Quality First Teaching 9

Empower Your Classroom with Strategic Support: Teaching Assistants as Catalysts for Inclusion

Quality First Teaching: Effective Deployment of Teaching Assistants is the ninth instalment in the trusted QFT series and offers a compelling, evidence-informed guide to maximising the impact of teaching assistants (TAs) in inclusive classrooms. As student needs diversify and classroom dynamics become increasingly complex, the role of TAs has never been more vital-or more misunderstood.

This essential booklet bridges research, policy, and practical pedagogy to help educators harness TA support effectively. Instead of defaulting to ad hoc assistance or "Velcro" support models, discover how to embed TAs strategically within QFT practices, ensuring they enhance rather than replace teacher instruction.

• Informed by Research and Policy: Grounded in landmark studies and the SEND Code of Practice (2015), this guide clarifies legal expectations and best practice for TA deployment.

• Practical Strategies for Inclusion: Explore specific ways TAs can support scaffolding, metacognition, modelling, and feedback-cornerstones of QFT.

• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn how to shift away from over-reliance and dependency, and instead promote pupil independence and engagement.

Discover how to transform your TA team into a powerful ally for inclusive education. Whether you're a classroom teacher, TA, SENCO or senior leader, this book will equip you with tools to deliver more inclusive, high-impact teaching.