational sick pay. This usually starts after you’ve worked there for a while — sometimes after one month, four months, or even a year. The longer you stay, the better the benefits get, which feels fair and supportive.
Academies and trusts often have their own rules. Some follow the same terms as council schools, while others offer different plans. It’s always good to check your contract so you know what support you can count on when you’re unwell. After all, everyone needs time to rest and recover.
How Does Sick Pay Work for Teaching Assistants?
Sick pay for teaching assistants is easy to understand. When you feel unwell, follow your school’s rules and let them know as soon as you can. Here’s how it usually works:
- Tell your school early: Call or email your school in the morning to say you are sick. This helps them plan for the day.
- First three days: You may not get paid unless your school gives better sick pay.
- From day four: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) starts if you qualify. It gives a small amount of money while you rest.
- Extra sick pay: Some schools give occupational sick pay. This can give you full or half pay for a few weeks, depending on how long you have worked there.
It feels good to know that many schools care about their staff. Everyone gets sick sometimes, and it helps to have support while you get better.
Do Term-Time Only TAs Get Paid When Sick?
Do term-time only TAs get paid when sick? Yes, they do. Sick pay depends on your contract, not on how many weeks you work. So even if you only work during term time, you can still get paid when you are sick — as long as you meet the rules.
Most TAs work for about 39 weeks a year, and their pay is pro-rata. This means your sick pay is worked out from your yearly pay, then spread across the months you work. It helps make sure you still get some money when you are unwell.
You cannot get sick pay for days when you would not have been working, such as school holidays. But if you become sick just before a holiday, your sick pay may continue for those term-time days. It’s always best to check your school’s policy so you know what you are entitled to. It’s comforting to know that even if you only work term time, schools still try to support you when you are not well. Everyone deserves time to rest and get better without worrying about pay.
What’s the Difference Between Statutory and Occupational Sick Pay?
There are two main types of sick pay for teaching assistants: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Occupational Sick Pay. Both help when you are sick, but they are quite different.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP):
- Set by the government.
- Paid by your school from day four of your sickness.
- Gives a fixed amount each week for up to 28 weeks.
- You must earn over the minimum amount to get it.
- It gives basic support but not full pay.
Occupational Sick Pay:
- Set by your school or local council.
- Often gives full pay for a few weeks, then half pay after that.
- The amount depends on how long you have worked there.
- After five years, many staff get several months of sick pay.
- It gives better support and shows that your school values your work.
SSP is the basic help everyone gets, while Occupational Sick Pay is extra help that rewards loyalty and service. It’s nice to know that many schools look after their staff when they need time to rest and recover.
How Long Can a Teaching Assistant Be Off Sick?
The time a teaching assistant can be off sick depends on their sick pay. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) can last for up to 28 weeks. It gives some money while you get better and prepare to return to work.
If your school gives occupational sick pay, you may get paid for longer. Many schools offer one month of full pay and two months of half pay for new staff. When you work there for more years, this amount often increases. It is best to check your school’s policy to know what you can get.
If you are off for a long time, the school may arrange meetings to talk about your health and return to work. These meetings are to help you, not to worry you. It is good to know that schools try to support you while you recover.
Do TAs Need a Sick Note from the Doctor?
If you’re a teaching assistant and feeling unwell, don’t worry — here’s what usually happens:
- First 7 days: Most schools are fine with self-certification.
You can simply let them know you’re sick — usually by filling out a form or sending a quick message. No doctor’s note needed! It’s simple and stress-free, so you can focus on resting. - After 7 days: You’ll need a fit note from your GP.
This note confirms that you’re not well enough to work and explains how long you may need to stay off. - If you’re off often: Some schools might ask for a note a bit sooner.
Don’t take it the wrong way — they just want to check you’re okay and see if you need support.
Always keep in touch with your school. A quick update helps them plan and shows that you care about your role too. Everyone understands that getting sick happens — it’s part of being human!
Are TAs Paid for Medical or Hospital Appointments?
It depends on the type of appointment and your school’s policy. Let’s break it down:
- Hospital or antenatal appointments: Most schools do pay you for these because they are important. Just show your appointment letter or proof. Schools understand that health comes first.
- GP or dentist visits: These are usually expected outside school hours. Since TAs work during pupil hours, it’s best to book these before or after work.
- Always check your school’s rules: Every school has its own policy. Ask your HR team or look at your attendance guide so you know what’s allowed.
Tip: If you’re unsure, talk to your line manager early. Most schools are kind and will try to help you find a fair solution.
How Does Your Contract Affect Sick Pay Entitlement?
Your contract is the key to understanding your sick pay. It tells you exactly what support you get when you’re unwell. Every school follows its own rules, so it’s always smart to check your terms carefully. If you work in a local authority school, you usually get both Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and occupational sick pay. The occupational part often increases the longer you stay in your job. However, if you work in an academy or private school, the rules can be different. Some schools match council terms, but others only offer SSP.
Your working hours, grade, and length of service also make a difference. For example, full-time staff often earn more and may get better sick pay than part-time workers. And if you’ve worked for several years, you might qualify for a few months of full or half pay instead of the minimum SSP.
One big advantage is continuous service. If you move to another school within the same local authority, your service record usually continues. That means your sick pay benefits stay safe, which is great if you’ve built up experience over time.
Ultimately, your contract is more than paperwork — it’s your safety net. Understanding it helps you feel confident and supported if you ever need time to recover.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Sick Pay for Teaching Assistants
Being a teaching assistant is more than just a job — it’s a role filled with care, patience, and purpose. Knowing your sick pay rights helps you feel secure and valued at work. Whether you receive Statutory Sick Pay or Occupational Sick Pay, it’s comforting to know that schools support their staff when they need time to rest and recover.
If you dream of becoming a confident, skilled, and well-prepared TA, now is the perfect time to start. The Teaching Assistant Course from Unified Course can help you build the right knowledge and practical skills to succeed in this rewarding career. You’ll learn how to support pupils, assist teachers, and grow your confidence in the classroom.
Take the next step today — enrol in the Teaching Assistant Course and start your journey towards a meaningful and secure career where your work truly makes a difference every single day.
FAQs
1. What employees are entitled to sick pay?
If you work for an employer, you can usually get SSP. You must have started your job and be sick for at least four full days in a row, including days you don’t work.
2. Do TAS get holiday pay in the UK?
Teaching assistants in the UK usually get holiday pay for about four to five weeks a year. They don’t get paid for school holidays, as pay is based on term-time work.
3. What is the 2-year rule for temporary workers?
The 2-year rule means temporary workers get extra rights after two years in the same job. They are protected from unfair dismissal and can get redundancy pay and notice.
4. Who is not eligible for sick pay?
You can’t get SSP if you’ve already had 28 weeks of it. You also don’t qualify if you get Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance.
5. Why don’t I get paid sick pay?
You may not get SSP if you don’t meet the rules. Talk to your employer first to fix the issue. If you still disagree, ask them to explain in writing why you’re not getting SSP.
