This book provides comprehensive, informed practical support to those managing and teaching assistants.

This is a practical guide to the role, management, and deployment of teaching assistants. It offers comprehensive and informed support, underpinned by illustrative case studies throughout. Information and practical guidance is given on: the role and competencies of teaching assistants how to audit the existing teaching assistant provision in the school the teaching assistant's role in planning, delivery and feedback how to appoint, induct, mentor and appraise teaching assistants the effective management of teaching assistants by teachers and managers, and the need for a whole school approach opportunities for continual professional development for teaching assistants. This book is based on extensive observation of teaching assistants working in schools, and will have practical significance and implications for headteachers, senior management staff, teachers, LEA advisors, trainers and consultants.

'Anne Watkinson digs deep into the TA's role as a member of the teaching team, supporting her analysis with case studies, advice on school policies and practical examples of what to do at classroom level. This is an essential book for any senior management team trying to work out a whole-school approach to including TAs, but it is also a source for advice on how to work with TAs in the classroom.' - Times Educational Supplement