Recommendation 62

The Department should issue guidance on teaching assistant-to-pupil ratios and urgently address the worsening crisis in recruiting and retaining TAs and learning support assistants to ensure these ratios can be met. These professionals are vital to the delivery of inclusive education, yet their contribution continues to be undervalued and under-supported. A robust and comprehensive strategy is urgently required. This must include: • A clear career progression framework with opportunities to develop specialist expertise and the opportunity for some TAs to progress to qualified teacher status. • Competitive pay increases that reflect the skill, responsibility, and complexity of their roles. • Expanded and better-promoted apprenticeship pathways to attract new entrants and diversify the workforce. • Clearer communication to schools, multi-academy trusts and stakeholders about the distinct functions, expectations, and career progression routes within TA and LSA roles. (Recommendation, Paragraph 225)