CYP Now - Three in four primary schools cutting TA numbers despite SEND demand rising

Three quarters of primary school headteachers are cutting teaching assistant (TAs) numbers, a survey has found.

Most headteachers reported reducing teaching assistant roles due to budget cuts. Picture: Lucie Carlier

The cuts are despite TAs' increasingly influential role supporting the rising number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in schools.

Over the last five years demand for SEND support has increased by a fifth, according to latest government figures.

The survey found that seven in 10 headteachers across all schools say cuts to TA numbers have increased over the last year, as part of a swathe of savings schools are making.

Three in 10 are reporting that cuts to teaching staff have increased over the last year, while just under a half are shedding support staff roles.

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