Children’s mental health has never been more important in education. With increasing pressures both in and out of school, many pupils arrive in the classroom carrying worries, anxiety, or emotional challenges that affect their ability to learn. Teaching Assistants (TAs) play a vital — and often underestimated — role in supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing every single day.

Whether you're new to the sector or looking for a fresh opportunity, here’s a clear overview of what the process of becoming a Teaching Assistant with a recruitment agency looks like.

While experience can be beneficial, many schools and recruitment agencies (like us at Inspiring Teaching) welcome individuals who are new to education — especially if they bring the right attitude, strong communication skills, and transferable experience from other industries.

Thinking about a career change? At Inspiring Teaching, we help career changers like you transition into schools confidently and smoothly. Here are six reasons why becoming a Teaching Assistant with the support of an agency could be your smartest move yet.