Expanding on the item in the weekly news roundup - The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has just released an updated report on how schools can deploy teaching assistants (TAs) more effectively to improve pupil outcomes.
The key message? It’s not just about having TAs in the room — it’s about using them purposefully and with proper planning.
Here are some of the main takeaways from the report:
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Be strategic: TAs should be deployed in line with school priorities, with clearly defined roles. Aimless support doesn’t work.
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Plan together: Teachers and TAs need time to talk. Regular joint planning helps ensure support is consistent, targeted, and impactful.
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Use structured interventions: TAs have the greatest impact when delivering evidence-based, targeted interventions — not when just floating around the classroom.
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Invest in CPD: Quality training for TAs is essential. They need the tools and confidence to support learners well.
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Review and adapt: Schools should be monitoring the impact of TA support, making adjustments as needed.
The EEF has also shared a free editable planning template and a worked example from Shotton Hall Research School to help schools put these principles into practice.
You can read the full update here: EEF News: Implementing Effective Teaching Assistant Deployment
What strategies do you use in your setting? Join the discussion here: https://community.stem.org.uk/discussion/maximising-support-for-pupils-implementing-effective-teaching-assistant-deployment