Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid in The Holidays?

Being a teaching assistant is incredibly rewarding. And, depending on your contract, it can be very rewarding in August. That’s because some TA contracts dictate that teaching assistants get paid even during the holidays. That’s right – you could get paid in August despite not going into work that month!

However, the techicalties regarding how TAs get paid vary from contract to contract. In this article, we’re going to explain the official pay structure and what you can expect from your pay depending on the specifics of your contract.

Understanding the Pay Structure

Teaching assistants are typically paid according to the support staff pay scale, which begins at £17,364. However, the actual pay a teaching assistant receives can be a little more complex to calculate due to the varying nature of the role. Factors such as the fluctuation in working hours and term-time working can result in actual pay being less than what a full-time, full-year worker might earn on the relevant scale point.

If you’re on a permanent full-time contract, you’ll typically receive school holidays as paid leave. This contract type ensures that your annual salary is evenly distributed over 12 months. This way, you receive the same amount each month, including during the summer break in August. So even though you may not be at work, you’re still receiving a consistent income.

However, most teaching assistants are on term-time-only contracts.

Term-time work can mean teaching assistants are paid based on a 38- or 39-hour working year, plus four or five weeks of paid holiday. This means you typically don’t get paid for school holidays but should receive four or five weeks of holiday pay per year. The length of your annual leave can sometimes increase based on your years of service.

Benefits of Being a Teaching Assistant

Aside from the financial considerations, there are so many advantages to becoming a teaching assistant. The role offers significant job satisfaction and the school hours offer a good work-life balance, especially appealing to those with families or commitments outside work.

The school holiday periods provide an excellent opportunity for rest and relaxation. Having time off gives you the opportunity to spend time with family, travel or pursue hobbies.

Teaching assistants should also be eligible to join the local authority’s sick pay and pension scheme, providing additional financial security and benefits.

The consistent monthly income, alongside the many other benefits of the role, make becoming a teaching assistant a highly rewarding career choice. If you’re considering becoming a teaching assistant, CTC Training offers comprehensive courses that provide the qualifications and skills you need to succeed in this essential and fulfilling role.

Enrol today to unlock your potential.