Working with teaching assistants in primary schools

This video illustrates how teaching assistants (TAs) can help to raise the standards of pupils' work and behaviour. If TAs are set their own personal objectives, they can support teachers and schools effectively.

Drawing upon interviews with head teachers, special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs), teachers, TAs and LA staff, the video sets out to explore a range of issues relating to the management of TAs in schools. The video is made up of four sections:

• The role of the teaching assistant
• Planning and reviewing
• Training, mentoring and personal development
• Performance Management Appraisal.

The interviews provide a first-hand insight into the role of TAs in schools and how different schools have developed the role to suit their needs.

The leaflet accompanying the video includes more information on the four sections and ways in which four different schools have approached each issue, e.g. Thameside Infant School use performance management assessment (PMA) to develop the skills of their TAs while information and communications technology (ICT) TAs at Wray Common Primary School attend Thursday afternoon planning sessions with the rest of the staff to assess previous lessons and plan ahead.

The leaflet also suggests questions for discussion after viewing the video such as how to develop the role of the TA and how they can work with the teacher in the most productive manner.