teaching assistant

Support Without Taking Over: Effective TA Interactions

This professional development course aims to equip teaching assistants (TAs) with the skills to effectively implement the
‘Least Help First’ principle to enhance pupil learning and foster independence. It will explore the concept of the ‘Hierarchy of Support’ and consider strategies to avoid ‘taking over’. The modules promote self-reflection, goal-setting and the continuous development of effective strategies to foster more effective TA interactions.
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Megan Wilson,
Saleena Sandhu
& 
Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand the 'Least Help First' principle and its theoretical basis;
apply the 'Scaffolding Framework' (Hierarchy of Support) to strategically minimise intervention;
acquire strategies for pupil independence, including increasing wait time and using effective open questioning;
facilitate productive struggle and learn to systematically fade support to prevent learned helplessness;
evaluate and reflect on your own interactions, set a personal development goal and plan its implementation in your practice.

Course Lessons

Written by: Megan Wilson

Megan is a Content Writer and Editor on the CPD team at Twinkl. She is an experienced former classroom teacher and subject leader. She holds a First Class Honours Undergraduate Degree in Primary Education (5-11) with QTS and a National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML). During her time as a classroom teacher, Megan led the development of multiple curriculum areas, serving as subject lead for computing, online safety, maths and science.

Presented by: Saleena Sandhu

Saleena is a Video Content Creator (VCC) 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 (ECTs).

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.