Entry Requirements for a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course

Are you passionate about supporting children’s learning and development? If so, a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course could be the ideal starting point for a rewarding career in education. 

In this article, we’ll explore what these courses involve, what entry requirements you’ll need to meet and how to find a job as a teaching assistant.

What are the Level 2 Teaching Assistant Courses?

The Level 2 Teaching Assistant courses are the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools. They provide the knowledge and skills needed to work as a teaching assistant in primary or secondary schools. 

What do the Level 2 Teaching Assistant Courses allow you to do?

Completing a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course qualifies you to work as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or special needs assistant in schools. In this role, you would support teachers and help children with their educational and social development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Getting the classroom ready for lessons
• Helping children who need extra support to complete tasks
• Supporting teachers to manage class behaviour
• Supervising group activities
• Looking after children who are upset or unwell
• Clearing away materials and equipment after lessons
• Helping with outings and sports events

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for the Level 2 Teaching Assistant courses. However, learners should be over 16 years of age and have a minimum of level 2 in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.

Learners looking to acquire the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools will also be required to be actively working or volunteering in a school environment in order to demonstrate competence in knowledge and skills.

Getting a job as a TA

Once you have achieved a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification, you can start applying for teaching assistant jobs. Most positions are advertised on the websites of local authorities, individual school websites or national job sites.

You may be able to find work initially on a temporary or part-time basis, for example covering a maternity leave or working as a lunchtime supervisor, before securing a permanent full-time position. With experience, there may be opportunities to progress to higher level teaching assistant or senior teaching assistant roles.

Some key things to focus on when seeking a teaching assistant position are:

• Tailoring your CV and cover letter to each job you apply for
• Preparing thoroughly for interviews by anticipating questions you may be asked
• Getting a feel for different schools by looking at their websites and/or visiting them
• Being open-minded about working in different types of schools and with different age groups
• Networking with any contacts you have within schools
• Volunteering in schools to gain more experience

Why not take the first step today to a fulfilling career as a TA by exploring the teaching assistant courses on offer at CTC Training? 

Enrol on a course today.