Teaching Assistants assist class teachers to promote pupils’ participation in learning and school life, supporting independence, inclusion and positive behaviour. They work with individual pupils and small groups (and where required whole‑class support), deliver interventions, promote pupils’ health and well‑being, and apply consistent behaviour strategies across classroom and non‑classroom settings.
Key responsibilities
Supporting pupils
- Build positive, trusted relationships with pupils to promote self‑esteem, independence and social inclusion.
- Support pupils with SEND (including those with EHCPs) and SEMH needs, following individual plans and agreed strategies.
- Deliver individual and small‑group interventions (e.g. phonics, fluency, pre‑teaching, catch‑up sessions) and record pupil progress accurately.
- Promote pupils’ health, wellbeing and safeguarding; escalate concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Support pupils’ pastoral needs and provide calm, patient support for pupils who are upset or distressed.
Teaching and learning
- Work with the class teacher to deliver differentiated learning activities inside and outside the classroom.
- Demonstrate an informed, evidence‑based approach and be willing to try a range of strategies, adapting approaches to meet individual needs.
- Support access to the full curriculum using appropriate scaffolds, resources and adaptive teaching techniques.
- Use effective behaviour management strategies to ensure a consistent approach across classroom, playground and other school settings.
- Prepare and organise classroom resources and learning spaces; support the presentation of displays.
- Use ICT to support and record pupil learning where appropriate.
- Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons and prepare as required.
- Observe, monitor and report on pupil attainment, engagement and barriers to learning; provide timely feedback to teachers.
Support for the teacher and school
- Assist with routine administrative tasks to support teaching staff and senior colleagues.
- Undertake supervision duties (including playground / breaktime supervision, lunchtime duties as required).
- Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, parents/carers and external professionals.
- Contribute to EHCP reviews, meetings, parents’ evenings and multi‑agency discussions as directed.
- Contribute to the maintenance of pupils’ safety, security and behaviour standards in line with school policies.
Professional development and practice
- Participate fully in the school’s appraisal and CPD processes; reflect on and develop practice.
- Take opportunities to develop relevant skills, qualifications and expertise (with support from the school).
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and follow coaching and feedback from leaders to improve practice.
Safeguarding, confidentiality and compliance
- Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education) and Manor Leas Junior Academy safeguarding and child protection policies.
- Promote the safeguarding and welfare of pupils at all times; report concerns immediately.
- Maintain confidentiality and act in accordance with school policies, Health & Safety requirements and any relevant local authority (LA) or governing body guidance.