Teaching assistants (TAs)

Teaching assistants work alongside teachers in the classroom, helping pupils with their learning on an individual or group basis. Some specialise in areas such as literacy, numeracy, special education needs, music, English as an additional language, and the creative arts.

Watch a video of teaching assistant Ruth Russell talking about her role.  

Higher level teaching assistants

Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) are experienced teaching assistants who plan and deliver learning activities under the direction of a teacher and assess, record and report on pupils’ progress. They may also manage other classroom-based staff or may supervise a class in a teacher's absence.

Watch a video of HLTA Polly Herbert talking about her role.

Find out more about the role and how to become an HLTA.

Nursery nurses

Nursery nurses work in co-operation with a teacher, looking after the social and educational development of children. Their work involves planning and supervising activities and keeping parents up-to-date with their child's progress. 

Cover supervisors

Cover supervisors are suitably-trained school staff who supervise pupils when teaching staff are absent.