We hosted a #LunchtimeSession on Thursday 11th September 2025, when Stephen Willoughby led the discussion on ‘Giving Voice to the Teaching Assistant Dilemma: A Case for TA Policy Reform (2025)’.
The presentation considered the national TA background and definition within schools, the main problems found in their research and propose possible solutions. The main problems TAs identified being job insecurity, TA deployment, preparation, core practice, CPD, TA career pathways prospects and development opportunities, and TA Employment.
Stephen then explored some possible ways forward such as a national framework for the TA similar to that of qualified teachers. Recognition of the time required for provision of regular time for TAs for lesson planning with the teacher, preparation and the development of regular TA specific CPD.
A major point of the presentation was to echo the views of the TAs themselves. Their views, concerns and positives.
If you missed this event or would like a recap, you can now watch it in full below.
A huge thanks to Stephen for sharing his important insights on this topic, and to everyone who joined us for this session.
