30 Nov Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants – what’s the difference?

Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants provide essential classroom support to the children as well as the teacher, and play a vital role within schools. Moore Teachers place many TAs and LSAs within primary schools and they are in high demand. However, there can be some confusion as to the difference between these two important roles within schools and Moore Teachers uses the terms distinctly to avoid any confusion.

Neither roles require nationally specified requirements or qualifications, unlike teachers who must have a degree and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). However, Moore Teachers expect our Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants to have a good standard of English and maths, to be friendly and to have bundles of enthusiasm and energy! They build relationships with the pupils and should be a positive role model at all times.

Moore Teachers defines an LSA as someone who works with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Typically, this can be to support pupils with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, Sp&LD and/or physical needs; however, this list is not exhaustive. This is often on a 1:1 basis where the LSA works alongside the child to enable them to access the curriculum. The Learning Support Assistants that work with Moore Teachers bring expertise and a range of skills to work alongside children with SEND, helping them with academic work as well as nurturing and supporting pupils emotionally.

The Teaching Assistants placed by Moore Teachers provide essential support to teachers and children within the classroom setting. A TA’s role is more generalised than an LSA’s: they may work with groups of children to support and/or extend them academically within the classroom; assist children during break and lunchtimes; help children to maintain concentration and to manage their behaviour; undertake administrative tasks for the teacher; and to work closely with the teacher with the day-to-day tasks that need completing.

While qualifications aren’t required to work as a TA, Moore Teachers recommends that our staff have at least a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification and practical experience of working with children. Some TAs will continue their professional development to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). This gives the Teaching Assistant the training and skills to take classes in place of the class teacher when required. HLTAs are often responsible for the planning and delivering of subjects such as music, RE and PSHE.

Moore Teachers are committed to the continued professional development of our staff and can provide training to support TAs and LSAs where needed.

Both Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants work in partnership with the class teacher to ensure the smooth running of the classroom and are an indispensable resource to a school. We at Moore Teachers all know the true value of an excellent TA and LSA and the impact they can have on a child’s life.