Most teaching assistant agencies are built around supply. A phone call at 7 am, a placement for the day, a different school next week. That works for some people. It’s not what we do.
Pineapple Recruitment places teaching assistants permanently. We don’t run a supply desk, and we don’t send TAs out on day-to-day cover. Every placement we make is meant to last, for the school and for the person taking the role.
If you’re a school that needs a TA on your team for the long term, or a TA looking for one school to build a career in, that’s the gap we sit in.
For Schools: Recruiting Teaching Assistants Permanently
A TA who leaves after a term costs a school more than the recruitment fee. New relationships with pupils, new routines to learn, another induction to run. We work with schools to avoid that cycle by finding people who fit the role and the culture from the start.
Our process starts with your school, not our database. We take the time to understand your setting, your pupils, and the kind of person who’ll work well in your team before we put anyone forward. Every candidate we introduce has been through a values-based interview, not just a skills check.
We recruit teaching assistants across:
General classroom TAs, Foundation to Key Stage 4
SEN and SEND TAs, including 1:1 and specialist support roles
Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)
Cover Supervisors and pastoral support roles
Qualifications and right-to-work checks are handled by us. DBS and KCSIE checks are completed by your school, in line with safer recruitment practice.
Need a teaching assistant for your school? Book an introductory call and tell us about your setting.
For Candidates: Finding a Permanent TA Role
If you’ve done supply work, you already know the trade-off. Flexibility, but no security. A different school most weeks, and no real chance to get to know the pupils you’re supporting.
We only work with schools who want to fill a role for the long term, so every vacancy we register you for is a permanent one. That means you get to build relationships with the same pupils and the same staff, term after term, rather than starting over every few weeks.
Registering with us gets you:
Access to permanent TA vacancies before they’re advertised elsewhere
Free CPD, running from registration through your first term in post
A one-to-one career consultation to match you to the right school, not just any school
Interview coaching, including a briefing on the school’s culture before you go in
Looking for your next teaching assistant role? Register with us today or browse current vacancies.
Permanent vs Supply: Why It Matters
Most TA agencies you’ll find are supply-first, offering day rates and short notice cover alongside longer contracts. Pineapple only manages permanent placements.
Supply agency | Pineapple | |
Placement length | Day-to-day, term, or ongoing | Permanent only |
School relationship | Different schools, ongoing rotation | One school, long term |
Candidate vetting | Varies by agency | Values-based interview + skills check |
Cost to schools | Ongoing agency fees for repeat cover | One-off placement fee |
Supply has a place. If a school needs cover tomorrow morning, a supply agency is the right call. But if you’re trying to build a stable team, or you’re a TA who wants to stop restarting every few months, permanent recruitment solves a different problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a teaching assistant agency do?
A teaching assistant agency matches schools that need TA staff with candidates looking for TA roles, handling advertising, screening, interviews, and compliance checks on both sides. Some agencies focus on supply and day-to-day cover; others, like Pineapple, focus only on permanent placements.
Is Pineapple Recruitment a supply or permanent TA agency?
Pineapple is a permanent-only agency. We don’t offer supply, day-to-day cover, or short-term contracts for teaching assistant roles. Every TA vacancy we handle is for a permanent position.
What qualifications do I need to become a teaching assistant?
Requirements vary by school and role. Some schools ask for a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, while others recruit on relevant experience alone. SEN and SEND TA roles often require additional training. Speak to our team about what a specific vacancy needs.
Does it cost anything for schools to use a teaching assistant agency?
Agencies typically charge schools a placement fee rather than charging candidates. Fee structures vary between agencies and depend on the role and contract type. Contact us for our current rates.
Can I use Pineapple for supply teaching assistant cover?
No. We specialise exclusively in permanent placements. If you need day-to-day or short-term supply cover, we’re not the right agency for that, but we’re happy to point you toward the permanent side of your staffing plan.
Ready to Start the Partnership?
For Schools: Book an introductory call or arrange a school visit.
For Candidates: Register today or book a career consultation.