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What a teaching assistant does
A teaching assistant works alongside teachers to support learning in the classroom. The role includes helping prepare lessons and materials, working with individuals or small groups, and supporting children who need extra help, including those with additional needs.
The job blends education support with pastoral care, helping pupils stay engaged, build confidence and feel included. Teaching assistants follow the teacher’s direction and the school’s policies.
Core responsibilities
- Supporting pupils individually and in small groups.
- Helping prepare lessons, materials and the classroom.
- Supporting children with additional needs.
- Encouraging engagement, behaviour and confidence.
- Supervising activities, breaks and transitions.
- Following safeguarding and school policies.
Skills and qualities
- Patience, encouragement and a calm manner.
- Good communication with children and staff.
- Reliability and adaptability.
- Awareness of safeguarding and inclusion.
- Organisation and willingness to follow direction.
- Enthusiasm for helping children learn.
Typical employers and settings
- Primary and secondary schools.
- Special and additional-needs settings.
- Nurseries and early-years settings.
- Education and supply staffing agencies.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly by schools or through education agencies.
- Background checks are standard for anyone working with children.
- Screening considers experience, values and right to work.
- Interviews may include a classroom task or observation.
- Onboarding covers safeguarding, policies and the school’s routines.
Documents involved
- A job description setting out classroom-support duties.
- An employment contract or agency assignment terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Background and reference checks as required.
- A safeguarding and induction record.
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