This programme is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all TAs supporting the learning of secondary maths.

Teaching assistants (TAs) contribute significantly to maths learning, offering inclusive strategies and accommodations to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to access the maths curriculum.

The 2023 Ofsted maths subject report ‘Coordinating mathematical success’ highlights how successful TAs who were working directly with individual students with SEND were most successful in supporting mathematical development when they had a secure knowledge of the maths curriculum and of the range of pedagogical approaches being used by the teacher. 

What is involved?

Participants will focus on using precise mathematical language, representations, and reasoning within the topics:

• addition and subtraction
• multiplication and division
• ratio
• fractions.

They will also carry out follow-up tasks in school to enable practice transfer to the classroom. 

What are the benefits?

• Your students will demonstrate a positive attitude towards the learning of maths
• You will use appropriate mathematical language and representations with confidence
• You will develop your understanding of how to adapt resources to meet students’ needs
• You will develop an understanding of how algebra relates to the generalisation of numb

What are the expectations?

The programme will take place over the equivalent of four days; participants must attend all sessions.

Who can apply?

This programme will be relevant for teaching assistants who work for most of their time with students in the KS3 maths classroom or who lead intervention sessions with groups of students. The participants’ schools should already be engaged with a Secondary Teaching for Mastery Work Group, and this programme will complement this provision.

What is the cost?

The SKTM – Secondary Teaching Assistants programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

Who will be leading this Programme?

Nick Asker - Independent Education Consultant, specialising in improving learning in mathematics

Where and when?

All sessions will be Face to Face, exact timings and venue to be confirmed. We will share these details with participants as soon as they are finalised.