TEACHing Assistants

Collaborating with Colleagues: A TA's Guide to Adaptive Teaching

Ever wondered how teaching assistants (TAs) can make the biggest impact on pupil learning beyond simply supporting tasks? This course shows TAs how to work collaboratively with teachers to adapt lessons and interventions to meet the needs of all learners, including those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and higher attainers. Participants will explore the theory behind adaptive teaching, learn practical strategies for observing, scaffolding and extending learning, and develop tools for efficient communication and feedback. By the end of the course, TAs will be confident in using evidence-informed approaches to support pupils, inform lesson adaptations and contribute meaningfully to planning and professional dialogue.

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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania,
Ruth Wallwork & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

understand the key theories that underpin scaffolding and adaptive teaching and how these apply in the primary classroom;
recognise the benefits of adaptive teaching and how it differs from traditional differentiation by task, with a focus on supporting all learners to access the same curriculum;
develop skills in two-way dialogue with teachers, learning how to share observations, assessment insights and feedback that meaningfully inform classroom practice;
explore practical strategies for efficient communication and evidence-gathering, ensuring timely, workload-friendly ways of sharing pupil progress and needs;
apply approaches for collaborative planning and adapting interventions, so that teachers and teaching assistants (TAs) can work together effectively to meet the needs of all learners.

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 year 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 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: Ruth Wallwork

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Ruth is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She is an experienced primary teacher, having taught across both key stage one and key stage two. Ruth has worked as part of a music partnership, delivering high quality music lessons in a range of educational settings, including SEND and secondary schools. Ruth has also held leadership roles, including Head of Primary Music. She holds a degree in Music and Musical Theatre, a PGCE in Primary Education, and is currently working towards a qualification in Primary Music Leadership.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

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Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.