
How were Teaching Assistants the hidden heroes of lockdown?
The School Workforce Census reported that in 2019 there were 256,167 full-time equivalent teaching assistants (TAs) in England – an increase of over 1,000 in a year. Over the years more candidates have been attracted to the role due to the rewarding nature of the job, and the global health crisis has acted as a reminder of the brilliant work these TAs do. The importance of these professionals has not gone unrecognised by the Department for Education, which has encouraged schools to bring in TAs where the teaching team were at capacity and in need of their expertise.
Here’s how TAs were the hidden heroes of lockdown and what their support has meant to vulnerable children, keyworker children and other educational staff.
How TAs helped pupils during the lockdown
A National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) survey revealed that during lockdown TAs were making home visits to pupils to deliver school meals, placing check-in calls and assisting with cleaning duties. Quite clearly, TAs were doing whatever needed to be done to ensure the welfare of children learning from home and to maintain a safe learning environment for the 500,000 vulnerable children and three million keyworker children being educated in schools.
Vulnerable children
According to the NFER survey, 86% of secondary teachers and 73% of primary teachers believe a lack of vulnerable pupil engagement in learning is a challenge. This is something TAs have played a major role in during lockdown.
A core responsibility of a TA is to engage disaffected pupils and monitor their progress - something which became both more essential and difficult during the months in lockdown. Since vulnerable children are believed to be particularly at risk of learning loss and losing the motivation to keep on track with their schoolwork, the role of TAs while pupils were learning from home became more important than ever. Additionally, pastoral care and safeguarding have become a core part of the job and this is one of the many ways in which TAs have made a difference.
Keyworker children
As for keyworker children, TAs took on the task of providing on-site education for these pupils, ensuring their emotional welfare and helping pupils to cope with the stress and anxiety they might have experienced knowing their parents were working on the front line. Working alongside teachers and other educational staff, they had the difficult job of explaining to children why they must socially distance from their classmates.
All this was done whilst providing an inclusive learning environment where each student’s learning differences were embraced and supported.
How TAs supported the education system during lockdown
TAs had a direct impact on teacher wellbeing during the lockdown months - supporting other teachers to deliver high-impact learning and keeping morale high. Without their continued dedication and commitment, both staff and students may well have faced additional learning difficulties and personal challenges. A comprehensive list of everything they’ve done to support the education system would be impossible but here’s an overview of how TAs have made such a huge impact:
- Assisting with online teaching
- Helping to bridge the education gap
- Supporting SEN schools and departments
- Creating video chats for peer-to-peer interaction
- Enrolling in children’s mental health and domestic violence training
The role of TAs in the coming months
The support from TAs hasn’t stopped there. Schools will continue to rely heavily on TAs in the coming months, whether that means assigning them to ‘bubble groups’ or working with individual pupils. Post-lockdown, TAs will play a crucial role in assisting students with social, emotional and mental health challenges whilst also playing a huge part in helping the education system deliver the highest quality of learning.
Continue making a difference with Teaching Personnel
The continuing of learning during the challenging weeks in lockdown is testament to the brilliant support that TAs have given to both staff and pupils. At Teaching Personnel, we want to ensure that TAs receive the recognition they deserve and have the opportunity to continue doing the work they love. That’s why we created National Teaching Assistants’ Day, which is celebrated on 16th September. We’re passionate about helping teaching assistants develop their careers in education and hope you’ll join us in acknowledging their hard work this September. For more information visit the National Teaching Assistants day website.
Search our latest primary teaching assistant jobs and secondary teaching assistant jobs today or read more about why teachers work with Teaching Personnel.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£13.75 - 14.50 per hour
Location free text
Wimborne Minster
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Wimbourne
Description
Teaching Assistant Opportunities – Wimborne & Surrounding Areas Full-Time & Part-Time Roles | £85–£95 per day | Wimborne, DorsetAre you a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant looking for your
Reference
ta / wimbourne
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Manchester
Description
Trainee Teaching AssistantAre you passionate about working with young people? Are you considering a future career in education? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and enthusiastic indi
Reference
B2025TRAINTA4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£90 - 100 per day
Location free text
Old Trafford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Graduate Teaching AssistantAre you passionate about working with young people? Are you considering a future career in education?We are seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistant to join our team at a clien
Reference
B2025GRADTA8
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Fairfield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Derbyshire
Description
Job Title: Teaching Assistant Location: East Midlands, Derbyshire, FairfieldJob Type: Permanent, Full-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £90 - £110 Per dayJob Duties: The
Reference
G0LKJ235523253
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£22,028 - 23,425 per year
Location free text
Chelmsford
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Chelmsford
Description
Residential Childcare Officer Salary - £22, 028 - £23,425 per year*. Location – Chelmsford Shift pattern: 39 working weeks per annum Monday to Thursday 2pm – 10.15pm – Friday 9am-2pm (Including a 30
Reference
hawthornehouseRCO
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
£13.75 - 13.75 per hour
Location free text
Preston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
SEN Support Teaching Assistant – Reception ClassLocation: Preston Start Date: September 2025 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 3:30pm (Full-Time) Pay: £13.75 per hourAre you passionate about supportin
Reference
***SENTAEYFS1827345
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimarySalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Fairfield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Derbyshire
Description
Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant Location: East Midlands, Derbyshire, FairfieldJob Type: Permanent, Full-TimePrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £90 - £110 Per dayJob Duties: Supporti
Reference
G0KLJNLK23523
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£89 - 95 per day
Location free text
Stockport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Stockport
Description
Focused Support for Focused Learning: SEN Teaching Assistant – Stockport Location: Stockport Contract Type: Full-time, long-term Start Date: September 2025 Pay: £89–£95 per day (dependent on qualific
Reference
397jf
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£80 - 90 per day
Location free text
Yeovil
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Somerset
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant – Full-Time | Yeovil Area | September 2025 Start Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs? A welcoming and i
Reference
HK365
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£95 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sunderland
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Tyne and Wear
Description
Level 3 Teaching Assistant (EYFS Specialist) – Sunderland Location: Sunderland Start Date: September 2025 Duration: Ongoing – with potential to go permanent Pay: Competitive weekly pay (via Teaching
Reference
eyfsl3ta
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimaryRelated posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
Teaching assistants support teachers and students in the classroom. The role is invaluable and continues to grow in importance as school environments become larger and more diverse. In fact, teach
by
West Yorkshire Primary
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job