Question
Q – “I’m currently working in a day nursery as a level 2 and am torn between heading down the TA route and doing level 3 etc or undertaking a degree in early years teaching to maybe get into a more management position in the future? I already work on the same level as room leaders but I want to better myself and not just be an assistant. I want to lead and feel a TA may be a good role to do so without the huge task of a full time teacher?”
Answer
A – “I have completed my FDA Early Childhood and Learning Support degree, then progressed on to complete another year to gain the full BA qualification. This qualifies me up to HLTA level, although a minimum of 2 years experience is usually sought after for there positions around where I live. I am currently a nursery practitioner, completing my L3 as the FDA/BA are not recognised by CSSIW for a nursery. The combination of my degree and the L3 would enable me to work in management. In your situation, I would research exactly which qualifications would give you better employability in which fields, as I found my degree didn’t cover me for nursery work meaning I was limited to schools unless I did my L3″
A – “I am a qualified TA and have my level 6 in PDA (Professional Development Award) as an Education Support Assistant. I tried for 2 years to complete my HNC in early years but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. Anyway I love being a TA so I would definitely consider going down this route as it gives you an insight into what a teacher has to do on a daily, weekly, monthly basis before considering if teaching is the right route to go down.”
A – “I have my level 2 childcare, level 3 specialist support for teaching and learning as well as my ‘level 4’ higher level teaching assistant qualifications. I currently work in a pre-school attached to a school. Being a TA is great fun and being able to lead small groups gives you that leadership feel to your job role whilst following the teachers plans. I done my higher level teaching assistant course to help me in the future, as I will be able to lead a full class and mark work etc but without the full work load of a qualified teacher.”
A – “I was an Early Years manager and loved it. However it can be incredibly stressful. I took a break to spend more time with my child and ended up doing voluntary work in a primary school, reception and year 2. It is not my cup of tea at all. Not nearly as rewarding as seeing those little ones develop and laugh and I missed the interaction of working with a large group of people. For me the nursery team and management is where my heart is.”
A – “You could also consider if you want to work 40 plus hours per week 52 weeks of the year in EY settingsas management, a lot would expect these hours or only 30 to 35 hours per week 39 weeks of the year I school based provision. I know this can alter but it also makes your earnings vary and could help you decide.”
A – “Spent the day with my newly qualified Eyitts some work in nurseries still 38 hours ish a week and some reception teachers great holidays but planning in evenings or weekends and work still from 7.30 to 5.30 on average. Schools are governed by the heads and deputy head the ability to encourage individual child development and creativity is limited X the best child initiated reception class still are limited in what they can offer due to boundaries of topics and grading”
A – “Yes definitely. Did an NNEB then did my HLTA then an Early Years Degree. I loved being an hlta covering ppa for teachers. I did this for 6 years now am a teacher in Reception. I loved being a TA and there is definite progression for TAs now.”
A – “Don’t forget if you switch to being a TA you won’t get paid for holidays, it could be a massive cut in salary losing 3 months pay a year”
A – “I’m a teacher part time and I really recommend it”