Have you ever wanted to help kids and make school fun? If yes, being a teaching assistant could be perfect for you! You might wonder, what do you need to be a teaching assistant? Don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds.
In this guide, we’ll look at what you need to get started. You’ll learn about functional skills, the DBS check for working with children, your right-to-work ID, and the safeguarding training you’ll get when you start. We’ll also talk about how term-time jobs work and share simple ways to begin, even today.
What Do You Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?
You might be wondering if you need any special qualifications to become a teaching assistant. The quick answer is ‘no’; there’s no single licence or national rule for it. However, most schools do ask for GCSE English and maths, or Functional Skills, to show you’ve got the basics covered.
If you really want to stand out, it helps to go a bit further. Many people take a Level 2 or Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning course. Another great option is a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, where you can earn while you learn. It’s a smart way to gain real experience and get paid at the same time.
Once you’ve been working for a while, there are even more ways to grow. You’ll also start feeling more confident in your role as you learn on the job. Also, you could move up to become an HLTA or take short courses in autism, ADHD, or behaviour support. These extra skills can boost your confidence and make your job applications shine.
Do You Need Experience Before Becoming a Teaching Assistant?
You might be wondering if you need any experience before becoming a teaching assistant. The good news is not always! Some schools welcome people who are new, especially if you’re enthusiastic and love working with children.
What Counts as “Experience”
Experience can come from many places. You can start with classroom volunteering or a few simple observation days. Besides, helping in after-school clubs or holiday programmes also counts. And working in nurseries or youth groups adds great experience too. Even tutoring or reading support helps you build real skills. Every bit of time you spend helping children learn or play helps you build confidence and understanding.
How to Present It
When you start getting experience, keep a short log of what you do. Try to get two references from teachers or supervisors who can speak about your reliability and teamwork. When you apply, highlight any child-facing tasks you’ve done, as schools love to see that.
Fast Way In
Kick-start your journey by finding “no experience needed” roles or taking a Level 3 apprenticeship where you can learn and earn at the same time.
What Skills Do Schools Look for in Teaching Assistants?
Thinking about being a TA? Wondering what do you need to be a teaching assistant, skill-wise? You don’t need to be perfect. Indeed, you need a steady voice, a kind heart, and good habits. Here’s what schools look for, plus one simple proof point for each.
Core skills (with one easy example each)
1. Patience
- What it looks like: You stay calm and give children time to think and try again.
- Proof point: Helped a Year 1 reading group twice a week, waiting while each child sounded out words.
2. Calm communication
- What it looks like: You use a gentle voice and clear, short steps.
- Proof point: After lunch, use three simple steps (“breathe, count to five, try again”) to help a pupil calm down.
3. Teamwork
- Looks like: You support the teacher and work well with other staff.
- Proof point: Ran a lunchtime art club with the class teacher; shared set‑up and tidy‑up jobs.
4. Organisation
- Looks like: You plan and keep things tidy and on time.
- Proof point: Made a small‑group timetable and laid out books 10 minutes before each session.
5. Reliability and punctuality
- Looks like: You show up, on time, every day, ready to help.
- Proof point: Arrived early daily to prepare trays and is always on time for 8:30 playground duty.
6. Basic ICT
- Looks like: You use the interactive whiteboard, print sheets, and save files clearly.
- Proof point: Set up the whiteboard for phonics, printed handouts, and saved files with clear names (e.g., GroupA_Phonics.pdf).
Safeguarding mindset
- Keep information private: Do not share pupil details with friends or online.
- Report worries fast: Tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) the same day and write the facts.
- Helpful words: “Thank you for telling me. I’m here to help. I will share this with an adult who can keep you safe.”
Kids feel your calm and care, and honestly, that matters so much! Start with these skills, add one clear example to your CV or application, and you’ll shine.
Do You Need a DBS Check to Work as a Teaching Assistant?
Yes, you do. For your information, being a teaching assistant, a DBS check is one of the big must-haves. The good news is it’s a simple safety step, so schools can protect children.
What it is
- DBS means Disclosure and Barring Service. It is a criminal record check.
- For TA jobs, you need an enhanced DBS that includes the children’s barred list. This is the level used for regular work with pupils.
Cost and upkeep in 2025
- Enhanced DBS: about £49.50
- Update Service: £16 per year (join within 30 days of getting your certificate)
- Volunteers: the DBS fee is £0
- Some schools or agencies may pay or refund the cost.
How to start
- First, you get a conditional job offer from a school or agency.
- Next, they start your DBS application.
- Then, you show your documents: photo ID, proof of address, and right-to-work proof (passport or share code).
- After that, the DBS is checked. It usually takes 1–4 weeks.
- Finally, when your certificate arrives, join the Update Service so you can reuse it for future roles.
Quick tips to avoid delays
- Use your full legal name, exactly as shown on your ID.
- Have your address history ready.
- Keep your phone and email handy in case the school needs more details.
Note: In Scotland, the equivalent check is the PVG Scheme.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply as a Teaching Assistant?
Applying for a teaching assistant role can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t worry! If you have the right documents ready, it’s much easier. Let’s get your paperwork sorted!
Checklist
First, gather the basics. You will need photo ID, proof of address, and right-to-work proof like a passport or share code. Get your GCSE or Functional Skills certificates ready. Then, collect two references and make sure your CV is up to date. These are the documents schools always ask for.
Nice-to-Have
On top of that, it’s great if you already have a DBS certificate with Update Service details. Any extra safeguarding or SEN certificates also help you stand out from other applicants.
Do Teaching Assistant Requirements Change Across the UK?
Interestingly, the rules for becoming a teaching assistant aren’t the same across the UK. For example, in England and Wales, you need a DBS check. In Scotland, you need to join the PVG Scheme, which usually costs around £59 to join and about £18 to update.
On top of that, schools can have different rules. MATs (Multi-Academy Trusts) make their own HR rules, but they still follow safer recruitment guidelines. Local authority schools follow council rules and national guidance at the same time.
The key thing: always read the job advert carefully. It will tell you exactly which documents, qualifications, and checks you need. That way, you can be fully prepared and confident when you apply.
Do You Need Safeguarding Training to Be a Teaching Assistant?
Yes! Keeping children safe is very important. At the very least, schools give you a safeguarding induction when you start. If you want to be ready, take a basic safeguarding course before you start. In nurseries or EYFS settings, paediatric first aid is also helpful.
Also, short courses in autism, ADHD, behaviour, or communication make your application stronger.
Tip: Looking for a course that suits you? Check out our course categories from Unified Course here. It’s an easy way to learn and feel confident before starting at a school.
What Extra Courses Help Beginners Stand Out?
If you’re starting as a teaching assistant, extra courses can help you stand out. They focus on foundational qualifications, specialist knowledge, and key classroom skills.
1. Entry and Foundational Qualifications
These are the main formal qualifications schools look for:
- Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning (usually after Level 2)
- Level 3 TA Apprenticeship
2. Short Online Add-ons (Specialist Skills)
Quick online courses can show your specialist knowledge and make you more attractive to schools:
- SEN Awareness – helps you support pupils with different needs.
- Phonics – important for early reading and literacy support.
- Team-Teach/Behaviour Management – teaches de-escalation and handling tricky behaviour.
- Basic ICT for Classrooms – shows you can use tech to help teaching.
3. Growth Path (Future Goal)
Even though it’s not for beginners, it’s good to know the next step:
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – after gaining experience, you can aim for this by meeting the HLTA professional standards.
Final Answer: What You Really Need to Be a Teaching Assistant
So, what do you need to be a teaching assistant? You need basic qualifications, some experience, and safeguarding knowledge. Extra courses like Level 2/3 Supporting Teaching & Learning or short online courses in SEN, phonics, behaviour, or ICT can help you stand out.
One of the easiest ways to start is with our Unified Course. Here, you’ll get the skills and confidence to step into a school role. Check out the Teaching Assistant courses here and start today!
FAQs on What Do You Need To Be A Teaching Assistant in UK
1. Are TAs getting a pay rise in 2025?
Yes, some schools are increasing TA pay in 2025, depending on local agreements.
2. What qualifications do I need to be a teaching assistant?
Most schools ask for GCSE English and maths or functional skills. Extra courses help you stand out.
3. Can I be a TA without qualifications?
Yes! Some schools accept enthusiastic beginners, especially for “no experience needed” roles.
4. What questions will I be asked in a teaching assistant interview?
Expect questions on patience, teamwork, classroom experience, safeguarding, and helping children learn.
5. When’s the next pay rise in 2026?
Exact dates vary by school or local authority. Check your employer’s HR announcements.
6. Do TAs get paid over the summer?
Some TAs are paid only term-time (pro-rata), while others with full-year contracts get summer pay.
7. What will the 2026 pay raise be?
It depends on your school or local authority; many TAs see small percentage increases.
8. How do teaching assistants move up the pay scale?
Gain experience, take extra courses (like Level 3 or SEN training), and apply for higher-level TA roles.
