Using your teaching assistants (TAs) effectively

Read our summary of the EEF's guidance on making the best use of teaching assistants (TAs), so you can maximise your TAs' impact on pupils' learning.

Last reviewed on 23 June 2021
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 8461
Contents
  1. How TAs can support teachers in the classroom
  2. Outside the classroom: use TAs for short, sustained interventions 
  3. Train TAs to maximise their effectiveness
  4. Clearly define the role in job descriptions 

In this article, we take you through the recommendations provided by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), that are outlined in this guidance report.

How TAs can support teachers in the classroom

Teaching assistants (TAs) are there to complement not replace teachers. This is because all pupils should first receive high-quality teaching to address their needs and struggling pupils should have as much time with the teacher as others. 

Rotating roles - the teacher works with one group on a task and the TA works with another. The next day, they rotate roles so all pupils get equal access to the teacher  Getting TAs involved with whole-class delivery - for example, use TAs to write answers on the whiteboard, or demonstrate equipment. This will allow