Welcome to the Honest Staffroom.
Real teachers. Honest conversations. Practical help.
Join the conversation Sign inHow can schools make better use of teaching assistants’ expertise?
What helps schools listen to support staff who know pupils and classroom routines well?
What training would make the biggest difference to your role?
Which practical training or development opportunities would help you feel better equipped and recognised?
How do you encourage independence while supporting pupils?
What approaches help pupils have a go for themselves while still receiving the support they need?
How can support staff be included in lesson planning?
What information ahead of a lesson helps you support pupils confidently without adding unnecessary meetings?
What helps teachers and teaching assistants work as a team?
Which planning, briefing or feedback routines make the partnership more effective during a busy school day?
What did your training not prepare you for?
Which everyday parts of school life did you have to learn on the job, and what would have helped?
How do you build confidence with parents and carers?
What has helped you prepare for difficult conversations and communicate clearly and professionally?
What is a sensible approach to asking for help?
Who did you find useful to approach, and what made it easier to ask questions early?
How do you decide what needs doing first?
When every task feels urgent, what helps you prioritise without losing sight of pupils’ learning and your own wellbeing?
What would you tell a teacher in their first term?
What practical advice helped you most when everything felt new? Keep it honest and kind for colleagues starting out.
How do you check whether a resource is suitable before using it?
What do you look for around accuracy, accessibility, curriculum fit, advertising and data privacy?
What is your best low-cost classroom improvement?
A small piece of equipment, a routine or a layout change can make a difference. What has been worth the money or effort?
Which classroom display has a genuine learning purpose?
What displays do pupils actually use, rather than simply walk past? How do you keep them manageable?
How do you organise resources so you can find them again?
What folder systems, labels or shared-drive habits have saved you time across the school year?
What is your most-used free teaching resource?
Share a trusted resource, the age group it suits and what makes it worth returning to. Please mention any account or printing requirements.