If you are looking for a career that offers variety, flexibility and the chance to make a real difference in your local community, teaching assistant jobs are definitely worth considering. Whether you are a parent looking to return to work, a recent graduate or simply wanting to move away from a desk job and have a passion for working with children, the classroom is a much more accessible environment than you might think.
At Principal Resourcing, we support schools and academies across Hull, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and North East Lincolnshire. We know that the best support staff come from all walks of life. And you don’t need a lifetime of classroom experience to get started; often, it is your personality, patience, and great communication skills that matter most.
If you are currently searching for teaching assistant jobs in Hull or in the wider region, here are our top tips to help you to confidentially secure your next role.
Focus on your life experience
Many people talk themselves out of applying for teaching assistant jobs because they feel they lack “formal” experience. However, if you have raised children, coached a local sports team, or even looked after younger siblings, you already have many of the core skills schools are looking for.
When updating your CV, think about times you have had to explain a task clearly, manage a disagreement, or encourage someone who was struggling. These are exactly the kinds of situations you will face in a classroom. Highlighting your “people skills” and your ability to stay calm is often just as important as having a specific qualification.
Get to know your local schools
One of the best things about looking for teaching assistant jobs in Hull and the surrounding area is the sheer variety of schools in our region. From the busy city academies in Hull to the smaller village schools in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, every setting has a different feeling and its own unique challenges.
When you have been informed of the school you could be placed in, take a quick look at the school’s website. You aren’t looking for complex data; just try to get a sense of what they value. Do they focus heavily on outdoor learning? Are they proud of their music department? Mentioning a small detail like this during an interview shows that you are genuinely interested in their specific school community, which goes a long way.
Keep your CV simple and clear
When compiling your CV start with a short statement about you and your key skills. If you have a lot of skills, list these separately and highlight and education and training you have completed. ensure you show your full work history from leaving school. Do not worry if you do not have continuous work history as you have most likely picked up transferable skills during that time.
Most schools and education recruitment agencies are looking for individuals who can clearly display empathy and a passion for working with children. Use clear bullet points to list your previous roles and focus on transferable skills. If you worked in retail, you are great at dealing with the public. If you worked in an office, you are organised and good at administration. These are all useful in a school setting. Make sure your contact details are up to date so that when the right role in North East Lincolnshire or North Yorkshire comes up, we can reach you quickly.
Understanding the different roles available
The term “Teaching Assistant” is actually a bit of an umbrella term. When you start looking for teaching jobs or support roles, you will see various titles. Don’t let the jargon put you off!
- General TA: You will support the teacher with the whole class.
- 1:1 Support: You will work closely with one specific pupil who might need a little extra help with their lessons or social skills.
- SEN Assistant: You will work with children who have Special Educational Needs.
Many people find that they naturally gravitate towards one of these areas once they get into the classroom. You don’t have to decide right away; starting as a general assistant is a fantastic way to see which role suits you best.
The importance of being a “team player”
A school is a small community, and the teaching assistant is often the glue that holds a classroom together. Teachers value assistants who are proactive. This can be as simple as noticing a child who doesn’t have a pencil or tidying up a craft area while the teacher finishes a story.
In your interview or registration meeting, give examples of how you like to help out and work as part of a team. Schools in Hull and East Yorkshire are looking for friendly, “can-do” individuals who are happy to roll up their sleeves and get involved with school life.
Why use a local education recruitment agency?
Searching for work can sometimes feel like a full-time job in itself. This is where a specialist education recruitment agency like Principal Resourcing comes in. Because we cover Hull, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and North East Lincolnshire, we have a complete view of the local teaching job market.
When you register with us, we do the hard work for you. If you have a good work ethic and empathy, we’ll match your personality and your location to the schools that need you most. We make sure that all the relevant checks are completed before putting you forward for work, including references, ID checks and enhanced child workforce DBS checks.
We offer a range of free training resources. If you have minimal experience in the classroom, we can provide you with the tools and knowledge required. We offer all teaching assistants access to our online training platform, where you can access our webinars, courses and podcasts. It is a great way to upskill or build your confidence before you step through the school gates.
Be yourself
The most important tip for securing teaching assistant jobs in Hull is to be yourself. Schools thrive on teaching assistants who bring their personality to a classroom. If you are kind, dependable, and have a good sense of humour, you are already halfway there.
Teaching assistants are some of the most valued members of staff in any school. They provide the emotional and practical support that allows children to thrive. If you enjoy helping others and want a job that feels meaningful, this is a very achievable and rewarding career path.
Taking the next step as a Teaching Assistant
If you are ready to explore the world of education, the first step is to get in touch. You don’t need a perfectly polished plan; you just need a willingness to learn and a passion for helping the next generation in our region.
If you are looking for the next step in your career, and you are able to carry out all the necessary recruitment checks and employment references, Principal Resourcing should be able to help you find your dream role.
Speak to one of the dedicated consultants at Principal Resourcing to find out how you can find teaching assistant roles in Hull and further afield in North Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.
