Why the school chose the award

The Best Practice with Teaching Assistants Award (BPTAA) provides a framework for the strategic management of teaching assistants, helping schools establish clear systems of induction, appraisal, and professional development. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School undertook the award to strengthen its provision for teaching assistants (TAs), raise professional standards, and ensure their work has the greatest possible impact on pupil outcomes.

Key achievements

1. Strategic leadership and management

• Strong leadership from the BPTAA coordinator, supported by SLT and governors.
• Governors play an active role through visits, observations, and feedback.
• TAs recognised as central to the School Improvement Plan, especially in reading and EYFS provision.

2. Professional development and appraisal

• Comprehensive induction programme with mentoring and detailed checklists.
• Appraisal system embedded, with class teachers responsible for reviews and target-setting.
• Extensive CPD opportunities, including safeguarding, autism awareness, trauma-informed practice, and PE training.
• Clear progression routes, with TAs promoted to HLTA or supported into teaching roles.

3. Collaboration and curriculum impact

• Regular joint planning between teachers and TAs ensures consistent, well-prepared support.
• TAs play a leading role in delivering phonics sessions, interventions, and small-group support.
• Use of SEND profiles and pupil data enables targeted interventions and progress monitoring.
• TAs actively contribute to PSHE delivery and wider school initiatives.

4. Inclusion and community engagement

• Policies and training promote an inclusive ethos across the school.
• Google Translate on the website supports families with English as an additional language.
• Parents value TAs’ approachability and support, praising their role in boosting confidence and building community.
• Partnerships with external organisations, such as Fleetwood Town Community Trust and Healthy Heads, enhance lunchtime and after-school provision.

Impact at St Mary’s Catholic Primary

• TAs are integral to school improvement, working closely with teachers to improve pupil outcomes.
• The award has created opportunities for career development, with staff progressing into HLTA and teaching roles.
• Pupil voice highlights that children feel supported, safe, and confident in their learning.
• Parents describe the school as welcoming, caring, and highly supportive.

Overall, the BPTAA has strengthened systems for managing and supporting TAs, ensuring they make a sustained, positive impact on teaching, learning, and wellbeing.

In their words

“We are delighted to see the dedication and high standards of our TAs so clearly reflected in this report. The breadth and depth of evidence presented highlights the hard work and commitment of the entire team in supporting our children and contributing to the school’s positive outcomes. This achievement is a testament to the close collaboration within the Senior Leadership Team and the shared vision that drives our collective success.”
Headteacher, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Looking ahead

St Mary’s plans to build on this success by:

• Developing the HLTA role to oversee TA appraisals and mid-term reviews.
• Expanding CPD to strengthen support for pupils with SEND.
• Encouraging greater parental engagement supported by TAs.
• Providing opportunities for TAs to observe best practice in other settings.
• Sharing their positive learning from the BPTAA with other schools.

Interested in achieving the same impact?

The Best Practice with Teaching Assistants Award provides schools with a clear framework to manage, support, and develop teaching assistants strategically. It ensures they are fully equipped to contribute to positive pupil outcomes and thrive professionally.

👉 Find out more about the award and how your school can begin its journey today.