What is the hourly rate- Teaching Assistant?

[sair5412]

Can anybody tell me what the average rate of pay is (per hour) for a teaching assistant? Also, has anybody heard of a "special needs allowance"? Whereby the teaching assistants wage is topped up if they work with a child with special needs. Thanks

[sunflower68]

Hi sair I am a TA in a special needs school. I have been there 6 years and am on just over 8pounds per hour. And that is the rate AFTER promotion!!
I do get paid the same amount on the last day of each month irrespective of holidays which is a bonus to a mum of schoolkids like me.
I believe the rates vary from county to county; where I live it is a lower rate to Bedfordshire next door.
I do think the teachers are on a better rate but TA's no.

[sair5412]

thanks sunflower. I have recently qualified as a level 3 teaching assistant. i have had voluntary experience in the local school that my son attends. They have now offered me supply work and for the next few months i have 4 hours per week. I didnt ask what the pay was going to be as it was only this afternoon and i was just pleased to be offered the work! But they did mention there would be a "special needs allowance" on top of that. (whatever it may be!) :-/

[sunflower68]

That's great news sair I am sure you will love the job and all the more so for being paid for doing it. Nice to have the top up allowance too!
I began in this field through supply work; if you did want more hours would you consider joining an agency? You could pick and choose how many more hours you work.

[thugulike]

All Local Authorities have different rates of pay. The SEN allowance is published in the Green Book and can be found on the Unison website.

[sair5412]

Thank you very much sunflower and thugulike! i will have a look now. I am going on the supply register for my area as i would love more hours! Only got 4 at the moment and as i am a single parent on benefits, i only get to keep the first �20 of anything i earn below 16 hours then they knock it off my benefit � for �. I'm not too bothered as i see my benefit as payment for the work i am doing but for some people it is hardly an incentive! Anyway, i am going completely off the subject so i will go and have a look at that Unison website!

Thanks again!! :-)