Teaching Assistant

Smooth Transitions: Strategies for TAs Supporting Pupils Through Change

Have you ever noticed how some pupils struggle quietly when moving to a new class or key stage? ‘Smooth Transitions: Strategies for TAs Supporting Pupils Through Change’ equips teaching assistants with practical tools, clear scripts and simple routines to help pupils feel safe, confident and ready to learn during times of change. The course explores how to prepare pupils in advance, introduce new adults and environments calmly, build peer relationships quickly and adapt strategies for pupils with SEND, as well as EAL and neurodiverse learners. By combining evidence-informed approaches with ready-to-use actions, it empowers TAs to make transitions smoother, reduce anxiety and ensure continuity in learning and emotional support.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Saleena Sandhu  & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand how pupils experience transitions and recognise the emotional, behavioural and social responses that commonly arise;
plan and establish predictable routines, visual supports and structured preparation to reduce uncertainty before transitions occur;
introduce new adults, settings and expectations through low-anxiety, relationship-focused approaches that support co-regulation and emotional safety;
tailor transition processes – including gradual exposure, personalised scaffolds and communication approaches – to meet the needs of pupils with SEND, EAL and neurodiverse profiles;
work collaboratively with pupils, families and staff to co-design, record and review effective transition plans that prioritise both academic and emotional needs.

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: Saleena Sandhu

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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

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.