Free teaching assistant cover letter template

A full example for a SEND teaching assistant post in a primary school, and what to mention in yours.

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A teaching assistant cover letter in the Starter design, with a made-up name and a typed signature

Teaching assistant cover letter example

Holly Brennan, Teaching Assistant (SEND), Year 2 · two years as a one-to-one teaching assistant

Dear Mrs Clarke,

I am applying for the Teaching Assistant (SEND) post in Year 2. For the past two years I have been a one-to-one teaching assistant in Reception and Year 1, supporting children with autism and speech and language needs, and I would like to keep developing in this area.

In my current school I run daily Read Write Inc. phonics groups and short maths interventions, and I use visual timetables, now-and-next boards and the Zones of Regulation to help children through their day. I keep notes on each child’s targets with the class teacher and our SENCo, so that reviews have clear evidence.

I hold a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, paediatric first aid and Team Teach training, and my enhanced DBS is on the Update Service.

Your school’s focus on early reading is a big part of why I am applying. I would be glad to visit, meet the team and see the classroom.

Yours sincerely,
Holly Brennan

Or write yours from the job advert

What to mention in a teaching assistant cover letter

Keep it to one page. Pick what the advert stresses most, and give an example for each point.

Writing the CV too? See the teaching assistant CV template and our teaching assistant CV example.

  1. The age group and needs

    The year groups you know and the needs you have supported, such as autism, ADHD or speech and language.

  2. What you do with pupils

    Interventions, phonics groups, reading, behaviour support and the strategies you use.

  3. Working with adults

    How you work with the class teacher, the SENCo, therapists and parents.

  4. Qualifications and checks

    A teaching assistant qualification, safeguarding training, paediatric first aid and your enhanced DBS.

  5. Why this school

    Something specific from its website or latest inspection report, such as its approach to reading or its SEND provision.

Teaching assistant cover letters: your questions

Should a teaching assistant cover letter mention safeguarding?

Yes, briefly: your safeguarding training and when you did it, and that you hold an enhanced DBS. It shows you take it as seriously as the school does.

What if I have no experience in a school?

Use what you have: volunteering or reading with pupils, Brownies, Scouts or a sports club, childcare, or support work. Say what it taught you about helping children learn and behave well.

How long should a teaching assistant cover letter be?

Less than one page. If the school asks for a supporting statement with its application form, it can be longer, and should follow the person specification.

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Your turn. Write yours

Paste the job advert and make the draft your own. Download it in your CV’s design, with your signature.

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