National Teaching Assistants’ Day

National Teaching Assistants’ Day – Celebrating the Unsung Heroes

In schools across the UK, Teaching Assistants (TAs) are the quiet powerhouses of the classroom, supporting teachers and pupils to thrive. Many pupils also rely on SEND TAs or Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) for personalised one to one support.

For many, being a TA is more than a job, it is a vocation, a commitment to making a real difference in children’s lives.

National Teaching Assistants’ Day, on 26 September 2025, is the perfect moment to recognise their dedication and impact. The 2025 theme, “Read Together, Grow Together: TAs Making Every Page Count”, highlights the vital role TAs play in literacy and learning. You can find out more on the official National Teaching Assistants’ Day website

Why TAs Matter

TAs make up a significant part of the school workforce, rising to around 35% in primary schools, and their responsibilities stretch far beyond classroom assistance. They help teachers run lessons and support pupils in small groups or across the whole class, while SEND TAs and LSAs provide tailored one to one support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

They also play a key role in helping pupils with literacy and numeracy, maintaining a calm and positive learning environment, preparing resources, and freeing up teachers to focus on teaching.

Above all, they are champions for vulnerable pupils, ensuring every child has the chance to succeed.

Challenges TAs Face

Despite their vital role, TAs often face significant pressures. Many consider leaving due to low pay, financial pressures, or limited flexible working options, while others are sometimes redeployed to cover teacher absences, reducing the time they can spend supporting vulnerable pupils. Their work is sometimes undervalued, with limited professional development opportunities and recognition. Emotional and physical strain is also common, particularly for SEND TAs and LSAs supporting pupils with complex needs.

These challenges highlight why recognition, both on National TA Day and all year round, is so important.

Professional Standards and Development

To support and elevate the TA role, voluntary Professional Standards were introduced in 2016 by a coalition including UNISON, NAHT, and the Reading Teaching School Alliance. These standards focus on four key areas:

1. Personal and professional conduct: Safeguarding, professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour.
2. Knowledge and understanding: Curriculum awareness, adapting support, and ongoing professional learning.
3. Teaching and learning: Implementing inclusion strategies, supporting lessons, and facilitating safe, engaging learning.
4. Working with others: Collaborating with teachers, parents, and other professionals to promote pupil success.

These standards provide a roadmap for TAs’ development, helping schools recognise their expertise and plan career progression.

For those looking to expand their skills, Athona Education’s eLearning zone offers a dedicated suite of resources, including the video series “Your Role as a Teaching Assistant”. Explore it here.

Celebrating TAs

There are many meaningful ways to mark National Teaching Assistants’ Day and show appreciation. Schools often host assemblies or informal coffee mornings to honour their TAs, while pupils may create thank you cards or artwork as personal tokens of gratitude.

Some schools run awards to highlight individual achievements, feature TAs in newsletters or on social media, or hold themed literacy activities linked to the day’s focus. Even the simplest gestures, such as a handwritten note or a few words of thanks, are deeply appreciated and help TAs feel valued.

Looking Beyond the Day

While National Teaching Assistants’ Day is a wonderful opportunity for celebration, recognition and support should be all year round. Schools can:

• Provide ongoing professional development and training aligned with TA standards.
• Ensure fair deployment so TAs can focus on high impact teaching and support.
• Promote career pathways, mentorship, and recognition of achievements.
• Foster a culture that values TAs as integral partners in education.

Every Day is TA Day

Teaching Assistants, including SEND TAs and LSAs, truly are the unsung heroes of education. Their knowledge, patience, and dedication make a real difference every day.

On 26 September 2025, and every day, let’s celebrate their work and support their professional growth.

Discover more and develop your skills through Athona Education’s eLearning zone here, and visit the National Teaching Assistants’ Day website for more about this year’s celebrations.