Teaching assistants are one of the most important members of any school community. They support children academically, emotionally and socially, often forming strong relationships with pupils who need additional guidance or reassurance throughout the school day.
However, despite the crucial role they play in classrooms, many teaching assistants are paid far less than the level of responsibility their job now requires.
Over the years the expectations placed on teaching assistants have grown significantly. In many schools, TAs are now taking on duties that go far beyond the traditional role of classroom support.
The Reality of the Modern Teaching Assistant Role
Today, many teaching assistants are asked to:
run intervention groups
support children with SEND
help manage behaviour and emotional regulation
assist with planning learning activities
lead small teaching sessions
sometimes cover classes
communicate with parents
attend meetings about pupils
be observed as part of performance management
These are responsibilities that carry real accountability and require skill, experience and professionalism.
Yet for many teaching assistants, the pay does not reflect this level of responsibility.
If We Want These Responsibilities, We Need to Pay for Them
In many schools, teaching assistants are being asked to step into roles that resemble those of teaching staff. Some are even expected to carry out tasks such as planning lessons, leading learning or holding meetings with parents.
Personally, I do not believe it is fair to expect teaching assistants to take on these additional duties without proper recognition or pay.
If the role is expanding, then the pay and professional status should expand too.
Many teaching assistants would happily take on these responsibilities if they were appropriately compensated. But asking them to do so on a salary that is already widely recognised as low simply does not feel right.
Teaching Assistants Are Vital to Our Schools
The truth is that schools rely heavily on teaching assistants.
In busy classrooms, teachers cannot always give every child the individual attention they need. Teaching assistants step in to provide that support, particularly for pupils who require additional help.
They often play a key role in:
supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
helping children regulate emotions
building confidence in learners who struggle
reinforcing learning through small group work
supporting classroom routines and organisation
In many cases, teaching assistants become the trusted adult that children turn to when they need reassurance.
Their impact on pupils’ wellbeing and learning cannot be overstated.
Experience and Expertise Should Be Valued
One of the most overlooked aspects of the teaching assistant workforce is the depth of knowledge many of them hold.
Some teaching assistants have been working in schools for many years. They understand behaviour, learning needs and classroom environments incredibly well. They know how to support children who struggle and how to help them succeed.
Yet this experience is rarely reflected in pay structures.
Personally, I believe there should be a tiered system that recognises the skills, experience and years of service that teaching assistants bring to schools.
Such a system could reward:
years of experience
specialist SEND knowledge
additional responsibilities
leadership within support roles
This would not only recognise the value of experienced teaching assistants but also help schools retain skilled staff.
If We Lose Teaching Assistants, Schools Will Struggle
Many schools are already finding it difficult to recruit and retain teaching assistants. When pay does not reflect the responsibility of the role, people understandably look for other opportunities.
If this continues, schools risk losing some of their most dedicated and experienced staff.
Teaching assistants are not just extra help in the classroom. They are a vital part of the team that supports children every day.
Time to Value the Role Properly
If schools and policymakers want teaching assistants to take on greater responsibility, then the role must be properly valued.
This means:
fair pay
recognition of experience
clear role expectations
realistic workloads
Teaching assistants are essential to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, learning and development.
It is time we recognised that the role has changed — and that pay and respect for the profession should reflect that change.
Listen in to The Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast and explore the daily life responsibilities of teaching assistants and learning mentors.
