Teaching Assistants are required to support teachers in schools. They may work with a whole class, small groups or just individual children. These assistants help pupils with physical impairments, learning difficulties, and students that do not have English as a first language. They may work as special needs assistants by accompanying a student around the school, helping them to carry bags and take notes in classes.

Teaching Assistants usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Encouraging children to play together.
• Listening to pupils.
• Caring children in case of accidents.
• Teaming up with other professionals.
• Helping children with educational needs.

• Being creative and flexible.
• Having good math skills.
• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being patient.
• Having good IT skills.
• Being well organised.
• Being responsible.
• Having lots of energy.
• Being able to work with a team.
• Being able to cope with challenging behaviour.

Teaching Assistant jobs do not have specific academic requirements, but it is recommended to have aptitudes for Math and English and a good level of general education. Candidates for these jobs need to be at least 18 years old for training schemes. Employers value relevant experience from youth work and nursery nursing more than qualifications.

There are training schemes offered by the National Council for Further Education, including an Initial Training for Classroom Assistants, stage 1 and 2. There is no need of previous work experience for stage 1. Apprenticeships can be obtained on the job and include SVQ/NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants and other higher qualifications.