Early Learning Teaching Assistant Roles

[YNWA]

would someone be able to assist me with this post please. I'm the main applicant for visa, this question just relates to my wife and her role when we settle.

She is currently at college/placements to be a teaching Assistant in the UK and due to start a higher NVQ shortly. (it will be finished when we come)

We were both wondering what the situation is regarding teaching assistants.
Do they get paid/Voluntary?
Do they need qualifications?
Are the jobs easy to come by?
What is the pay like?
Is the role of T.A. In NZ similar to the role in UK?

And any other helpful advice would be gratefully received?

[jaxi]

I am also looking for the same information. Would be great to hear from someone.

Anyone?

[wiseboy22]

From the research that I have done into schools, not many of them have teaching assistants! Although I am sure in some Early Childhood Centres there would be jobs! I have seen some on http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/ so worth a look!

[sophiedb]

I do see jobs in the paper for "teacher aides", so searching for these roles may be more about the wording and where we look (i.e. not so much online) than them not being available.

I'm afraid I don't know much more than that at this stage though!

In this week's Press there is one teacher assistant job advertised for Allenvale School. No huge detail in the ad, but job description, person spec etc available if you email the school

[nickiware]

I am a teacher aide at a primary school. I have my NQV 3 from the UK. Feel free to pm me for more info - bell has just gone ! back to work....

[MrsB]

I am also a teacher aide at a primary school and have no formal qualifications. Feel free to PM me if you want more info on how I ended up in the role & what sorts of things I do.

Cheers,
Anneliese

[babscat]

Much of the recruitment seems to be word of mouth and mothers of children already in the school are often willing to work on a voluntary basis to get a foot in the door.

My daughter secured a post mostly because she had a qualification in signing for the deaf. Posts seem to be mainly short term contracts, with no pay during school holidays.
Do make sure you take references with you!

Good luck - my daughter loves her job!

[jaxi]

Thank you for the replies!

[YNWA]

Yes, thanks for the replies, I'll ask my wife to get in touch with you.

We just submitted our EOI today, so exciting times ahead.