4th November 2024

The Importance of Teaching Assistants – A guide

The demands on UK schools have never been greater. With increasing class sizes, diverse learning needs, and pressure to deliver outstanding results, many schools are finding that strong teaching assistant (TAs) support has become essential rather than optional. If your school is considering expanding its support staff, or struggling to meet the needs of all pupils with current staffing levels, understanding the full impact of skilled teaching assistants can help you make more effective recruitment choices.

Why are teaching assistants so important in the classroom?

Teaching assistants go beyond basic assistance; TAs bridge the gap between teachers and students, meeting each child’s unique learning and emotional needs. Whether helping pupils with additional needs or lightening the load for teachers, TAs make a noticeable impact on daily classroom life. But that’s not all!

Support diverse learning needs 

First and foremost, TAs are there for personalised learning, making it possible to support both Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils and high achievers effectively, ensuring no child’s potential is overlooked. They provide fundamental one-to-one interventions, adapt learning materials in real-time, and help implement individual education plans efficiently so that every pupil has the chance to succeed. With this, if you’re looking to recruit TAs, look for candidates with experience in differentiation and SEND support – these skills are invaluable for maximising student progress across all ability levels.

Enhance classroom management

An effective TA will typically have the ability to transform the dynamic of the classroom, enabling teachers to implement more varied and ambitious learning strategies. They support teachers by reinforcing positive behaviour, guiding students through daily routines, and smoothing transitions between activities. TAs can also manage small group work, which allows teachers to focus on delivering the lesson’s core content. By helping keep students focused and on task, TAs create a calmer, more manageable environment, which directly supports better learning outcomes and allows teachers to teach with fewer interruptions.

Providing emotional support

Beyond academic responsibilities, TAs form valuable relationships with students, particularly those who may be vulnerable or in need of extra emotional support. Having an additional trusted adult in the classroom helps create a nurturing environment where students feel safe and supported. TAs play a vital role in supporting student wellbeing by providing a listening ear and helping resolve minor conflicts, which can make a real difference to students’ experience at school. This, in turn, translates directly into improved attendance, better engagement, and stronger academic outcomes for pupils.

Supporting teacher wellbeing

Investing in teaching assistants is investing in your teachers’ effectiveness. More specifically, TAs don’t just support students; they’re also crucial in easing teachers’ workloads. By handling some classroom responsibilities, such as monitoring progress and assisting with assessments, TAs give teachers the breathing room needed to focus on lesson quality and student engagement. Not only that, but TAs can also provide insights and observations on student behaviour and progress, making it easier to address issues early. This partnership allows teachers to work more sustainably, supporting their overall wellbeing and creating a positive impact on the school’s teaching environment.

Professional partnership benefits 

The most effective classrooms are those where teachers and TAs work seamlessly together. TAs collaborate with teachers on lesson planning and delivery, helping to reinforce learning goals through teamwork. This partnership improves student engagement and understanding, with TAs often bringing creative approaches and practical ideas to lessons. By working together, teachers and TAs provide more dynamic, well-rounded support for students, ultimately improving educational outcomes and creating a more balanced classroom dynamic.

Contribute to the school community

TAs don’t stop contributing when the day ends. They often support extra-curricular activities, like sports or arts clubs, and play a role in school events, making them valuable members of the wider school community. TAs are also instrumental in nurturing strong parent-teacher communication, helping to keep families informed of their child’s progress. This, in turn, creates a more connected and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.

If your school recognises the need for additional support, recruiting skilled teaching assistants could be the solution. At Engage, we specialise in connecting schools with exceptional TAs who can make an immediate impact. Request a callback today and let us help you find your next teaching assistant.