Starting (or returning to) a TA role? The fastest way to feel confident is to know the core school policies you’ll use every day. This guide highlights the essentials, what they mean in practice, and the simple checks to make with your school before you begin.

The must-know policy set (and what each means for a TA)

• Safeguarding & Child Protection — how to notice concerns, record them, and pass them to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead). Includes staff code of conduct and low-level concerns.
• Behaviour & Relationships — rewards, consequences, de-escalation, scripts, restorative routines; where to be and what to do during transitions, lining up, corridors and playground.
• Anti-Bullying — definitions, reporting routes, how to support pupils, communication with parents and record-keeping.
• SEND / Inclusion — how plans (EHCPs/IEPs) work, reasonable adjustments, interventions, and who signs off changes.
• Health & Safety — supervision ratios, classroom set-up, evacuation, manual handling, lone-working, accident reporting.
• First Aid & Supporting Medical Needs — who is trained, where kits are, care plans, administering medication, storage and logs.
• Educational Visits / Trips — risk assessments, roles on the day, toilets/changing, head counts, and transport rules.
• Data Protection & Confidentiality (GDPR) — what you may see/hear, secure handling of pupil info, need-to-know only, email etiquette.
• Acceptable Use of ICT & Social Media — logins, device security, photographing pupils (usually no personal phones), parental consent, messaging boundaries.
• Positive Handling / Physical Intervention — when not to intervene vs. emergency safety; only use techniques you are trained and authorised to use; always report.
• Attendance & Punctuality — pupil registration routines, late arrivals, collection procedures, missing child response.
• Intimate Care & Personal Care (where relevant) — two-adult rule, dignity, recording, PPE and location of facilities.
• Whistleblowing & Complaints — how to raise serious concerns; protections and routes beyond line management if needed.
• Staff Code of Conduct / Handbook — dress code, professionalism, gifts, boundaries, use of mobile phones.

Your first-week checklist

• Meet the DSL (and deputies); know where to find the safeguarding flowchart.
• Get access to the school’s recording system (e.g., CPOMS) and practise a test entry with your mentor.
• Confirm class routines: behaviour cues, movement, exits, transitions, and handover points.
• Check medical info, care plans and where medication is stored; learn emergency procedures.
• Read photo/consent lists; clarify no personal phone photography.
• Know who to contact for ICT issues and how to lock screens/log out quickly.

Everyday scenarios (and the policy you use)

• A pupil quietly discloses something worrying → listen, don’t promise confidentiality, record facts, tell the DSL immediately. (Safeguarding)
• Minor injury on the playground → follow first-aid routine, log it, inform class teacher/office, notify parents if policy says so. (First Aid/H&S)
• Escalating behaviour → use agreed scripts, step the consequence ladder, log incident. (Behaviour)
• Parent asks about another child → don’t share; refer politely to the teacher/office. (GDPR/Confidentiality)
• Photo opportunity in class → only on school devices if consent allows; save to secure systems; no posting on personal accounts. (AUP/Social Media)

DBS, training & paperwork

• DBS checks: schools/umbrella bodies request these. Study from Home does not apply for DBS checks. Learn more: DBS Checks for TAs.
• Annual safeguarding reading: expect refresher training and updates (including the latest KCSIE guidance, as directed by your school).
• Induction pack: ask for a policy index or staff handbook; keep a quick-links folder on your device.

Useful documents to request

• Safeguarding/child protection policy (with DSL names)
• Behaviour & anti-bullying policies
• SEND information/reporting lines
• First aiders list & medical needs procedures
• Educational visits policy & risk assessment templates
• Staff code of conduct, ICT/AUP, social media policy
• Whistleblowing policy & complaints procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to read everything before I start?

Your school will prioritise safeguarding, behaviour and first-aid/health & safety. You’ll usually read others during induction. Ask for a quick policy index and DSL contacts.

Can I give medicine to a pupil?

Only if the policy allows, you are authorised/trained, and a written plan/consent is in place. Always log what you do and where medication is stored.

Can I take photos on my phone?

Generally no. Follow the school’s AUP: use school devices, check consent lists, and store images on secure systems only.

What if I need to physically intervene?

Use trained/approved techniques only and the minimum necessary to keep someone safe. Call for help, follow reporting rules, and inform the DSL/SLT.

Where do I record concerns?

Use the school’s recording system (e.g., CPOMS) and inform the DSL the same day. Stick to facts; avoid investigating yourself.