How to Become a Teaching Assistant

How to Become a Teaching Assistant in 5 Easy Steps

Start your classroom career with Heart Teaching

Want to make a real difference in children’s lives? Becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a rewarding and achievable goal — and Heart Teaching is here to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s how to get started in just 5 easy steps:

✅ Step 1: Check You Meet the Basics

Before you apply, make sure you have:

GCSEs in English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
The right to work in the UK
A clear criminal record (you’ll need a DBS check)

Don’t have GCSEs? Don’t worry — we can help you explore alternative routes.

✅ Step 2: Get the Right Training (Optional but Helpful)

While it’s possible to become a TA without formal qualifications, these can really boost your chances:

Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
CACHE Level 2/3
SEN or behaviour training (great if you want to specialise)

Not sure what you need? We’ll point you in the right direction.

✅ Step 3: Build Some Experience

Experience isn’t always essential — but it helps.

You could:

Volunteer at a local school
Work with children in a youth group or club
Use experience from another caring role (like childcare or healthcare)

No experience? No problem. We work with schools open to training the right people.

✅ Step 4: Register With Heart Teaching

Here’s where we make things simple.

We’ll:

Review your CV and help you improve it
Guide you through DBS checks and safeguarding
Match you with schools in Kent, London and the South East
Offer training and support along the way

You can apply for part-time, full-time or day-to-day work — whatever suits you.

✅ Step 5: Start Making a Difference

Once we find the right role for you, you’ll be in the classroom supporting pupils, teachers, and learning. This could be the first step in a long and fulfilling career in education.

Many of our TAs go on to:

Become SEN specialists
Train as teachers
Work in pastoral, mentoring or behaviour support roles

Why Use Heart Teaching?

We’re not just a recruiter — we’re your partner in education. With local roles, fast placements, and free support, we’ll help you every step of the way.