Key responsibilities of the job include:
providing support to children with mathematics, reading and writing on an individual, class or small group basis
giving extra help to children with special needs or those for whom English is not their first language
helping develop programmes of learning activities and to adapt appropriate materials
motivating and encouraging pupils
assisting with marking and correcting work
attending meetings and reviews
helping with school events, trips and activities
The role played by teaching assistants within schools can be vital in helping children gain basic literacy and numeric skills, particularly at key stage one.
The work
Your work would depend on the age of the children and their individual needs, but would usually involve:
helping with schoolwork under the supervision of the teacher
preparing learning materials
encouraging children to be confident and independent
helping children understand instructions
carrying out a child's care plan (education, social, behaviour and personal)
encouraging children to communicate
giving information and help to teachers
supporting children during social activities and outings
helping children during therapy sessions
recognising when children are upset and comforting them
looking after children's physical needs
keeping records.
You could work in a special school that supports children with severe or complex special educational needs, or with an individual pupil or small group of pupils in a mainstream class. -