Teaching assistants undoubtedly are the “unsung heroes” of the Covid crisis (Report, 1 April). They have played a vital role in helping to manage the pandemic in schools, particularly with the children of key workers. Their face-to-face teaching in many schools, allowing teachers to teach remotely online, has undoubtedly had a huge impact in minimising the amount of learning lost while maintaining some normality for disadvantaged and emotionally stressed pupils. Add to this the fact that they have enabled many parents to return to work to keep the economy afloat.
The levels of responsibility that they have taken on throughout the pandemic, with targeted support for the most needy and at risk, is exemplary, particularly as they often sit alongside the pupils providing emotional and academic support while potentially exposing themselves to Covid. Teaching assistants deserve a proper living wage for the vital work they do in helping to close gaps in learning and supporting disadvantaged and special educational needs pupils.
Well done, Sally Weale, for standing up for our unsung heroes. It is time for Gavin Williamson to do the right thing and pay them a wage commensurate with their contribution to the education of our children.
Tony Price
Former assistant headteacher and Ofsted inspector
