Leadership

Pupils using teaching assistants make less progress

Well-trained teaching assistants are a key resource in many schools and are used very effectively. But without the proper training and supervision, teaching assistants could be doing more harm than good.

Well-trained teaching assistants are a key resource in many schools and are used very effectively. But without the proper training and supervision, teaching assistants could be doing more harm than good.

There has been a huge expansion of support staff in schools since 2005. But a new government-funded study suggests that pupils who receive help from teaching assistants are making less progress than classmates of similar ability.

Many teaching assistants are a key resource in schools. They relieve teacher workloads and can help improve class behaviour. Most are employed with specific responsibilities to work with individual children with special educational needs, providing much-needed extra support. Others are given more general classroom responsibilities.

Moreover, teaching assistants are not just part of the staff, but are part of a team. The assistance they give teachers and pupils leads to reduced teacher workloads and greater job satisfaction.

So why does a new report from the Institute of Education show that primary and secondary pupils supported by teaching assistants make less progress on average than those of similar ability, social class and gender who do not receive such assistance? In fact, the study shows the more support they receive, the fewer gains they make, which is an incredible claim. 

<--- The article continues for users subscribed and signed in. --->

Enjoy unlimited digital access to Teaching Times.
Subscribe for £7 per month to read this and any other article
  • Single user
  • Access to all topics
  • Access to all knowledge banks
  • Access to all articles and blogs
Subscribe for the year for £70 and get 2 months free
  • Single user
  • Access to all topics
  • Access to all knowledge banks
  • Access to all articles and blogs