Role of teaching assistant

The role of a TA varies from school to school. TAs may work supporting an individual or a group of pupils, or they may support the teacher in the classroom. Some schools employ TAs with a specialism, such as literacy, numeracy, English as an additional language, the creative arts or special education needs. TAs work under the guidance/supervision of the classroom teacher. Day-to-day tasks could include: * planning, delivering and evaluating teaching and learning activities * preparing the classroom for lessons * helping pupils who need extra support to complete tasks, individually and in groups * observing pupil performance and reporting on observations to the teacher * supervising art and craft activities and displaying work * looking after children who are upset or have had accidents * playing educational games with children and encouraging younger children to learn through play * setting up information and communication technology (ICT) resources and supporting teaching and learning through the use of ICT * listening to pupils read, reading to them, or telling them stories * helping with outings and sports events, and * carrying out routine administrative tasks * Higher level teaching assistants * HLTAs work in the school alongside the teacher, providing valuable support for teaching and learning activities. HLTAs work right across the curriculum, acting as a specialist assistant for a specific subject or department or helping to plan lessons and develop support materials. * Visit our HLTA pages for more information on becoming an HLTA and what is involved in your training and assessment. Foundation stage TAs work with a teacher to look after the social and educational development of children from early infancy to five years old. Their work involves planning and supervising activities and keeping parents up-to-date with their child’s progress. Day-to-day tasks could include: * encouraging children to develop social, number and language skills at their own pace * supporting teachers in taking care of children’s personal needs * supporting teachers in taking children on outings * observing and assessing children and reporting to teachers * working alongside teachers making sure children are safe at all times, and * working closely with parents and carers.