Professional Development

One of the most common challenges faced by Early Career Teachers is managing the constant stream of pupils asking for help. Whilst some pupils genuinely need support, many interruptions occur because children have not yet been taught what to do before approaching the teacher. The result? Lost learning time, repeated explanations and a teacher who feels constantly pulled in different directions. A simple classroom routine can make a significant difference. Introducing the "Thr

One of the most important roles of a teaching assistant is supporting pupils to become independent learners. While it can be tempting to step in as soon as a child struggles, too much support can unintentionally create dependence on adults. The challenge is knowing when to help and when to step back. A simple way to approach this is through the Scaffolding Ladder, a framework that helps teaching assistants provide the right level of support at the right time. Why pupil indepe