'I was extremely impressed by its content and structure generally. It will be an invaluable resource to teaching assistants undertaking HLTA, Foundation Degrees or other related courses. I would certainly use it as a core reader on our Foundation Degree in Learning Support' - Wendy Messenger, Senior Lecturer in Special and Inclusive Education at University College Worcester

A Toolkit for the Effective Teaching Assistant is designed to help all teaching assistants to be more effective in their practice and to develop their professional capabilities. The toolkit approach allows the reader to take what is useful from the book when it is needed; the chapters have been designed to allow for readers to dip into and out of the book as necessary. Areas covered include:

- roles and responsibilities of teaching assistants

- working as a team

- understanding pupils' learning styles

- self-esteem and how it links to classroom behaviour.

There is also plenty of practical advice and guidance for those doing the job. Each section has tasks and exercises at the end to allow for professional reflection and there are photocopiable materials provided.

Everything is based on good practice and what is known to work in terms of successfully supporting pupils' learning; there is a strong focus on how teaching assistants make an important contribution to the school community and how they might move forward in their own learning and further develop their professional skills.

Designed for use by any teaching assistant, the book will be extremely helpful for those studying for foundation degrees.