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UNISON – speaking up for TAs

UNISON TA dayA date for your diary – 29th November 2013. This is the date UNISON, one of the largest education unions, has set aside for the celebration of teaching assistants. Although the Department of Education have specified teaching assistants will not be phased out (the media have reported otherwise), funding has most definitely been reduced, leaving many TAs with little pay and long working hours.

UNISON recognise the hard work many TAs contribute and are encouraging all TAs and members of the public to come together to celebrate.

More information about why UNISON are fighting for TAs

Campaign briefing for 29th November

>> TA Focus’ competition to win two Teaching Assistant’s Handbooks <<

The Evident Value of Teaching Assistants

At the end of 2012, UNISON carried out a survey of school leaders to assess the value of teaching assistants. The overwhelming majority of the school leaders who replied ‘justified their use of TAs’. The range of help TAs provide is astonishing, from IT support and administration to covering teachers’ PPA time and behaviour management.

The report (including the responses to the survey) can be found below. It’s well worth a read as the content details how TA roles have evolved over the years and the importance of these roles within education today.

UNISON TA survey results – January 2013


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