Thinking about returning to work after a career break? A Teaching Assistant (TA) role can be an ideal step back in — term-time hours, meaningful impact, and clear, recognised qualifications that help you grow with confidence.

Why Teaching Assistant suits returners

• Term-time pattern: usually aligns with school hours and holidays.
• Transferable skills count: organisation, patience, communication, safeguarding awareness, SEN empathy.
• Clear progression: Level 3 Certificate/Diploma → experience → HLTA (Level 4).
• Flexible entry: start learning now, add a short weekly placement when ready.

Choose a recognised route (and verify it)

Employers look for RQF-listed, Ofqual-regulated qualifications — most commonly NCFE CACHE Supporting Teaching & Learning. Mode of study (online vs college) doesn’t affect recognition — regulation does.

• Best default: Level 3 Certificate/Diploma — includes in-school evidence and fully qualifies you as a TA.
• Fallback (no placement yet): Level 3 Award — knowledge-only; a short-term option you can upgrade from later.

How to verify a course: RQF, NCFE CACHE & Ofqual — What They Mean.

Two practical returner paths

Track A — You can arrange a placement (recommended)

• Enrol: Level 3 Certificate/Diploma.
• Placement: ~4–5 hrs/week (voluntary or paid); gather observations and witness statements.
• Outcome: fully qualified with recent classroom evidence.

Track B — Full-time elsewhere (no placement yet)

• Enrol: Level 3 Award (knowledge-only) to build momentum.
• Apply for roles: state you’ll upgrade to the Level 3 Certificate on appointment and complete the additional units + in-school evidence.
• Outcome: once in post, upgrade and complete competence evidence.

Refresh the essentials

• DBS: many schools require an enhanced DBS — start here: DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants.
• English & maths: GCSEs (or Level 2 Functional Skills) are often preferred — see What Qualifications Do I Need?.

Position your CV after a career break

• Lead with current study: “NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate/Diploma — in progress” or “Level 3 Award — completed; upgrading to Certificate on appointment.”
• Translate home/voluntary roles: communication, behaviour support, SEN empathy, safeguarding awareness, teamwork, organisation.
• Include micro-experience: reading groups, clubs, mentoring, community work — and your DBS status.

Templates and examples: TA CV & Cover Letter Examples.

Interview confidence (use SAR)

Prepare 3 short SAR stories (Situation–Action–Result): supporting a learner, calming behaviour, adapting instructions, teamwork with a teacher. Practise with TA Interview Questions & Answers.

30-60-90 day plan (tailored for returners)

Days 1–30

• Pick your route: TA Levels Explained.
• Enrol (Certificate/Diploma if you can place; Award if not yet).
• Request/refresh DBS; read safeguarding & behaviour policies.

Days 31–60

• Begin a 4–5 hrs/week placement (Track A) or complete core Award units and apply for roles (Track B).
• Start your evidence log and collect witness statements.

Days 61–90

• Lead short interventions (phonics/reading/maths) under teacher direction (Track A) or interview and upgrade to Certificate on appointment (Track B).
• Meet your assessor/tutor to review progress and next steps.

Pay, hours & contracts

Most TA roles are term-time only with annualised pay. Learn how this works and typical ranges in Teaching Assistant Salary & Hours in England.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return to work as a TA with no recent experience?

Yes. Enrol on the Level 3 Certificate/Diploma if you can arrange a placement; otherwise start the Level 3 Award and apply for roles stating you’ll upgrade once appointed.

Do I have to do Level 2 first?

No. Many adult learners go straight to Level 3. Choose Award (no placement) or Certificate/Diploma (with placement) based on your access to a school.

How long will it take to be job-ready?

Timelines vary with placement hours and study time. Certificate/Diploma routes take longer than an Award because they include in-school evidence — but they fully qualify you.

What should I put on my CV after a career break?

Lead with current study, DBS status and relevant skills; include any micro-experience (reading groups, clubs). See TA CV & Cover Letter Examples.

Do I need English & maths?

Many schools prefer GCSEs or Level 2 Functional Skills as TAs support literacy and numeracy. More in What Qualifications Do I Need?.