Main image as seen on Stonebridge College.
Where would we be without our wonderful teaching assistants? National Teaching Assistants’ Day is just a week away, and the whole purpose of it is to recognise the valuable contribution that teaching assistants make to the education and support of children across England and Wales.
According to research on the National Teaching Assistants Day website, 96% of headteachers believe teaching assistants add value to their school, while there are now 244,000 teaching assistants working across the UK. That’s a huge increase from the 71,800 people working in the role back in 2002. In addition, 44% of parents with autistic children say they want more teaching assistants in UK schools. Teaching assistants do so much more than teach, they can act as a bridge between home and school, are an extra pair of eyes in the classroom and support the teacher’s effectiveness.
But why wait until Christmas to thank and celebrate them? In light of National Teaching Assistants’ Day, we’ve taken a look at some of the best gifts you can buy for your child’s teaching assistant.
Teacher Bookmark ‘It Takes A Big Heart to Shape Little Minds’ – RRP £11
We’re not even teaching assistants and we’re already welling up.
Ellie Ellie
Best Teacher Cupcake Toppers – RRP £10.50
Who doesn’t love cake? If you’re inspired by the Great British Bake Off, how about putting your apron on and having some fun in the kitchen with your little one? Bake your child’s teaching assistant a batch of their favourite cupcakes and decorate them with these thoughtful and customisable cake toppers for a yummy snack! These sweet treats will go down so well with a tea or coffee!
JustBake / Etsy
Best Teaching Assistant Ever Heart Mug – RRP £10.95
Speaking of tea and coffee, teaching assistants will love showing off their new mug in the staff room.
Gorgeous Gift House
Best Teaching Assistant Personalised Notebook – from £3.99
This ringbound notebook is available in three different sizes, A4, A5 and A6, and is a lovely way to say thank you. Personalised with the teacher assistants name, they will love having somewhere special to write their notes down.
Funky Pigeon
Let Go and Unwind Gift Set – RRP £10
What better way to say thank you than by giving your child’s teaching assistant the gift of indulgence and some time to relax, breathe and let go at the end of a manic day!
Sanctuary Spa
Ombre Green Grammar Pencil Set– RRP £7.50
Teaching assistants with a stickler for grammar will love and find humour in this quirky set of pencils that each show a commonly mistaken grammar rule!
Newton And The Apple
Everything Pocket Selection – RRP £8
Because, let’s be honest, we don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love these.
Hotel Chocolat
Will you be joining in the celebrations this National Teaching Assistants’ Day? Let us know by commenting below or join the conversation on Twitter using #NationalTADay.