Teaching Assistant (TA)
TAs work in mainstream schools and support the teacher in the classroom. They assist pupils both one-to-one and in groups and may specialise in a wide range of areas including literacy, English as an Additional Language (EAL) or community and world languages.
TAs are responsible for:
- helping to get the classrooms ready for lessons;
- listening to children read, reading to them or telling them stories;
- helping children with number work;
- helping with art and craft activities and displaying work;
- looking after children who are upset or have had accidents;
- educational games with children and encouraging them to learn through play;
- helping with outings and sports events;
- and helping with routine administrative tasks.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
HLTAs are experienced TAs who take on a greater degree of responsibility.
In addition to the responsibilities carried out by TAs, HLTAs may be responsible for:
- working alongside teachers to support learning activities;
- helping to plan lessons and prepare teaching materials;
- assessing, recording and reporting on the progress of pupils they work with;
- acting as specialist assistants for particular subjects;
- supervising the class in the teacher’s absence;
- supervising other support staff.
