Nursery World - Teachers express views on assistants

Many teachers in England believe that teaching assistants' pay is disgracefully low and must be improved if they are to be given still more responsibility, a survey by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has found. The survey, part of the union's report on teaching assistants, included comments from teachers such as, 'At present, teaching assistants'

The survey, part of the union's report on teaching assistants, included comments from teachers such as, 'At present, teaching assistants'

pay is an insult. They are very skilled people and should have this reflected in their pay packet.' A Key Stage 1 teacher said, 'If their role is to change any more, then TAs must be paid a wage which reflects this responsibility. They are valued by teachers and work as hard. I am embarrassed by the huge difference in our hourly rates!'

The survey also revealed anxieties about some aspects of the Government's proposals for changing the role of teaching assistants in England. Some fear teachers will end up spending their time on planning, assessment and managing assistants while assistants deliver lessons.

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