Key responsibilities of teaching or learning support assistants include:

• supporting children across the curriculum, often with a particular focus on maths, reading and writing
• giving extra help to children with special needs or those for whom English is not their first language
• helping to develop programmes of learning activities and adapting appropriate materials
• motivating and encouraging pupils
• assisting with marking and correcting work
• attending meetings and reviews
• helping with school events, trips and activities

The role played by teaching assistants within schools can be vital in helping children gain basic literacy and numeric skills, particularly at key stage one.