A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant: What to Expect
Thinking about becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) but not sure what the role is really like day to day?
At Dunbar Education, we place hundreds of TAs into schools every year, so we hear first-hand what the job involves. Here’s an inside look at a typical day in the life of a TA in a UK school.
8:15am Arriving and Getting Ready
Most TAs arrive at school around 8:15am, ahead of the pupils. The morning is spent:
- Greeting the teacher and going through the day’s plan
- Setting up classroom resources
- Checking learning materials for specific pupils (e.g. phonics cards, SEN support tools)
8:45 am Welcoming Pupils
TAs often help welcome pupils into the classroom. This can mean:
- Supporting children to settle in calmly
- Checking equipment and homework
Providing reassurance to pupils who may feel anxious at the start of the day
9:00 am Morning Lessons
During lessons, a TA may:
- Support small groups in literacy or numeracy
- Work one-to-one with pupils who need extra help
- Assist with classroom management by keeping pupils focused
- Provide targeted support for SEND or EAL learners
10:30am Break Duty
TAs often support teachers on playground or break duty. This is a chance to:
- Supervise pupils safely
- Encourage positive play
Step in calmly if disagreements arise
11:00am Focused Support
Late morning may involve focused interventions, such as:
- Running a small group phonics session
- Supporting a child with speech and language exercises
Helping a pupil with learning strategies tailored to their needs
12:15 pm Lunchtime
Many TAs use lunch for a quick break, but some also support lunchtime clubs or supervise the dining hall.
1:15 pm Afternoon Lessons
In the afternoon, lessons might be more practical: art, science, PE. TAs often:
- Set up equipment
- Support hands-on activities
Work with pupils who need extra guidance to stay engaged
3:15 pm End of the School Day
At the end of the day, TAs may:
- Help pupils get ready to go home
- Talk to parents at pick-up time (if required)
Tidy the classroom and prepare resources for the next day
Skills That Help You Succeed as a TA
From our work with schools, the most valued TA qualities are:
- Patience and empathy
- Strong communication skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- A positive, proactive attitude
Your Next Step
If you’re thinking about becoming a Teaching Assistant, now is the perfect time. Demand for TAs has never been higher, especially in primary and SEN schools.
📩 Register with Dunbar Education today and take the first step towards your new career: https://dunbareducation.com/register
