If you’re looking for a career where you can make a difference every single day, becoming a classroom assistant could be the perfect path. Classroom Assistants, also known as Teaching Assistants (TAs), play a crucial role in supporting both teachers and pupils and helping to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. So, how do you get started in this role? If you’ve ever wondered how to become a Classroom Assistant, this article will guide you through everything you need to know, from the qualifications that you may need, to the skills that make a great Classroom Assistant, and the career opportunities this path can open up.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining an online roundtable hosted by Matt Farrah—another niche job board founder, working at the heart of Nursing, Health & Social Care recruitment. The conversation was illuminating and, in many ways, familiar. The pressures and pain points discussed resonate deeply with what we're facing in education.

At Senploy, we recognise the ongoing challenges faced by families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across England. The current system, based on Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), is under heightened scrutiny as government ministers consider significant reforms in response to rising demand and costs.

Government findings recommend moving away from punitive discipline. Instead, restorative practices should address the reasons behind misbehaviour, helping students build capability and nurturing motivation. These strategies support engagement and inclusion while helping students understand the impact of their actions. Students at risk of exclusion can benefit from restorative methods, as these approaches foster belonging and can rebuild motivation by offering meaningful feedback.

The Education Committee has begun a new inquiry focused on the early years sector, emphasising support for its workforce, improved access to services for families, and enhanced developmental outcomes for young children. Submissions are invited from sector professionals and academics to explore the impact of recent childcare entitlement expansions and evaluate current government strategies. The inquiry examines recruitment, retention, and training of early years staff. It also considers ways to make the sector an attractive career and analyses opportunities for pay progression.

For many people in the UK, the traditional path of GCSEs, A-levels and university isn’t the right fit. Some leave school without the grades they hoped for and others return to education later in life. Functional skills are more tied to real life situations where students can make use of what they learn in their other studies or job. They offer a practical way to develop essential skills in English, Maths and ICT. But the qualifications don’t teach themselves, behind every learner’s success is a supportive professional guiding them along the way. So, what exactly is a Functional Skills tutor and why are they becoming increasingly important?