A quiet revolution?
The total number of TAs working in English schools is down for the first time ever – but encouraging signs from the MITA project show how a strategic focus on TAs can unlock their potential.
Blog Archive of: Dept for Education
A quiet revolution?
28 June 2018
The total number of TAs working in English schools is down for the first time ever – but encouraging signs from the MITA project show how a strategic focus on TAs can unlock their potential.
After the gold rush: Funding, staffing and uncertain times
15 December 2016
Research evidence can’t offer certainties, but it can help school leaders make better decisions.
After delays and debacle, new professional standards for TAs are here
10 June 2016
22 months after they were commissioned, new professional standards for TAs have been published. And the come with some heavyweight backing.
Educational Excellence Everywhere? A solution to the teacher recruitment crisis is right in front of us
19 March 2016
The new education white paper has capacity building at its core. But with the emphasis on leadership and a new managerial architecture, has the Dept for Education missed a trick in addressing the teaching crisis in the classroom?
The TA Professional Standards: How the DfE turned an easy win into an own goal
15 October 2015
The DfE’s decision not to publish the draft standards for teaching assistants is disappointing, self-defeating and leaves the Government’s commitment to the professional status and development of TAs in tatters. Will they ever see the light of day.....?
Why the hold up? The DfE can show they value the role and contribution of TAs by publishing the professional standards NOW!
11 September 2015
The government has admitted to another delay to the publication of the new professional standards for teaching assistants, but nothing would show a greater statement of intent and support for schools by getting them out there now. After all, the timing couldn’t be better…
The freedom to make decisions about teaching assistants is nothing new, but now school leaders have the means to unlock their potential
26 February 2015
Evidence-informed guidance and the DfE's new professional standards for TAs offer school leaders actionable recommendations to help TAs thrive in their role and improve outcomes for pupils.
DfE apologises to teachers over workload and stress. Kind of.
07 February 2015
The DfE has finally announced the findings from its Workload Challenge and a ‘new deal’ to tackle the causes of teachers’ stress and excessive working hours. Is it enough to win over the profession, three months out from a general election...?
2014 ends with positive noises for TAs… but what will 2015 bring?
17 December 2014
Back in January, we predicted that 2014 could be the year of the teaching assistant. So as the year ends – and as MITA celebrates its first birthday! – it’s a good time to reflect on what the year has meant for TAs, and what 2015 might bring. Here’s our review of the year.
From research to practice: the past, present and future of MITA
10 October 2014
The new MITA website will not just promote and publicise our research and consultancy activities, but aims to become a hub for greater collaboration with schools and to help grow the link between research and practice.
