What Do Teaching Assistants Do? A Fun, Honest Look at Teaching Assistant Roles in 2025 (UK)

Considering becoming a teaching assistant in the UK? Or just curious what they actually do all day? You’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll break down the real deal on what teaching assistants do, what makes the job awesome (and sometimes exhausting), and how to become one in 2025—even with no experience.

Let’s skip the jargon and get into the fun stuff.

What Do Teaching Assistants Do?

Classrooms tend to be loud, hectic and a bit disorganized. TAs truly excel here. They come in, pull their sleeves and simply get down to it: assisting with the set up, holding kids attentive and ensuring the day does not collapse. They don’t just sit there in the background, they are the serenity in the middle of all the classroom madness.

Be it hyperactive young children running on the walls or a grumpy teenager on a bad day, teaching assistants have a way of knowing how to take care of it all. They introduce some aspects of calm, caring, and orderliness at a time when it is required most. That balance of calm and action is one of the most valuable teaching assistant roles.

Group Work Gurus: The Human Glue in Learning

In both primary and secondary schools, teachers lead the lesson. But TAs make sure the learning sticks. They guide small groups, explain tricky parts again, and give kids that extra boost. Got a shy student who never speaks up? A TA notices. They lean in and gently bring that student into the conversation. That human connection? That’s a huge part of what a teaching assistant does.

TAs also help with behaviour management, making sure students stay on task during group activities. When a task confuses a few students, the TA steps in to rephrase or give examples. They don’t just float around—they actively bridge the gap between students and learning.

Lesson Plan Lifesavers: Teaching Assistant Roles in Real-Time

Teachers plan the lessons, but it’s often the Teaching Assistants who shape how those lessons are received. They observe what works in real time and step in when a student struggles. Whether it’s rewording instructions, giving relatable examples, or offering a hands-on version of the task, TAs make learning more accessible. They don’t change the curriculum—they adjust how it connects with each child. It’s quiet, powerful work that makes a big difference.

They also prepare materials before class starts—cutting, printing, and organising. After lessons, they tidy up and make notes on what went well or what needs adjusting. That feedback loop between TA and teacher makes learning more effective for everyone.

Digital Support: The Tech Backup Every Classroom Needs

Interactive whiteboards freeze. Tablets stop working. PowerPoints glitch. Who jumps in while the teacher keeps the lesson moving? The TA. They restart things, switch devices, or offer quick fixes so no time gets wasted. In some schools, TAs run the tech altogether.

They upload lessons, manage classroom apps, and help students navigate online learning tools. They’re not IT staff—but they’re usually the first line of tech support when time is tight.

Early Starters and Quiet Finishers: The Daily Routine of a TA

TAs arrive before the kids. They prep books, arrange chairs, and get the space ready. At the end of the day, they clean up, stack chairs, and check everything’s in place for tomorrow. They make sure the class starts strong and ends neat. They’re the openers and closers of the learning day.

Beyond that, they handle admin tasks: filing worksheets, organising folders, and sometimes even updating pupil progress records. Their day may not follow a strict schedule, but every minute is full.

Emotional Anchors: Supporting A Child

Kids bring big feelings to school. Frustration. Worry. Joy. Meltdowns. TAs often handle those first. When a child cries, a TA sits with them. When someone lashes out, the TA helps calm them down. They don’t just support learning. They support the humans who are doing the learning.

Many TAs also monitor emotional well-being day-to-day. They’re often the ones who notice early signs of stress, anxiety, or bullying. A TA might be the safe person a student trusts enough to talk to when things feel hard.

SEN Champions: Teaching Assistant Roles in Special Education Needs

Some children have additional needs—such as autism, ADHD, learning delays, or physical challenges. Teaching Assistants (TAs) become their steady support, helping them feel calm, understood, and included. They often work one-on-one, breaking down tasks and offering reassurance when it’s needed most.

Support can include help with movement, eating, or personal care, as well as guidance with routines, social interactions, and emotional regulation. By using tools like sign language or visual aids, TAs make learning accessible and meaningful. Want to explore this role further? Check out Training Tale’s SEN Course for a deeper look into the world of SEN Teaching Assistants.

The Unseen Work That Keeps Classrooms Flowing

TAs don’t take centre stage. But they are everywhere. They put up displays. Print worksheets. Sort pencils. Write quick notes to parents. Track progress in notebooks. They’re quietly running the background tasks that keep the school day flowing.

Teachers notice. Students feel it. Parents may never see it—but they benefit. Without this background work, a school day would fall apart fast.

How to Become a Teaching Assistant Without Experience in the UK (2025)

You don’t need loads of experience to become a teaching assistant. You just need the right attitude, some basic training, and a bit of initiative.

Get Qualified with an Online Course (Some Are Free!)

There are lots of beginner-friendly courses. Look for:

• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• NCFE Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges
• Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (for more advanced roles)

Many are available online and government-funded if you meet the criteria. These courses teach key skills like safeguarding, child development, and classroom support techniques.

Volunteer First: Build Confidence and Your CV

Many schools welcome volunteers. Even helping one morning a week can open doors. You’ll get classroom experience and references. This shows future employers that you’re serious.

Try volunteering in a local school, youth club, or nursery. Anything that shows you can work with children counts.

Understand the Must-Haves

Before working in schools, you’ll need:

• An enhanced DBS check (for child safeguarding)
• GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
• A basic understanding of child protection laws

Some of this is included in your training. But schools will help guide you if they want to hire you.

Where to Find TA Jobs in the UK

Ready to look for work? Try these places:

• The UK government’s Teaching Vacancy site
• Local council job portals
• Recruitment agencies like Randstad or Hays Education
• School websites in your area
• Job boards like Indeed, TES, and Reed

You’ll find full-time, part-time, and even supply work (covering absent staff). Many roles are term-time only, which is great if you have kids.

Apply Like a Pro (Even with No School Job Yet)

To stand out:

• Highlight any work with kids (babysitting, tutoring, coaching)
• Talk about skills like teamwork, patience, communication
• Keep your CV to one or two pages
• Write a short, warm cover letter explaining why you care about this work

Most of all—show your enthusiasm. Schools love to hire people who want to be there.

Final Thoughts

Teaching assistants do more than just ‘help out’—they shape how children learn. From supporting the teacher and the lesson to guiding every learner in the room, their role is essential. They handle messes, manage moods, and create moments of magic. So, if you’re wondering what teaching assistants actually do—the answer is: almost everything that keeps the classroom running smoothly.

And you? You can be part of that.

No experience? No problem. Unlock your future in education with our Teaching Assistant Online Course at Training Tale—learn anywhere, start anytime.