Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistants play a vital role in schools across the UK. Often working behind the scenes, they provide essential support to teachers, pupils, and the wider school community. If you’re considering a career in education or exploring your next education job, understanding what a typical teaching assistant job involves can help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you.

This guide walks through a realistic day in the life of a teaching assistant and explains key responsibilities and highlighting the skills and progression opportunities available in this rewarding role.

 

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?

Before diving into the day-to-day routine, it’s important to answer a common question: what does a teaching assistant do?

Teaching assistants (TAs) support teachers in delivering lessons and help pupils engage with learning. Responsibilities can vary depending on the school, age group, and setting, but most teaching assistant jobs involve:

• Supporting pupils during lessons
• Working with small groups or individual learners
• Assisting pupils with additional or special educational needs (SEN)
• Helping manage classroom behaviour
• Providing pastoral and emotional support
• Preparing learning resources

Some teaching assistants work across a classroom, while others provide one-to-one support or focus on SEN and alternative provision.

 

Morning: Preparing for the School Day

A teaching assistant’s day usually starts before pupils arrive. This time is used to prepare for the day ahead and align with the class teacher.

Typical morning tasks include:

• Reviewing lesson plans and daily objectives
• Discussing pupil needs or behavioural considerations
• Preparing learning materials and classroom resources
• Setting up displays or activity stations

This preparation helps ensure lessons run smoothly and pupils receive the support they need from the moment the school day begins.

 

Supporting Learning in the Classroom

Once lessons start, teaching assistants are actively involved in classroom learning. This is where the role becomes highly dynamic.

During lessons, a teaching assistant may:

• Support pupils who need additional explanation or reassurance
• Work with small groups on focused tasks
• Assist pupils with reading, writing, or numeracy
• Support children with SEN, EHCPs, or behavioural needs
• Help keep pupils engaged and on task

Rather than leading the lesson, teaching assistants reinforce learning and adapt support to suit different learning styles. This contribution is a key reason why teaching assistant jobs are so valued within education recruitment.

 

Midday: Breaktime and Pastoral Support

Many teaching assistants support pupils outside the classroom during breaktimes or lunch periods. This is an important part of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Midday responsibilities may include:

• Supervising playgrounds or dining halls
• Encouraging positive social interaction
• Supporting pupils with emotional or behavioural challenges
• Helping younger pupils settle into routines

These moments often build strong relationships between teaching assistants and pupils, making the role both impactful and rewarding.

 

Afternoon: Interventions and Continued Support

Afternoons often focus on targeted learning support. Teaching assistants may deliver intervention sessions or work with pupils who need extra help.

Afternoon tasks may involve:

• One-to-one reading or numeracy interventions
• Supporting catch-up sessions
• Helping assess pupil progress
• Reinforcing learning objectives from earlier lessons

This work plays a crucial role in closing learning gaps and improving pupil outcomes — one of the most meaningful aspects of a teaching assistant job.

 

Salary Tool- https://www.servicecare.org.uk/salary-calculator/

 

End of the Day: Reflection and Preparation

As the school day ends, teaching assistants help wrap up learning and prepare for the next day.

End-of-day responsibilities often include:

• Tidying classrooms and resources
• Providing feedback to teachers on pupil progress
• Preparing materials for upcoming lessons
• Supporting after-school activities where required

Good communication between teachers and teaching assistants ensures consistent support for pupils across the school week.

 

Skills Needed for a Teaching Assistant Job

Teaching assistants come from a wide range of backgrounds, but successful candidates often share similar skills.

Key skills include:

• Strong communication and teamwork
• Patience, empathy, and adaptability
• Organisation and time management
• Confidence supporting different learning needs
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities

These transferable skills are highly valued across education jobs and can open doors to long-term careers in education.

 

Qualifications and Experience

Requirements for teaching assistant jobs can vary, but many roles are accessible without formal teaching qualifications.

Common expectations include:

• GCSEs in English and Maths
• Experience working with children (paid or voluntary)
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
•  

Desirable qualifications may include:

• CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• SEN or behavioural training
• Safeguarding certificates
•  

We can help candidates understand what schools are looking for and identify suitable opportunities.

Our Education Jobs- https://www.servicecare.org.uk/jobs#/education

 

Career Progression in Education

A teaching assistant job can be the starting point for a long-term career in education.

Many professionals progress into roles such as:

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• SEN specialist or learning mentor
• Pastoral or behaviour support roles
• Teacher training and qualified teacher status

For those interested in education jobs with development opportunities, teaching assistant roles offer valuable experience and progression pathways.

 

Is a Teaching Assistant Job Right for You?

Teaching assistant jobs are ideal for individuals who enjoy supporting others, working in a team, and making a difference in children’s lives. The role offers variety, purpose, and the chance to gain hands-on experience in education.

If you’re exploring education jobs or considering a career change, a teaching assistant job can be a practical and fulfilling route into the sector.

 

How Education Recruitment Can Support Your Career

Working with an education recruitment specialist can help you:

• Find roles that match your skills and preferences
• Access long-term, short-term, or flexible placements
• Receive guidance on compliance and training
• Gain ongoing support throughout your placement

 

If you’re interested in a teaching assistant job or exploring opportunities in education jobs, now is a great time to take the next step and speak to an education recruitment specialist about your options.

 

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