Teaching Assistant

Relationships That Help Learning: TA Strategies for Knowing Pupils

What would happen if every pupil felt truly seen, heard and understood the moment they walked into school? This course gives teaching assistants the practical tools, relational strategies and confidence to make that vision a reality. Through clear guidance, real-world examples and evidence-informed approaches, you will learn how to notice pupils’ cues, build trust quickly, listen with intention and adapt your support to meet diverse needs. By the end, you will be equipped to create the small, everyday relational moments that transform engagement, strengthen wellbeing and unlock learning for every child in your care.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Ruth Wallwork & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

build positive, trusting relationships that enhance learning and wellbeing, using consistent, predictable interactions grounded in culturally responsive practice;
accurately interpret pupils’ verbal and non-verbal cues to understand their emotional state, readiness to learn and level of engagement;
use effective communication strategies – including active listening, open questions and scaffolded opportunities for pupil voice – to gather meaningful insights into pupils’ experiences;
record and share concise, purposeful information that informs teacher planning, supports smooth handovers, and contributes to coherent plans with teachers and families;
adapt relational approaches for diverse learners, including pupils with SEND, and EAL and neurodiverse pupils, and reflect systematically on practice, using pupil feedback to refine and improve support.

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: 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 1 and key stage 2. 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

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.