Teaching Assistant

Supporting, Not Sticking: Moving Beyond the Velcro Model for TAs

Have you ever noticed how some pupils rely on adult help for every step of their learning? 'Supporting, Not Sticking: Moving Beyond the Velcro Model for TAs' explores how teaching assistants can break this cycle, fostering independence, resilience and confidence in all learners. Through evidence-informed strategies, you will learn how to provide timely, purposeful support that reinforces teaching without replacing it, scaffold thinking effectively and work flexibly across the classroom. The course also covers inclusive approaches for pupils with SEND, practical language and behaviour techniques to promote autonomy, and reflective tools to help you refine your practice. By the end, you will be equipped to support learning in ways that empower pupils, strengthen whole-class engagement and make your impact as a TA more strategic and sustainable.

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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Jess Hursit & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand the limitations of the ‘Velcro Model’ of support and its impact on pupil independence, inclusion and long-term learning outcomes;
explore evidence-informed alternatives to dependency-driven support, including strategies that promote thinking, resilience and self-regulation through purposeful scaffolding;
develop practical approaches to flexible and strategic deployment, ensuring support benefits all learners rather than unintentionally narrowing provision for pupils with SEND or lower prior attainment;
strengthen collaborative classroom practice, enabling teachers to work effectively with lower attainers while maintaining whole-class presence and instructional impact;
reflect critically on personal and team practice, identifying actionable steps to shift from attachment-based support towards intentional, independence-building provision.

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.