Maximising the Impact of Teaching Assistants

Rob Webster is a researcher at the UCL Institute of Education, London, UK, where he also leads the Maximising the Impact of Teaching Assistants programme. He has previously worked as a teaching assistant in mainstream and special schools.Anthony Russell was a researcher at the UCL Institute of Education, London, UK, and has previously worked as a teacher, science adviser and deputy director of the APU science team at King’s College, London, UK.Peter Blatchford is Professor in Psychology and Education at the UCL Institute of Education, London, UK, and has directed large-scale research programmes on class size, support staff and collaborative group work.

This highly informative, accessible book will help schools to transform the way they use teaching assistants, focusing on the quality of support rather than quantity, and greatly increasing their positive impact on the progress and attainment of pupils. An essential read for heads and teachers. - Sir John Dunford, Chair of Whole EducationAt their best, teaching assistants transform young lives. This happens when the leadership and management of TAs is excellent. This important book sets out a framework for excellence. It not only explains how achieving excellence takes time, planning, commitment and determination, but also describes good practice case studies throughout. - Marc Rowland, author and Deputy Director, National Education TrustThis book is a must read for all school practitioners, including trainee teachers. Based on relevant and recent research, it provides a comprehensive set of ideas for unlocking the full potential of all the adults working with our children. From creating a shared definition of the TA role, to ideas for training and development, this book will not only help ensure children make excellent progress, but also see that TAs feel valued and recognised for the job they do.- Helen Crowther, Deputy Headteacher, Beech Hill School, HalifaxThe authors frame complex issues in compelling and accessible language [and] translate research findings into practical applications for the classroom.- Michael Giangreco, Center on Disability and Community Inclusion, University of VermontThis book is an invaluable resource for school leaders. Teaching assistants make up a significant proportion of the education workforce and their effective deployment and practice are crucial aspects of school improvement. This book brings together recent national and international research, and provides schools with a systematic process to improve the status, management and impact of its TAs.- Sue Briggs, author and SEND consultant

• Introduction 1. The case for change: Why do schools need to rethink the role of TAs? 2. Conducting an audit of current practice 3. Defining your vision 4. The deployment of TAs 5. The practice of TAs 6. The preparedness of TAs 7. Conclusions Appendices Notes References Index