Teaching Assistants

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) 2015 reports on the best use of teaching assistants, usefully outlining these seven evidence-based recommendations:

7 Golden Rules

1. Teaching assistants should not be used as substitute teachers for low-attaining pupils 
2. Use teaching assistants to add value to what teachers do, not replace them 
3. Use teaching assistants to help pupils develop independent study skills and manage their own learning 
4. Ensure teaching assistants are fully prepared for their role in the classroom through out of class liaison with teachers 
5. Use teaching assistants to deliver high quality one-to-one and small group support using structured interventions 
6. Adopt evidence-based interventions to support teaching assistants in their small group and one-to-one instruction 
7. It is important what students learn from teaching assistants complements what they are being taught in the classroom.

Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants, EEF 2015, updated 2021

Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk)