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Teaching Assistant CV Example

A teaching assistant CV highlights your classroom support skills, ability to work with individual or small groups, and contribution to pupil progress.

Recommended template: StructuredPro

Key Skills to Include

Classroom SupportSmall Group InstructionBehaviour ManagementResource PreparationPhonics SupportRecord KeepingSafeguardingCommunication

Quick Tips

  • Include relevant qualifications such as CACHE Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
  • Highlight experience working across different year groups and key stages.
  • Detail your approach to supporting children with additional needs or EAL.
  • Showcase specific interventions or programmes you have delivered, such as phonics or reading recovery.

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How to Write Your Teaching Assistant CV

A teaching assistant CV should demonstrate your practical classroom skills, your commitment to supporting children's learning, and your willingness to develop professionally. Class teachers and headteachers want teaching assistants who are reliable, proactive, and skilled in working with pupils of all abilities. Your CV should present your qualifications, the age ranges and roles you have experience in, and evidence of your positive impact on pupil progress.

CV Structure

Use a clear, reverse-chronological format with a profile, work experience (including volunteer roles), qualifications, and skills. Place your TA qualification and DBS status prominently. For each role, describe the school setting, your responsibilities, and your achievements. Keep to one to two pages depending on your experience level.

CV Format

Use a simple, professional template. Teaching assistant recruitment values clarity and reliability over creative design. Ensure your qualifications and DBS status are easy to identify. Save as PDF.

CV Profile Examples

Experienced Teaching Assistant

CACHE Level 3 qualified teaching assistant with five years of experience supporting teachers and pupils across KS1 and KS2 in a large primary school. Experienced in delivering phonics interventions, supporting pupils with SEN and EAL, and preparing classroom resources. Known for building positive relationships with children, parents, and staff. Holds a current paediatric first aid certificate and enhanced DBS check.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

HLTA with seven years of classroom experience and the ability to plan and deliver whole-class lessons in the absence of the class teacher. Specialises in mathematics intervention and SEN support, with experience implementing Numicon, precision teaching, and social skills programmes. Line-managed by the SENCo and trusted to lead assessments, attend review meetings, and provide cover supervision across KS2.

Newly Qualified Teaching Assistant

Recently qualified teaching assistant with a CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning and six months of experience as a volunteer classroom helper in a Year 1 class. Enthusiastic, reliable, and eager to develop skills in behaviour management, phonics delivery, and supporting children with additional needs. Holds an enhanced DBS certificate and is committed to progressing towards a Level 3 qualification.

State your qualification level, years of experience, and the key stages you have worked in. Mention the interventions you deliver and any SEN experience. Highlight your strongest quality, such as your reliability, initiative, or ability to build rapport with children.

Key Skills for Your Teaching Assistant CV

Classroom Support

Assisting the class teacher during lessons by working with groups, supporting individual pupils, and managing classroom resources.

Small Group Instruction

Delivering targeted instruction and intervention to small groups of pupils under the direction of the class teacher.

Behaviour Management

Applying the school's behaviour policy consistently and using positive strategies to encourage good behaviour and engagement.

Resource Preparation

Creating and organising classroom resources including displays, worksheets, and practical materials for lessons.

Phonics Support

Delivering structured phonics sessions and supporting children's reading development through daily practice and intervention programmes.

Record Keeping

Maintaining accurate records of pupil progress, attendance, and intervention outcomes to inform teaching and assessment.

Safeguarding

Understanding and applying safeguarding policies and procedures to protect the welfare of all children.

Communication

Communicating effectively with teachers, parents, and external professionals to support pupil progress and wellbeing.

SEN Support

Providing targeted support to pupils with special educational needs, following individual education plans and specialist advice.

Work Experience Examples

For each role, describe the school and your classroom allocation. Detail the support you provide during lessons, the interventions you deliver, and any SEN pupils you work with. Include measurable achievements such as reading age gains or phonics improvements. Volunteer experience counts — include it with the same level of detail.

Teaching Assistant

Willowbrook Primary School, Swindon

Supported teaching and learning across KS1 and KS2 in a two-form entry primary school with approximately 420 pupils, working primarily in Year 3 and Year 5 classrooms.

Responsibilities

  • Supported the class teacher during whole-class lessons by working with targeted groups of pupils, providing scaffolded explanations and checking understanding.
  • Delivered daily phonics and reading intervention sessions to small groups of pupils not meeting age-related expectations in literacy.
  • Prepared classroom resources including worksheets, displays, and practical materials for maths and science lessons.
  • Supported three pupils with identified SEN on a one-to-one basis, following individual education plans and recording progress against targets.
  • Supervised pupils during break and lunch times, managing behaviour and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in the playground.

Achievements

  • Delivered a targeted phonics intervention that improved the reading ages of eight underperforming Year 3 pupils by an average of seven months over one term.
  • Created a bank of differentiated literacy resources that were adopted by the Year 3 and Year 5 teaching teams for wider classroom use.
  • Received commendation from the headteacher for supporting a pupil with social anxiety to successfully reintegrate into full-time classroom attendance.

Classroom Volunteer

St Andrew's CofE Primary School, Chippenham

Volunteered for two mornings per week in a Year 1 class, supporting the class teacher with reading, creative activities, and classroom organisation.

Responsibilities

  • Listened to individual children read, recording their fluency and comprehension in the school's reading record system.
  • Assisted with creative activities including art, craft, and design technology lessons, preparing materials and supporting children to complete tasks safely.
  • Helped children with handwriting practice and letter formation during focused literacy sessions.
  • Tidied and organised classroom resources at the end of each session, ensuring the learning environment was ready for the next day.

Achievements

  • Maintained a consistent attendance record as a volunteer over eighteen months, demonstrating reliability and commitment to the school.
  • Received positive feedback from the class teacher for patience and warmth when supporting reluctant readers.

Education & Qualifications

List your TA qualification first (CACHE Level 2 or 3, NVQ, or equivalent). Include school qualifications highlighting English and maths. Add paediatric first aid, safeguarding training, and any specialist intervention programme training.

CACHE Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning

The standard qualification for teaching assistants, covering classroom support, child development, and professional practice.

CACHE Level 2 Certificate

An entry-level TA qualification providing foundational knowledge of classroom support and child development.

HLTA Status

Higher Level Teaching Assistant status, demonstrating the ability to plan and deliver lessons independently.

Enhanced DBS Certificate

A criminal records check required for all roles working directly with children in schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a teaching assistant?
Most schools prefer a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in supporting teaching and learning, such as a CACHE certificate or diploma. An enhanced DBS check is mandatory. Some schools accept applicants without formal TA qualifications if they have relevant experience and are willing to study towards a Level 2 while in post. GCSEs in English and maths at grade C or above are typically required.
How do I write a teaching assistant CV with no paid experience?
Include volunteer experience in schools, youth groups, or community organisations. Detail what you did, the age groups you worked with, and any feedback you received. Highlight transferable skills from other jobs such as communication, patience, and organisation. Mention your TA qualification, DBS status, and personal qualities that make you suited to working with children.
What interventions should I mention on my TA CV?
Mention specific programmes you have been trained to deliver, such as Read Write Inc., Toe by Toe, Numicon, precision teaching, or social skills groups. Include the outcomes achieved, such as improved reading ages or phonics scores. If you have supported pupils with specific SEN needs, describe the strategies you used and the progress made. Evidence of successful intervention delivery is highly valued by schools.
Can I progress from a teaching assistant role?
Yes. Common progression routes include Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status, which allows you to deliver whole-class lessons. Some TAs specialise in SEN support, pastoral work, or specific interventions. Others progress into teaching through the assessment-only QTS route, School Direct, or a PGCE programme. Your TA experience provides a strong foundation for any of these career paths.

More Teaching & Education CV Examples

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