Teaching Assistant (TA) Application Guide
What TA panels look for — support for SEND, safeguarding awareness, relationship with class teacher — with worked evidence.
**TL;DR.** Teaching Assistant (TA) roles support the class teacher and pupils. Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) can plan and deliver lessons under direction. Panels look for reliable classroom support, safeguarding awareness, and an ability to support pupils with SEND.
What panels look for
- Reliability and professional conduct
- Support for individual pupils, especially those with SEND or EHCPs
- Safeguarding awareness (KCSIE)
- Relationship with class teacher and school routines
- Basic phonics, reading, and maths support skills
- HLTA status if applicable
Worked paragraph (TA, 180 words)
*Support for pupils with SEND (essential).* In my current Year 3 TA role I support two pupils with EHCPs — one with autism and one with moderate cognitive delay. I have completed the Team Teach positive behaviour training and the autism awareness course through the local authority. In a recent week one of the pupils became increasingly anxious about the upcoming school trip. I worked with the class teacher and the SENDCO to develop a visual timeline of the day and a break card the pupil could use. The trip went successfully and the pupil's mother thanked the team.
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Frequently asked questions
What is HLTA status?
Higher Level Teaching Assistant status is a professional qualification allowing TAs to plan and deliver lessons under the direction of a qualified teacher. HLTA roles typically receive higher pay and additional responsibilities.