Every child has different needs in the classroom. While many pupils thrive with whole-class teaching and occasional additional support, others may benefit from more individual help throughout the school day.

A one to one teaching assistant can provide dedicated support to an individual pupil, helping them access learning, develop confidence and participate more fully in school life.

But what exactly does a one to one teaching assistant do, and when might this type of support be appropriate?

What Is a One to One Teaching Assistant?

A one to one teaching assistant, sometimes referred to as a 1:1 teaching assistant, 1:1 TA or one-to-one learning support assistant, is a member of school staff who works closely with an individual pupil.

The precise role will depend on the child’s needs and the arrangements put in place by the school. A one to one teaching assistant may support a pupil with their learning, communication, emotional regulation, independence, physical needs or participation in classroom activities.

Rather than replacing the classroom teacher, the teaching assistant works alongside them to help the pupil access teaching and make progress.

What Does a One to One Teaching Assistant Do?

No two one-to-one support roles are exactly the same. The support provided should reflect the individual needs of the pupil.

Typical responsibilities may include:

• helping a pupil understand instructions and classroom tasks
• breaking activities into smaller, manageable steps
• reinforcing learning introduced by the class teacher
• supporting communication and interaction
• helping the pupil remain engaged with classroom activities
• providing appropriate prompts and encouragement
• supporting transitions between lessons or activities
• helping implement strategies identified in the pupil’s support plan
• encouraging positive relationships with classmates
• recording observations and sharing relevant information with teachers and SENCOs
• promoting confidence and independence

For some pupils, the role may also involve supporting specific interventions or working with recommendations provided by other professionals.

Who Might Benefit From One-to-One Teaching Assistant Support?

One-to-one support can be used for pupils with a wide range of needs.

This may include children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), communication needs, physical disabilities, social and emotional needs, or pupils who require additional help accessing particular aspects of the curriculum.

However, having a particular diagnosis does not automatically mean that a child requires a one to one teaching assistant.

The appropriate level and type of support should be based on the individual pupil, the barriers they experience and the outcomes they are working towards.

One-to-One Support and SEND

For some children with SEND, carefully planned individual support can make the classroom more accessible.

A one to one teaching assistant might help a pupil understand what is expected, use communication strategies, manage changes in routine or access learning materials in an appropriate way.

Effective support should also consider the pupil’s longer-term development.

The aim is not necessarily for an adult to complete every activity alongside the pupil. Where appropriate, support can be gradually adjusted so that the pupil has opportunities to make choices, solve problems and complete tasks independently.

The Importance of Promoting Independence

One of the most important aspects of effective one-to-one support is knowing when to help and when to step back.

It can be tempting for an adult supporting a pupil to provide immediate assistance whenever the child encounters difficulty. However, pupils also need opportunities to think, attempt tasks and develop their own strategies.

A skilled one to one teaching assistant can use techniques such as prompting, modelling and questioning before providing more direct support.

Over time, this can help pupils build confidence in their own abilities rather than becoming unnecessarily dependent on adult assistance.

Working With Teachers and the Wider School Team

A one to one teaching assistant should not work in isolation.

Effective support usually involves communication between the teaching assistant, class teacher, SENCO and other relevant members of staff.

Depending on the pupil’s circumstances, schools may also work with parents or carers and external professionals.

Clear communication helps everyone understand the pupil’s needs, the strategies being used and the outcomes the school is trying to achieve.

It also allows support to be reviewed and adapted as the pupil develops.

What Skills Does a Good One to One Teaching Assistant Need?

Working closely with an individual pupil requires much more than simply sitting beside them in lessons.

A good one to one teaching assistant will typically need strong communication skills, patience, adaptability and the ability to build a positive professional relationship with the pupil.

They also need to be able to follow guidance from teachers and other professionals while responding appropriately to situations as they arise.

Other valuable qualities include:

• empathy and understanding
• consistency
• good observation skills
• clear communication
• flexibility
• teamwork
• resilience
• an understanding of safeguarding
• a commitment to inclusion
• the ability to encourage independence

Relevant experience and training can also be particularly important when supporting pupils with specific or complex needs.

1:1 Teaching Assistants and the Classroom Teacher

Although a one to one teaching assistant may spend a significant amount of time supporting an individual pupil, the class teacher remains responsible for teaching and learning within the classroom.

Good practice involves the teacher and teaching assistant working together.

For example, the teacher may explain the intended learning outcome while the teaching assistant adapts the level of prompting or practical support they provide.

This collaborative approach helps ensure the pupil remains part of the classroom rather than receiving an entirely separate educational experience.

Finding the Right 1:1 TA

When recruiting a one to one teaching assistant, it is important to look beyond general classroom experience.

Schools should consider the individual pupil’s needs and identify the skills, experience and personal qualities required for the role.

For example, a school may require someone with experience supporting autism, communication needs, challenging behaviour, physical disabilities or particular learning needs.

The right match can make an important difference for both the pupil and the wider school team.

Looking for a 1 to 1 TA?

Finding the right person to provide individual support requires an understanding of both the role and the pupil’s specific needs.

At Long Term Futures, we help schools find teaching assistants and support staff who can provide effective, pupil-centred support.

Whether you need a one to one teaching assistant, SEND teaching assistant, learning support assistant or additional classroom support, our team can help you find suitable candidates for your school.

Looking for one-to-one teaching assistant support? Contact our team today to discuss your requirements.