The Difference a Teaching Assistant Can Make in a Child's Life

Teaching Assistants (TAs) frequently go unnoticed—but their impact on the lives of children is profound and measurable. In UK classrooms, a skilled TA becomes both a learning partner and a source of social and emotional support. Here’s how they make a real difference.

1. Enhancing Learning Through Targeted Support

Evidence consistently shows that TAs boost academic progress when they deliver structured, evidence-based interventions to small groups or individuals. According to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), children working with trained TAs in focused interventions make, on average, four to six months’ additional progress in literacy and maths compared to peers receiving usual classroom instruction Programmes like 1stClass@Number 1, which trains TAs to lead targeted maths support for Year 2 pupils, demonstrated measurable improvement in numeracy—even for disadvantaged learners. These findings highlight how well-deployed TA intervention can help children catch up and thrive.

2. Supporting Inclusivity and Social Confidence

Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) often benefit most from TA involvement. Reliable research shows TAs contribute positively not just academically but also socially and emotionally—helping children build confidence, manage behaviour, and feel included in class life

One study noted that TAs consistently display a pastoral role, understanding both learning and social needs of pupils, particularly those requiring extra support. This kind of inclusive support encourages better participation from all children, regardless of ability

3. Building Independence with the Right Approach

Professional guidance on deploying TAs focuses on supporting, not replacing, the classroom teacher. Best practice involves using TAs to help prepare pupils for lessons, scaffold tasks, build independence, and reduce reliance over time—rather than becoming a permanent crutch

When TAs deliver well-trained, short, and structured support sessions, pupils are empowered to learn more effectively and become less dependent as they grow competent.

4. Improving Classroom Management and Reducing Teacher Fatigue

Beyond direct child-focused support, TAs play a valuable role in enhancing classroom operations. They assist with behaviour management, supervise group activities, and help manage administrative or digital resources, freeing teachers to focus on teaching.

During the COVID period and beyond, TAs also helped schools remain functional amid staffing shortages and remote learning demands, reducing stress on teachers and safeguarding continuity of pupil learning

5. Impact on School Climate and Pupil Well-Being

TAs help cultivate a positive school environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and encouraged. Evidence ties smaller class sizes and additional adult support to improved school climate, higher attendance, better attitudes, and greater engagement—especially in early years and with disadvantaged students

TAs also serve as a vital link between parents, teachers, and the school community, providing reassurance and consistency for vulnerable pupils and their families.

6. Real Classroom Stories of Difference

Teachers and parents often highlight the personal impact TAs have:

“I encountered a class with 26 pupils identified with special educational needs… the TA built strong relationships with many children—they understood not only learning needs but social ones too.” – Research into TA roles shows how meaningful these connections can be Such availability and emotional attunement can make all the difference when a pupil feels unsure or struggles academically

7. Key to Closing the Attainment Gap

Structured TA-led programmes have demonstrated success in closing gaps in attainment. For learners eligible for Free School Meals or with SEND, the progress made through focused support often equals several months of additional learning—helping to level the playing field

However, it's vital that interventions are well-designed, time-limited, and aligned with high-quality teaching, so support complements rather than replaces the teacher’s role.

Final Thoughts

A Teaching Assistant can truly transform a child's school experience—enhancing learning, boosting confidence, and supporting well-being. But the impact isn’t automatic. It relies on purposeful deployment, structured training, and collaboration between teachers and TAs.

When used well, TAs help every child—including those with additional needs—access high-quality teaching. They reduce teacher pressure, enrich classroom dynamics, and, above all, create a more inclusive learning environment.

Call to Action

If you're an educator or school leader, consider how TAs are deployed in your setting. Are they trained for structured interventions? Are they helping to foster independence and inclusivity? Share your strategies or experiences in the comments below and help build a stronger support culture in more schools.

Would you like help developing TA training plans or intervention frameworks? Feel free to reach out—let’s empower every child with the support they deserve.