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In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Rob Webster, Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Life Course Development at the University of Greenwich. With over two decades of research in special educational needs and the school workforce, Rob addresses the crucial role teaching assistants play in holding together school communities and student wellbeing. The conversation tackles the systemic challenges facing TAs—such as workload, deployment, professional recognition, and inadequate school funding—while exploring how school leaders can actively value and support this essential workforce.
Takeaways- Teaching assistants as essential school infrastructure: TAs function as the "mortar in the brickwork" of schools, directly driving pupil wellbeing, classroom management, and overall operational stability.
- The impact of improper deployment: Utilising TAs for routine class cover to manage teacher shortages disrupts targeted SEN interventions, heightens TA workload stress, and undermines professional relationships.
- Cultivating professional standing and recognition: School leaders can drive cultural change through simple, low-cost actions like public celebrations, inclusion in team meetings, and explicit daily gratitude.
- Targeted training and professional development: Addressing TA CPD gaps with tailored, in-house opportunities boosts confidence, improves retention, and creates clear pathways for those seeking career progression into teaching.
- Understanding the TA workforce: Leaders must proactively engage with TAs to map out their skills, identify training needs, and understand their specific workplace challenges to build a supportive environment.
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00:00 - Introduction and National Teaching Assistants Day - Becky Dawson introduces the episode, celebrates UK National Teaching Assistants Day, and outlines the focus on support staff.
02:01 - Rob Webster's Career and Research Background - Rob shares his journey from primary, secondary, and specialist TA to spending two decades researching inclusion and the TA workforce.
03:17 - The Critical Role of TAs in Pupil Wellbeing - Discussion on how TAs support student mental health and key findings from Twinkl's survey of over 3,000 educators.
05:00 - TAs as the "Mortar in the Brickwork" - Exploring how schools rely on support staff to function and the retention risks linked to low pay and workload pressure.
11:45 - The Challenges of TA Deployment and Class Cover - An analysis of how deploying TAs to cover teacher absences impacts SEN provision, intervention groups, and TA wellbeing.
21:13 - Elevating Professional Standing and Culture - Practical, low-cost strategies for school leaders to recognize, appreciate, and signal the value of teaching assistants.
28:23 - Addressing CPD Gaps and Professional Growth - The importance of accessible training, conducting regular check-ins, and leveraging TA expertise to foster long-term retention.
37:51 - Final Takeaways and Wrap-Up - Key actionable advice for school leaders to get to know their TA workforce, followed by closing podcast details and resources.
