Do Teaching Assistants Actually Teach? TA Role in UK Schools

Ever wondered who the other adult in the classroom is? That’s often a Teaching Assistant or TA. They are a huge part of UK schools. Their numbers have grown a lot. Many now see them as essential. But here’s a big question many people ask: Do teaching assistants actually teach? And beyond that, what does a teaching assistant do all dayhttps://wisecampus.org.uk/what-does-a-teaching-assistant-do/? This role is more complex than you might think. Let’s dive in and explore what TAs really do. We will also look at the skills they gain. We’ll even see what other jobs teaching assistants can do.

The Everyday Hustle: What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?

A TA’s day is rarely quiet or simple. They juggle many different tasks. Think of them as the teacher’s ultimate support system.

• Classroom Preparation: They help get the classroom ready for lessons. This means preparing materials and setting up equipment. They might put out workbooks or get art supplies ready. This frees up teachers to focus on planning great lessons.
• Direct Student Support: TAs work directly with students, too. They often support individuals who need extra help. They might sit with a child struggling with reading. Or they could explain a tricky maths concept to a small group. This personal attention makes a real difference.
• Working with SEND Students: Many TAs work closely with students who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They help these students access learning. They adapt activities to suit individual needs.
• Pastoral Care: This is another big part of their job. TAs often look after children who are upset. They might comfort a child who has fallen in the playground.
• Behaviour Management: They also help manage classroom behaviour. They encourage positive interactions between students. They help create a calm and supportive learning space. This helps all children feel safe and ready to learn.
• Administrative Tasks: Don’t forget the admin work. TAs often help with tasks like photocopying. They might file student work or update records. They help keep the classroom organised. This behind-the-scenes work is vital. It helps the school day run smoothly.

So, what does a teaching assistant do? They do a bit of everything to support learning. Their role is incredibly varied and very demanding. They are truly a cornerstone of the modern classroom.

Ready to truly understand the incredible impact TAs have every single day? Read our blog to uncover the full scope of their vital contributions!

The Big Question: Do Teaching Assistants Actually Teach?

Now for that key question: Do teaching assistants actually teach? The answer is a bit yes and a bit no. It’s not straightforward.

The Official Stance vs. Reality

Officially, TAs are there to support the teacher. The main teaching responsibility lies with the qualified teacher. TAs help children with learning activities. They work under the teacher’s direction. They generally have limited freedom to make teaching decisions on their own.

However, the line often blurs in reality. Many TAs, especially experienced ones, do lead learning. This is particularly true for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs). HLTAs have extra training. They can plan and deliver lessons to whole classes. They often cover for teachers during planned absences. They might also lead specific intervention groups. This means they teach specific skills to students who need a boost.

The Expanding Role

Even regular TAs sometimes find themselves leading activities. They might guide a small group through a task. They might even cover a class for a short time if a teacher is unexpectedly absent. Research shows TAs spend a lot of their time in a direct teaching-like role. This is especially true when working with small groups or individual SEND pupils. This “job creep” is common. TAs often take on more responsibility than their job description says.

Schools increasingly rely on TAs for this kind of support. The rising number of SEND students in mainstream schools means more need for tailored help. TAs often provide this. Sadly, teachers rarely get specific training on how to best use their TAs. This can lead to TAs doing tasks they aren’t fully prepared for. It also means their teaching contribution sometimes goes unrecognised. So, while they might not be the lead teacher, many TAs definitely engage in teaching activities every single day.

The Stress Factor: More Than Just a Helping Hand

Being a TA can be incredibly rewarding. They make a real difference in children’s lives. Many TAs report high job satisfaction from this. They love building relationships with students. They enjoy seeing children learn and grow. This is what keeps many dedicated TAs on the job.

However, the role is often very stressful.

• Expanding Responsibilities: Their duties have expanded greatly over the years. “Job creep” means they constantly take on new tasks. This happens often without extra pay or training.
• Understaffing Pressures: Schools frequently face understaffing issues. This puts even more pressure on TAs. They might have to cover more classes. They might have less time for planning and preparation.
• Emotional and Physical Demands: Supporting students with diverse needs is also demanding. Working with children who have SEND or challenging behaviours requires huge emotional strength. It can be physically tiring, too. TAs often act as a listening ear for students. They deal with emotional situations daily.
• Constant Task Switching: The constant need to switch between tasks adds to mental fatigue. Noisy or overcrowded classrooms can make things even harder.

This creates an “altruism-burnout paradox.” TAs are driven by their desire to help. This makes them stay despite the challenges. But the system can sometimes take this goodwill for granted. Low pay is a major issue. Many TAs feel their pay doesn’t reflect their vital role. Opportunities for career progression are often limited. This combination of high demands, low pay, and limited prospects causes significant stress. It can lead to burnout and TAs leaving the profession.

Looking Ahead: The TA Role in 2025 and Beyond

The world of Teaching Assistants is set to change. There’s a growing recognition of their importance.

Positive Developments on the Horizon:

• Union Negotiations: Unions are actively negotiating for better pay and conditions. They are pushing for a minimum wage of £15 per hour for school support staff. They also want better leave and a shorter working week for some. These discussions are ongoing for the 2025/26 academic year.
• National Negotiating Body (SSSNB): A really positive step is the government’s plan to reinstate the School Support Staff Negotiating Body. This body will create a national handbook. It will cover terms, conditions, training, and career paths. This should bring more fairness and clarity to the TA role.
• New Apprenticeship: Professional development is also getting a boost. A new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship started in July 2025. This is a 15 to 18-month programme. It’s equivalent to a foundation degree. It offers experienced TAs a chance for structured career growth. The apprenticeship covers advanced learning, planning, and assessment. TAs can specialise in areas like SEND or social-emotional well-being. It even includes training in pedagogy. The best part? It’s often funded by the apprenticeship levy.

Ongoing Challenges:

However, challenges remain. Schools face tight budgets. Yet, the number of students with complex needs keeps rising. This creates a tough situation. Schools need more skilled TAs. But they might struggle to pay them appropriately. Recruiting and keeping TAs is already hard for many schools. Low pay is a big reason why. These new initiatives offer hope. However, their success depends on proper funding and support for schools.

Beyond the Classroom: What Other Jobs Can Teaching Assistants Do?

The skills TAs develop are incredibly valuable. They are not just limited to the classroom. So, what other jobs can teaching assistants do? Their experience opens up many doors.

Key Transferable Skills:

• Excellent communication.
• Patience and empathy.
• Highly organised.
• Great at problem-solving.
• Unique insights from working with children, especially those with SEND.

These transferable skills are sought after in many fields.

Potential Career Paths:

• Education (Different Roles): Learning Support Worker in colleges.
• Pastoral roles (e.g., Pastoral Support Worker, Behaviour Mentor).
• Youth Work: They already know how to engage young people.
• Social Care: Support workers for children or adults with disabilities.
• Training and Development: Using their skills to train others.
• Private Tutoring: Offering one-to-one support.
• Early Years: Childminding or working in a nursery.
• Teaching: With further qualifications, some TAs even become fully qualified teachers.

The possibilities are broad. TAs build a fantastic foundation of skills. These skills can take them in many exciting directions.

The Unsung Heroes of Our Schools

Teaching Assistants are clearly more than just helpers. They are a vital part of the school team. They support teachers in countless ways. They provide essential care and guidance to students. While the “official” line might be that they don’t “teach,” the reality is different. Many TAs, particularly HLTAs, are heavily involved in direct instruction. They lead groups and sometimes whole classes.

Their role is demanding and often stressful. Yet, they continue to make a profound impact. The future looks a bit brighter with new training opportunities. The push for better pay and recognition is gaining momentum. It’s high time we fully appreciated these dedicated professionals. They are the unsung heroes in many UK classrooms. Their contribution to children’s education and well-being is truly immense.

Ready to launch your TA career? Explore Wise Campus’s online Teaching Assistant Course today!