Find Your Next Teaching Assistant Role in London with Staff Direct
If you are passionate about education and want to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, Staff Direct has a live selection of Teaching Assistant vacancies in London waiting for candidates exactly like you. Whether you are an experienced Level 3 TA hunting for your next long-term placement, a fresh graduate stepping into the classroom for the first time, or a skilled HLTA ready to lead small-group interventions, our specialist education team is here to match you with the right school, the right borough, and the right opportunity — fast.
London's schools are among the most diverse, dynamic, and rewarding environments in the world to work in. From vibrant inner-city primaries in Tower Hamlets to specialist SEN provisions in Wandsworth, demand for talented, committed teaching assistants has never been higher. The Department for Education consistently identifies classroom support staff as fundamental to raising attainment — and schools across every borough are actively seeking dedicated professionals who can rise to that challenge today.
What Does a Teaching Assistant Actually Do?
The TA role has evolved far beyond handing out worksheets and sharpening pencils. In today's London schools, teaching assistants are pivotal members of the classroom team — co-educators who drive inclusion, close attainment gaps, and help every child access the curriculum with confidence.
- Support the class teacher in planning and delivering differentiated lessons across all subjects
- Deliver targeted one-to-one and small-group intervention sessions for pupils with additional learning needs
- Adapt resources and learning materials to meet individual EHCP goals and SEND requirements
- Monitor, record, and report on pupil progress, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
- Assist with personal care duties, physiotherapy, and therapeutic programmes where required
- Liaise with parents, SENCOs, and external professionals as part of a wider pastoral team
- Supervise pupils during lunchtimes, transitions, and off-site educational visits
- Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment at all times
Every placement through Staff Direct's education division is carefully matched to your experience level, specialism, and preferred working borough — so you are never placed somewhere that does not fit your skills or ambitions.
Teaching Assistant Requirements — What Schools Need from You
Schools in London set high standards for the support staff they welcome into their classrooms, and rightly so. Safeguarding children is the paramount responsibility of every adult working in an educational setting, as outlined in the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). Here is what the majority of our partner schools require:
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check with children's barred list — all Staff Direct candidates are verified before placement
- Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent classroom experience demonstrating competency)
- Solid working knowledge of the National Curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and inclusive teaching practice
- Clear, confident communication skills with children, parents, and multidisciplinary teams
- Patience, resilience, and a genuine commitment to the progress and wellbeing of every pupil
- Right to work in the UK, verified by our compliance team in line with Home Office requirements
- HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) status for leading groups and covering planned teacher absences
- Experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, dyslexia, or complex communication needs
- Paediatric First Aid certificate (especially valued in Early Years and SEN settings)
- Sign language skills (BSL Level 1/2) or knowledge of Makaton communication systems
- Bilingual ability — particularly Spanish, Bengali, Somali, or Arabic — which is highly valued in London's multicultural school communities
Not sure you meet every requirement? Apply anyway.
Staff Direct works with schools at every level. If you have relevant experience, a strong desire to learn, and a safeguarding-first mindset, our consultants will identify the right placement and support your professional development from day one. Register your details here →
Current Teaching Assistant Jobs Available in London
Staff Direct currently holds live TA vacancies across multiple London boroughs and school types. All roles listed below are paid above the National Minimum Wage and are available on PAYE through our agency. View the complete live jobs board for the most up-to-date listings.
| Role Title | Borough | School Type | Pay (per hr) | Contract | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Teaching Assistant | Tower Hamlets | Primary | £11.44 | Daily Supply | Apply Now |
| SEN Teaching Assistant | Wandsworth | SEN School | £14.50 | Long-Term | Apply Now |
| HLTA (Maths Support) | Lambeth | Secondary | £16.50 | Permanent | Apply Now |
| 1:1 SEND Support Worker | Newham | Primary SEN | £13.00 | Long-Term | Apply Now |
| Early Years Teaching Assistant | Islington | Nursery / EYFS | £12.00 | Daily Supply | Apply Now |
| Level 3 TA (Literacy Focus) | Haringey | Primary Academy | £13.50 | Permanent | Apply Now |
| Behaviour Support TA | Southwark | Secondary Academy | £14.00 | Long-Term | Apply Now |
| Cover Supervisor / Senior TA | Croydon | Secondary | £15.00 | Permanent | Apply Now |
Why Choose Staff Direct for Your TA Job Search?
There are dozens of education recruitment agencies operating in London. Here is why thousands of teaching assistants choose Staff Direct as their trusted partner every academic year:
- 24-hour placement speed — register today, start as early as tomorrow in a fully matched school placement
- PAYE employment — you are paid as an employee, not through an umbrella company, with full statutory rights including holiday pay and pension contributions
- Dedicated education consultants — your named consultant specialises exclusively in education roles and knows the borough you want to work in
- No hidden fees, ever — registering with Staff Direct as a candidate is completely free; we are paid by the school, not you
- Flexible commitment levels — choose day-to-day supply work for maximum flexibility, or a long-term contract for security and career progression
- Real career support — access CPD resources, safeguarding refreshers, and consultancy on your next career step into teaching or leadership
Our full-service approach to education staffing is trusted by over 150 partner schools across Greater London. We understand what schools need — and we understand what great teaching assistants deserve.
Ready to Start Your Teaching Assistant Career in London?
London's classrooms need talented, motivated people who care deeply about children's progress. Whether you are taking your first step into education or you are an experienced practitioner looking for a fresh challenge, Staff Direct will find you a placement that matches your skills, schedule, and ambitions. With live TA vacancies updated daily, a rigorous but fast compliance process, and a dedicated consultant in your corner from day one, getting into a school you love has never been easier.
Do not let another term begin without you in the classroom. Register with Staff Direct today, browse our full live jobs board, or call our specialist education team on 0333 188 0008 to discuss your next role. You can also explore our wider education staffing services or read more about why schools and candidates choose us. The right school is waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about finding a Teaching Assistant job in London through Staff Direct.
A formal Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is preferred and will strengthen your application considerably, but it is not always a strict barrier to entry. Many of our partner primary schools welcome candidates who have substantial relevant classroom experience, particularly for supply roles. What every school does require — without exception — is an enhanced DBS check, right-to-work documentation, and evidence of current safeguarding awareness training aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education. If you are working towards your TA qualification, let your consultant know — we can often find placements that complement your studies. For specialist SEN and HLTA roles, recognised qualifications and demonstrable experience are essential.
Once your registration is complete and your compliance documents have been verified — typically within 24 to 48 hours — you can be matched and deployed to a school the very next working day. For candidates who already hold a valid, up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate registered on the DBS Update Service, the process is even faster. Day-to-day supply placements are often confirmed by 7:30am on the morning of the booking. For longer-term and permanent positions, the timeline naturally includes school interviews and any additional checks the school requires, but we work hard to keep the process swift without compromising on compliance. Visit our how we work page for a full breakdown.
Daily supply roles offer maximum flexibility — you accept bookings on a day-by-day basis and can work across different schools. This suits candidates who need to manage personal commitments, are newly registered, or enjoy the variety of different settings. Long-term supply contracts run from several weeks to a full academic year, giving you stability and the satisfaction of building real relationships with pupils and staff. Permanent placements mean you join the school's payroll directly after a successful trial period — ideal if you want to embed yourself fully in a school community and progress towards an HLTA or teacher-training pathway. All three route types are available through Staff Direct; your consultant will help you decide which fits your lifestyle and goals. You can also explore our temporary jobs listings for current supply openings.
All Staff Direct placements pay above the National Minimum Wage, which stands at £11.44 per hour for adults aged 21 and over as set by the UK Government's National Minimum Wage rates. In practice, most London TA roles pay between £11.44 and £16.50 per hour depending on level, specialism, and borough. Level 3 TAs and SEN specialists typically command higher rates, while HLTA positions (covering planned teacher absences and leading groups independently) can reach £16.50+ per hour. Permanent roles follow the school's support staff pay scale. All supply placements are processed through our PAYE payroll, meaning you receive full employee entitlements including holiday pay accrual, pension auto-enrolment, and weekly payslips. There are no umbrella company deductions or admin fees.
Absolutely — SEN and SEND support is one of the most in-demand specialisms across all London boroughs, and Staff Direct has a dedicated database of specialist SEN teaching assistants matched to appropriate provisions. If you have experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, Down's syndrome, PMLD, social-emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), or physical disabilities, there are multiple openings available at both mainstream schools with resource bases and dedicated SEN schools. Schools look particularly for candidates familiar with the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process, de-escalation and positive behaviour support strategies, and relevant therapeutic approaches. Knowledge of augmentative communication systems such as Makaton or PECS is a significant advantage. Contact our education team directly or call 0333 188 0008 to discuss current SEN TA vacancies that match your experience.