Celebrating Classroom Assistants 

The Beating Heart of Every Classroom

Today, on National Classroom Assistants’ Day (26th September), we pause to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution that Classroom Assistants (CAs) make to schools across the country. Too often their impact is quietly woven into the daily fabric of school life, but today we shine a spotlight on their dedication, skill and influence.

Classroom Assistants are not simply “extra help” in a busy room, they are the beating heart of the classroom. They are there when children need encouragement, reassurance or guidance. They are the steady presence who knows when to step in with quiet support or when to celebrate a child’s achievement with genuine joy. For many pupils, their CA is the trusted adult who helps them to feel safe, capable and ready to learn.

A Skilled and Diverse Role

The role of a Classroom Assistant demands a wide range of skills:

• Pedagogical knowledge – supporting lesson delivery, scaffolding learning and reinforcing core concepts in creative ways.

• Specialist expertise – working with children with additional learning needs, communication differences or social and emotional challenges.

• Emotional intelligence – calming anxieties, building confidence and nurturing positive relationships.

• Flexibility and adaptability – seamlessly shifting between small-group work, one-to-one support and whole-class contributions.

This blend of professional expertise and personal care makes Classroom Assistants indispensable to the success of every child and teacher they work alongside.

Champions of Inclusion and Progress

CAs are often at the forefront of inclusion, ensuring that children who might otherwise feel left behind can engage, participate and succeed. They break down barriers to learning, adapt resources and provide the patient encouragement that helps children find their voice and their confidence.

In subjects like mathematics,  an area where some children can feel unsure, Classroom Assistants bring fresh strategies, encouragement and practical approaches that transform “I can’t” into “I can.”

Recognising True Value

It’s time we acknowledge the true value of Classroom Assistants. Their work underpins the success of every classroom and deserves the same respect, professional recognition and investment as any other role in education.