Supporting Statement for a Teaching Assistant
Schools shortlist teaching assistants against a person specification that typically covers qualifications, supporting learning, special educational needs, behaviour and safeguarding. The best statements give a short, specific example for each, with what changed for the pupils.
Criteria you will usually see, and the evidence for each
Typical of primary and secondary schools adverts; always work from the person specification of the job you apply for.
| Criterion | What counts as evidence |
|---|---|
| Level 2 or 3 teaching assistant qualification (or equivalent experience) | The qualification and year, or the experience that is equivalent. |
| Experience of supporting pupils with SEND | A pupil's need (without names), what you did with the teacher or SENCO, and the progress made. |
| Delivering interventions (phonics, reading, maths) | Which programme, group size, how you tracked progress, the results. |
| Managing behaviour positively | A strategy you used and its effect, in line with the school's policy. |
| Safeguarding and child protection | Your training, and what you would do (or did) when you had a concern. |
| Working with teachers and parents | How you share information and plan with the class teacher. |
Example: one criterion done well
I run a daily 20-minute reading intervention for five Year 3 pupils who were working below the expected standard. I assess their fluency every two weeks with the school's reading checks and share the results with the class teacher, and we adjust the books when a pupil is ready to move on. Over two terms, four of the five reached the expected reading age.
Why it works: Specific programme, frequency and group size, regular assessment shared with the teacher, and a measured result.
Written by us to show what evidence looks like. Panels want your own experience, in your own words.
A full teaching assistant supporting statement, with the gaps a shortlister would spot →Tips
- Safeguarding needs more than "I understand how important it is".
- Use anonymous descriptions of pupils.
- Mention desirable criteria (first aid, Makaton) in one line each.