National TA Day: celebrating Inspiring Teaching Assistants
It’s National Teaching Assistants Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of Teaching Assistants across the country. Teaching Assistants (TAs) are the backbone of the school systems, supporting pupils and staff alike. In honour of National Teaching Assistants Day Inspire ATA is celebrating inspiring teaching assistants who are investing in their education through apprenticeships in order to make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.
TA Finley starts dream career
Working in education can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, and becoming a TA is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door. Inspire ATA apprentice Finley Townley has utilised a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in St Leonards Primary School to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher:
“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in education straight from high school. Being an apprentice had made me have the drive to peruse my career in education. I wanted to gain hands on experience whilst also chasing my dreams of progressing a pupil.”
TA Aimee makes a difference in SEND pupils’ lives
The popular Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway programme offers apprentices the opportunity to specialise in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Inspire ATA apprentice Aimee Strong is currently completing this programme at Thomas Bewick school and making a difference:
“Having a Teaching Assistant supporting SEND student is important as it means that they know they have people they can rely on. I feel like it has made the pupils feel more comfortable around me and I’ve got many good relationships with the pupils. “
TA Barbara makes a career change
Doing an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to enter a new career path through hands on experience and formal education, allowing learners of all ages and life experiences to start a new career. An Inspire ATA apprentice who has made the most of this feature of apprenticeships is Barbara Losito, who works as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprentice at Freemantles school, who completed a TA apprenticeship recently:
“As someone returning to education later in life, the apprenticeship route felt right for me. It allowed me to learn by working hands-on in the classroom, while studying the theory behind my work. Now that I have completed my Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, I would like to continue working in education and build on my experience in special needs support. My goal is to become a specialist in communication or autism support, helping pupils reach their full potential and feel included in every part of school life.”
TA Michelle supports pupil wellbeing
TAs become a safe space for many pupils, helping them to open up and support their wellbeing. Michelle Banda, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprentice from Gosforth Junior high has been supporting her pupils during her apprenticeship:
“I have been able to independently lead nurture groups for young children and have been able to see them progress in their emotional wellbeing. Knowing that I am making a difference in children’s lives had been the best thing about my job.”
TA Jack makes an impact
TAs can make a huge impact on pupils’ lives and the wider school community. Jack is an 18-year-old Level 3 Teaching Assistant from Nobel School who has made an impact in his setting:
“The best thing about my role is seeing the positive impact I can have on a pupil’s progress and confidence. Helping children overcome challenges and watching them succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
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Published 25/09/2026
