Teaching Assistant

Bridging the SPaG Gap for TAs: Supporting EAL Learners and Pupils with SEND

Why do some pupils who seem to understand grammar rules still find it difficult to use them confidently in their writing? This course explores the deeper reasons behind the SPaG attainment gap, equipping teaching assistants with practical, research-informed strategies to support both EAL learners and pupils with SEND effectively. You will develop an understanding of how language exposure, cognitive load and cultural context influence pupil outcomes, while learning how to model language, use scaffolds and gently apply targeted strategies that build confidence without undermining identity. Through a focus on high-impact vocabulary, transferable sentence structures and meaningful application, this course will help you create inclusive, supportive learning environments where all pupils can access, understand and use language with increasing independence.
Write your awesome label here.

Yiotina Achilleos-Dania,
 Saleena Sandhu & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

understand some of the key factors that can influence SPaG attainment, classroom participation and pupil confidence, including socioeconomic background, home language and linguistic exposure;
develop targeted strategies for EAL learners to support the meaningful application of grammatical knowledge, particularly where cultural or contextual understanding is a barrier;
adapt SPaG teaching for pupils with SEND using visual, tactile and structured supports that reduce cognitive load and build independence;
narrow attainment gaps by prioritising high-frequency vocabulary, standard forms and transferable grammatical structures that support long-term progress;
use sensitive correction techniques that respect pupils’ home dialects while explicitly teaching Standard English, and build cultural and linguistic capital through accessible, meaningful contexts.

Course Lessons

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania 

Empty space, drag to resize
Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful resources that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Saleena Sandhu 

Empty space, drag to resize
Saleena is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She has over 10 years of experience as a primary school teacher, having taught across the full primary range from EYFS to year 6. Saleena has also supported and mentored trainee and early career teachers.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins 

Empty space, drag to resize
Carly Watkins has over twenty years of experience as a primary school teacher, including several years as an Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for whole-school curriculum development and overseeing pupil progress and attainment. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Education Practice and a NPQ in Leading Teacher Development.

Carly has been a mentor for both student and Early Career Teachers and currently facilitates the Early Career Framework for ECTs and their mentors, delivering training at conferences and via online seminars. At Twinkl PD, Carly heads up pedagogical professional development, a role which means she can support educators to develop their personal practice and pedagogy, something she is passionate about, on a national scale.