TA Classroom Standards: SENCO Guidance

Written from the perspective of an experienced SENCO and school leader, this resource helps schools establish a consistent approach to the deployment and practice of teaching assistants in the classroom.

The guidance clearly explains the role of the teaching assistant before, during and after lessons. It maintains a strong focus on supporting learning without creating unnecessary dependence on adult help.

The resource covers:

preparing effectively before the lesson;
working in partnership with the class teacher;
supporting pupils during teacher explanations;
using questioning, prompting, modelling and scaffolding;
allowing pupils sufficient thinking and processing time;
supporting pupils without completing their work for them;
gradually reducing adult support;
promoting pupil confidence and independence;
applying reasonable adjustments for pupils with SEND;
maintaining high expectations for learning and behaviour;
following classroom routines and the school’s behaviour policy;
communicating professionally with teachers, pupils and families;
maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries;
providing clear and useful feedback after lessons;
recognising effective practice and practice that should be avoided.

The resource also includes:

a graduated support approach showing when to pause, prompt, question, model, scaffold and step back;
an effective-practice comparison table;
a classroom-practice review checklist;
space to record strengths and agreed development points;
implementation guidance for SENCOs and school leaders.

This resource is suitable for:

teaching assistant induction;
whole-school TA training;
SEND and inclusion training;
staff handbooks;
coaching and professional development;
performance-management discussions;
classroom observations and learning walks;
reviewing the deployment and impact of teaching assistants.

The document is written in clear, professional language and can be adapted to reflect your school’s SEND, safeguarding and behaviour procedures.

File supplied as an editable Microsoft Word document.

Copyright and licence: © 2026 Chidinma Ofo. All rights reserved. This resource is licensed for use by the original purchaser within one school. It may not be copied, shared, resold or uploaded elsewhere.