If TAs and Learning Support assistants were abolished, would anyone notice; are they really needed?

Answer 1

I take it from your answer that you are not a teacher, otherwise you would realise the invaluable help that TAs and Learning Support assistants provide in the school environment.
Not only do they help with children who benefit from one to one teaching, as in the previous answer, they allow teachers to spend more time preparing lessons by helping to prepare resources, photocopying etc, and as most classes are mixed ability there are times that whole class teaching is not appropriate and these members of staff allow the teacher to focus on each group individually while knowing that someone is making sure the rest of the class is gainfully occupied.

Answer 2

I worked 1 to 1 as a TA with a child from Reception through to Year 2. Her behavioral problems when she started meant that she was unable to be with her classmates for most of the lessons. She had learning difficulties which further complicated matters. I am very proud of the fact that by the end of Year 2 this little girl is as happy and as confident as her classmates because the school provided support by way of a TA, support which the class teacher alone could not have reasonably been expected to provide.

Answer 3

Of course they are needed, i work with children who have various levels of needs, mild to very complex needs. These children are entitled to learn like other children. It makes me wonder why people think that learning support teachers don't benefit the children, they work hard to provide support for the children and in return it helps the child maximise their independence and learn the activities of daily living e.g. life skills, communication. Maybe people think that all they do is assist in class but they play a big part throughout school years. The children have the intellectual need to achieve and with a little help this can be done.

Answer 4

Yes, they prove a vital role in supporting teachers and pupils and many children have massively profited from having this extra support.

What they cannot be expected to be, is a substitute for teachers. They are not trained as such, and cannot be expected to fill the shoes of the professional teacher.

Answer 5

yes they are neded and would be missed, my son is autistic and with the help of the learning support assistants in his special school he has come on better then the professionals thought.

Answer 6

They are a bunch of tossers and a waste of money...
..sack the lot of them.