Why do Teaching Assistants need CPD?
In 2020, there were 271,370 teaching assistants (TAs), which has increased by 6,000 since 2019 (GOV.UK). TAs support teachers and help pupils in the classroom and overall education setting. They need to build good relationships with children and their colleagues and also understand and manage challenging situations. The duties a TA will carry out will depend on their role, training and where they work.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training is vital for teaching assistants. It can help them identify and address any potential issues and challenges with pupils and colleagues. It also enables them to have up to date knowledge on policies and legislation and can help them build confidence to deal with difficult situations.
CPD helps improve TAs knowledge and skills so they can carry out their role effectively. It can also enhance their career and help them to become a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) or teacher in the future.
CPD courses most suited to Teaching Assistants
Schools us
Very interesting – good for a little CPD as a Primary School Teacher who has been at home after having two children- I wanted to refresh and up some skills before I return. Manageable chunks of reading – very clear.
Helen Cole
Children’s Mental Health Awareness
I thoroughly enjoyed the course that I did recently and I found it informative and useful for my teaching career. Knowing more about Covid 19 in schools which was my course study with CPD, has made me a much more attractive teaching employee. In fact, the school where I had applied to work in commented they were reassured by my doing such a course on health and safety.
Ronald Scott
COVID-19 in Schools
I found the course very interesting and informative. The course was set out in a clear manner which I found easy to follow. As someone who has not done any type of learning course for a number of years it has given me the appetite to try more courses in the future.
Sharon Olley
Safeguarding Children Level 2
What CPD courses do Teaching Assistants need?
TAs, like teachers, can face many different issues and challenges in the classroom and the wider educational environment. They will support children to learn and help provide a safe and healthy environment. Working with children will require CPD courses that include safeguarding children, children’s mental health, understanding bullying and managing challenging behaviour.
Some TAs will also work with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and will benefit from knowing about autism and ADHD. They also have a responsibility to identify any issues and signs of harm (including those arising from home). Relevant courses may include child neglect, internet safety and radicalisation.
There are also other aspects to consider within an education setting, e.g. health and safety, fire safety, equality and diversity, data protection, first aid and even COVID-19. Knowledge of these topics is recommended for TAs.
A guide to CPD for Teaching Assistants
Teaching methods are constantly developing, and learning approaches are changing with each generation. Therefore, TAs need to keep abreast of the latest developments and legislation. CPD gives TAs the knowledge and skills to keep up with these changes, which will also help them better support their pupils and teachers.
There are professional standards for teaching assistants, which require TAs to “take opportunities to acquire the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience required for the teaching assistant role, with support from the school/employer”. CPD can help TAs meet this standard.
TAs must be competent to carry out their role and responsibilities effectively. Competence means having a combination of relevant training, knowledge, skills and experience. Regular CPD training is a vital part of achieving competency.
There are professional bodies and member institutions that may make CPD a mandatory requirement for members. Some professional bodies may even require members to undertake a certain number of CPD hours annually. Employers in education settings may also require TAs to undertake CPD as part of their role.
If you are not already aware of the CPD training required for your role and responsibilities, you should ask your employer and check current professional development standards for TAs. You can also think about where the gaps are in your knowledge and skills and which areas you could improve. For example, you may find dealing with challenging behaviour difficult and taking a relevant course may help you overcome this. Our e-learning courses will help you with your CPD.
CPD courses
Many things count towards your CPD, and they should be relevant to you and your goals as a TA. For example, you can attend seminars/lectures/webinars, read books/journals, start mentoring or observing and undertake work-based learning. You can also complete e-learning, which can count as part of your CPD.
Our e-learning courses are CPD certified and accredited under the CPD Certification Service. When you complete your course, you will gain an accredited qualification and CPD points (hours). The more training courses you undertake, the more knowledge and CPD points you will achieve.
We have different levels of courses for some areas, e.g. safeguarding children levels 2 and 3. If you are looking for more in-depth knowledge on a topic, then a level 3 course would probably be more suited to your needs.
To make the most out of your learning, you should adopt a structured and consistent approach to your CPD by undertaking training that meets your personal development objectives as a TA.
CPD certificates
Once logged in, you can work through your course in a few hours (depending on the type of course), and there is no time limit for completion. You can work through it at your own pace at a location of your choice. Very rarely do students need help, but if you do, our staff are here to assist.
After completion of your course, including passing the quiz, you can download your PDF certificate immediately. Our professional-looking certificates are fully CPD regulated. They can provide evidence of training to enforcement authorities (e.g. OFSTED and local authorities), professional bodies and prospective employers.
You can log onto your account at any time and download your certificates. You can keep them on file or email them through to your manager. It is also easy to print off a hard copy of your certificate and keep it with your other qualifications and awards in your CPD portfolio. You will also receive a copy of your certificate in the post.