Fluer,

I know where you are coming from. At present I am an MSA but would love a job as TA at my school. Have completed SWIS and NVQ2 but have resorted to applying to another school in another village from me. The job is TA and MSA but don't know if I really want it as hours will probably clash with my own children's. I look at it as experience in having an interview but am scared in messing up!!

As you say, other mums seem to just get want they want, and others being not so pushy (me) just plod on.

Good luck in your future job hunting.

I spent 18 months volunteering in my kids school whilst doing my nvq 2 during that time they asked me to be a dinner lady. I will admit i did not want the job but decided it would look good on CV. When i finished my nvq i asked HT if there was any chance of getting a paid job in the school. She went round the houses to tell me no, not that I wasn't any good just that there would be too much competition from outside applicants and they would be more likely to chooses someone more experience. It was hard to listen to as nearly all the TA at the school were mums and dads who started off volunteering. Anyway a few weeks later she did give me 8 weeks casual work to help during sats and this i believe was the thing that got me the job I am in now... I must say working at a different school from my kids is a much better experience and i would recommend it to anyone. so keep trying looking at other schools but keep asking your HT for any casual work, perhaps to cover for illness as this is great on CV.

Thanks again for the amazing amount of support. I am going to ask about volunteer in school got shortlisted in to see if they would let me get experiance in older years ie 5/6. Overrun with TA's in present volunteer school and tho the staff are lovely and supportive the HT is much less so. TYherefore I will take my talents to where they willbe appriciated-hopefully!!x

I was in a similar position to you Fleur, I volunteered at the school where my children went, whilst doing the NCFE course and cache level2, I had a lot of experience working with children with special needs in my previous role within the NHS, I was always asked to come into school in a voluntary capacity, but never paid. Then I was offered lunchtimes working 1:1 with a little boy - I hesitated because as you know it really messes up the day for doing anything else, and to be honest I wanted to work in the classrooms. However I was then paid to do cover work for a couple of children when their 1:1 were away or on a course, and then to cover other T.A group work. It all looks good on your CV and I finally got a job starting in Sept at a different school. This has its own problems i.e I have to have childcare for my other children - so is not ideal - and I am doing level 3 from Sept - so will be v busy (no spending hours on the forums for me then!! ). What I want to say to encourage you is don't give up - T.A jobs are hard to come by and the more you have to show your dedication and willingness to learn more the beter and you will stand out - I am a firm believer in that there is the right job out here for you. I wish you the best of luck.

Had last interview before the summer break this Monday but still no joy! I have been offered the Lead Lunchtime supervisor at my Daughters school (No chance of TA job there) and have taken it on proviso that only did 4 days so could do level 3, and IF a TA job came up I would be gone! So thats me for the forseeable, not what I wanted but will look ok on the CV I hope.

It will fleur.It shows you have people skills and are well organised.Good for you calling the shots.Try to get some hours in another school as it is good to see other methods.Just tell them what you can manage.

Thanks JOAT . Just had feedback from interview on Monday . It seems I dont have enough experience!! So asked how do you get paid experience if no one will give you a job ? She couldnt answer except to say well you have your dinner lady job. Well thanks, but want more than that!! Sorry to rant. Feel better now have got off chest. I know I am not the only person in this position, but at the moment I am mad for everyone trying to get job when we try so hard to get experience. I dont get access to planning and as am not in every day (cant/wont give that much free time)dont get the continuity that a regular TA has . Will ask TA in yr 2 class will be in if can shadow ,and try another school. Thanks for listening and good luck to other TA's in same position as me!

Howdy Fleur,
You mentioned not being involved in the planning. The level 3 course will open a few doors in that direction. Tell you what why don't you open an account on the DfEs publication website, browse through their to see if there's anything of interest it's free just tell em your a TA. Also ask your school if you can borrow a copy of the National Numeracy/Literacy Strategy. I don't know about anybody else but when I did my NVQ it was a requirement that we either borrowed or acquired a copy of the framework to help use with our optional units.

to you mate.

Hi Cazzie, How are you today?
I have got the publications you mentioned from level 2 course. I just wish could see plans in school so that when I go in I know what is going on and dont have to ask what the CT wants me to do! Will be working with fab TA this year, and I know she will be very helpful and supportive as she has been a rock to me in the past, and was so helpful with last course, Also know CT likes working with me. Just wish I was paid for it!!Hey ho, will see what the next school year will bring. Good luck to you too. Thanks for the big hug.x

It's great to hear that you have a suppotive TA. In my last job before moving to N.W I had a brill' Tchr. Luckily we still keep in touch, which I'm really pleased about cause we've supported each other through some pretty hairy moments. If you need anything give us a shout. You never know I might be able to help!
By the way thanks for the hug

Forgot the back Fleur

Thanks Cazzie . Needed that Hug Ex hubby being a pain in the a... derriere today!

What's new! My dad is just the same, Fleur. He's laying down the law about the job I've taken. He's rabbiting on about not working all hours for no extra pay, don't volunteer, come out on time
Je-wizz can't men ever get of the bandwagon! (oops, very sexist there, Sorry!)

I get that from my OH Cazzie, doesn't understand why I stay past my finishing time.
He is never cross just always asks why I do it.

Nah, we've had more arguments over my job than anything else. Jeez, it drives me crazy . Like many other TA's I do it for the love of the job
I just want to give the kidz a chance that I was never given at school, selfish I know but...that's all I've wanted to do with my life.