Teaching Assistant

Choice‑Led Behaviour Support for TAs: Encouraging Independence

What if a simple shift in how you respond could transform behaviour, reduce conflict and build real independence in your pupils? This course equips teaching assistants with practical, choice-led behaviour strategies that help pupils stay engaged, feel respected and take ownership of their actions. Through clear guidance, real classroom scenarios and ready-to-use techniques, you will learn how to offer structured choices, use calm and neutral language, avoid power struggles and support pupils to understand the link between their decisions and outcomes. Designed specifically for TAs, this course will help you create a more predictable, supportive learning environment where pupils feel safe, capable and ready to succeed.

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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Jess Hursit & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

develop an understanding of Choice Theory and how it underpins calm, consistent behaviour support in the classroom;
use simple, realistic choices effectively to guide pupils back on track while maintaining their sense of control;
apply neutral, non-confrontational communication strategies, particularly in challenging or heightened situations;
support pupils to recognise and manage consequences constructively, without shame, escalation or loss of dignity;
establish supportive routines and professional judgement, including knowing when to step back and when to involve the teacher, to promote independence and readiness to learn.

Course Lessons

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

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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 courses that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Jess Hursit

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Jess Hursit is an experienced teacher with a strong background in maths education. As a former Maths Lead, she worked closely with Maths Hubs and supported the development of her school’s maths curriculum. Jess has worked in a leading training school, where her teaching was regularly observed by visiting educators, and she served as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

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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.