The union, which has been holding its annual conference at Harrogate, may set a limit on class sizes which could see children being sent home if numbers exceed 27 pupils.

This follows a workload deal struck by the government and other teachers' unions in January allowing classroom assistants to take on more administrative and support tasks including taking charge of lessons.

However, there are concerns that the extended use of assistants will undermine the teaching profession and be a cut-price means of tackling teacher shortages.

Should classroom assistants be allowed to teach children unaccompanied?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

Your reaction

My wife is a teaching "assistant" at my son's primary school. This means she does unsupervised and unassisted teaching to those children who need additional help with their literacy and numeracy. In my view this is equivalent to asking a flight attendant to replace an airline pilot on difficult landings - shouldn't the "problem" children get the "professional"?

However, I object to BOTH the assumption by the NUT that my wife can't teach properly if given proper support, and the assumption by LEAs that they can just "replace" teachers with underpaid teaching assistants. Just as the nursing profession started as assistants to the doctor, teaching assistants should be given the opportunity to develop their skills, and can be a useful way of getting more value for money in education.
Vig, UK

I went to school 1986-1997 and there were no classroom assistants in any of my classes. I don't understand how teachers coped on their own for decades then suddenly cannot manage a class without one.
Helen, UK

In my experience, classroom assistants have a modest level of education and general literacy Alanon, England

How can the government be so two-faced about the classroom assistants issue? They claim it will save teachers time. As a Head of Department I will be expected to set work for the assistant to use while a colleague is away. In my experience, classroom assistants have a modest level of education and general literacy. How can this be a good thing for the children? The truth is they are cheaper to employ than qualified specialist teachers. That is the real reason behind this move.
Alanon, England

By 2005, all classroom assistants should be NVQ3 qualified, this is equal to A-level standard. My wife, who is currently studying the early years NVQ3, works as a volunteer classroom assistant two afternoons per week. The school must be pleased with what she does counting the flowers, cards, chocolates and accolades she receives. Classroom assistants should never replace teachers but they do have a very vital role to play in education.
D Morris, England

If people think this is clever, look to Canada. There, the education of children has been reduced to the lowest common denominator while the politicos squabble (and profit). Using children as means to an end is just pathetic and parents must take all action possible to ensure the needs of their children are met - not those of 'professionals' who have access to many routes to make their case.
Leslie Renfrew, UK

If this is such a good idea then why doesn't the Government allow teaching assistants to teach A-level students in the months leading up to their exams? If they do then perhaps we shall all be willing to accept this idea.
Graham Alderton, England

What do teaching assistants do? We never had them when I was in school - the teachers were capable of controlling large classes of pupils. Also, what are all these days off that teachers have during term time? I don't remember teachers going off on courses during term time. As for all this supposed photocopying; what are secretarial staff for?
Dr Duncan Campbell, UK

it would totally devalue the teachers' role in the classroom June Hayes, England

Classroom assistants should not be allowed to take over the roles of a teacher. The teacher has the expertise through their training. If this should happen it would totally devalue the teachers' role in the classroom.
June Hayes, England

Classroom assistants are there to assist, as in title. They do not have the same qualifications as the teacher to teach and I personally would not be happy with this. They are there to assist with lessons within the classroom. I would question this if happened to my daughter. If classes exceed 27 will a rota appear on a daily basis to decide which pupil will be sent home? This government is getting dafter and dafter.
Sonia Manborde, England

I had to undertake a four year university degree course to become a teacher. A classroom assistant is there to assist the teacher and not teach the class alone.
Stuart McCulloch, England

Dropping Maths; what an indictment of the teaching profession that it may be so incompetent that it cannot interest children in one of our most important types of thinking. Maths is one of the two fundamental legs (the other being trial-and-error) on which all technology, engineering, finance, science and logic and arguably even much of art, music and business are based, to say nothing of the very beauty of some of its methods. Perhaps people not tarred with the teaching college brush might make a better job of it?
Sam R Dauncey, UK

At least the government is acknowledging that there is a workload problem and proposing to do something. If the teaching assistant proposal is so wrong I would like to know what action the NUT would like to take to address this issue. The NUT is very quick to dismiss the proposal but do not seem keen to come up with proposals of their own.
Ben, UK

They do a good job Neroo, England

I worked as a supply teacher and I could not be more grateful for the assistants that helped me and assisted me with the control of the class and the work. I think they are as valuable members of staff as teachers and they do a good job.
Neroo, England

I worked for seven years for a local authority education department. Before I left the system had already started on the downward spiral, it hasn't improved under Blair. Whilst there is a place for classroom assistants teaching occasionally, under supervision, they should never replace the qualified teacher.
Susan, UK/USA

The proposal will force unqualified staff on very low wages to undertake the job of a teacher. They may not have to prepare the lessons but they will have to handle the kids and no one should have to do that for �8k a year. Contrary to popular belief this can be a very demanding and difficult task requiring professional skills. It might be OK in some middle-class leafy lane idyll but in inner city schools it will be ridiculous. Teachers quite rightly oppose this. Shouldn't the press be looking at the issues not trying to assist the government's agenda with its silly comments?
Chris Lee, UK

Chris Lee writes: "It might be OK in some middle-class leafy lane idyll but in inner city schools it will be ridiculous." Surely, we should stop being so wretchedly PC and tackle firmly the inept job being done by so many parents resulting in these inner city schools being our own versions of Beirut.

I have two boys and know that "parenting" is an extremely hard job, but it is my job and not one to be foisted onto schools. If all parents controlled their own children properly from birth the schools would have a much easier time of it and all staff and pupils would benefit.
CCC, England

It's been two years since I took my GCSEs but I have a distinct understanding of the difference in teaching standards between teachers and assistants. I had assistants in charge of most of the mathematics classes for two years, the result being that I am now finding large gaps in my A level mathematics course that should have been covered at key stage 4.
James Allan, UK

I think assistants are a valuable teaching asset Baiju Devani, England

I taught as an English assistant in Barcelona. I think assistants are a valuable teaching asset but should be used to teach small groups and not left in charge of a whole class unless they have the proper experience.
Baiju Devani, England

If people who aren't teachers are suitable to be left in charge of children, then where does this leave nursery nurses, scout leaders or for that matter the children's parents? Or does spending a year doing a PGCE because you can't think of another career somehow make you uniquely qualified to look after children?
Peter, UK

Kids need as much adult attention and guidance as possible, some more than others. As for the comments about allowing 'parents to take over the role of GP', would you expect every member of staff in a hospital to be as highly trained as a Doctor? A well managed role of classroom assistant could provide in effect a decrease in classroom numbers.
Richard Cunningham, UK

My partner works as a teaching assistant and already helps with booster groups and taking the class if the teacher is away on half day courses, or needs non-contact time. If the teaching assistant is helping the teacher in a fulltime support role then the assistant will sit in on planning meetings so are fully aware of the subject matter to be taught, and the manner in which it is passed on to the kids. ALL advanced or higher teaching assistants should be doing this role already, if they wish to see their role develop, as well as their pay prospects.
Michael, UK

My mother is a qualified teacher but only wants to work as a classroom assistant; there are many others in this situation. Classroom assistants would have a positive affect on education in this country.
Andrew, UK

I have two children aged nine and seven. If classroom assistants are allowed to teach I will withdraw my children from school. It's not fair on the children or the assistant to expect them to do a job for which they are not trained. This is undermining the teaching profession. I believe assistants play a valuable role in schools but only as far as setting equipment for lessons and other admin duties, freeing the teacher to teach.
Jennifer Farley, England

What next - stewardesses flying aeroplanes? Steve O, UK

As an ex-engineer of twenty years and now a primary school teacher I would gladly give up my long holidays for the same breaks as everyone else, if that meant just like everyone else my job finished at five and I did not have to plan and mark in my own time. I hear a lot of stupid comments about teachers having it easy; if so why not try it? You pay for professional educators not unqualified assistants to teach your children, what next - stewardesses flying aeroplanes? Do we need professional barristers; why not just solicitors (would Cherie Blair like that?)
Steve O, UK

I imagine in some cases the assistants are more intelligent than the teachers! When I was at school some of the teachers were a disgrace to their profession and clearly had no idea how to teach or handle children in such large numbers. I think teachers need help and should be grateful they're getting it.
Karen, England

The use of classroom assistants to take classes is teaching on the cheap. If they have the necessary skills to take a class, then they must be paid full teaching pay - which they are clearly not! If they do not have the skills, then they should not be asked to do it. Either way, the Government is wrong on this.
Iain Johnstone, Scotland

If you're going to delegate responsibility, then two people need paying more. The teacher needs extra for now "heading a team" and the assistant needs more for taking a step up the ladder in terms of workload. This is another great British example of slave labour party principles. Why more teachers don't just move abroad for (not just a little) more pay and less work, I don't know. Seriously, why the heck would you want to teach in Britain? (or become a nurse/civil servant).
Gareth, US

I left teaching in 2000 because of the workload. I do not understand why classroom assistants are paid so badly, nor why they cannot (with clear guidelines) mark some pupils' work and do the routine administration which currently teachers are expected to do. Most assistants I worked with were excellent, and eager to do more. I think the NUT is twisting a straightforward proposal to suit its own ends, as usual.
Victoria, UK

Let's have a common sense approach to this and not get bogged down in political dogma. Many non-qualified voluntary staff have a done a valuable job in assisting in class for years. Now the paid role of classroom assistant has emerged in recent years some parts of the teaching profession are getting over excited. I see no harm in using assistants in certain circumstances to add value and extra attention to certain subjects or groups. Nobody is contemplating them taking over the whole curriculum, but I'm sure that most would do an adequate job for short periods to cover sickness etc. I am sure the kids would respond better to a known assistant than a supply teacher.

As professionals I have no gripe with teachers, but they do exist in an isolated environment, and in certain areas children may benefit from the experiences of people who different experiences of life. A fully rounded balanced education is what children need and respond to, and that should be the main aim of reform and the vested interests of some group should be the last consideration in the mix.
Peter, UK

Make teaching a profession that good people want to do - that is the solution Craig, UK

Teachers teach - assistants assist - simple. What is the motive for this? Is it to reduce costs OR to make up the numbers? Neither "problem" is addressed properly by "empowering" assistants. Make teaching a profession that good people want to do - that is the solution.
Craig, UK

I think it's disgraceful, the addition of classroom assistants was a good idea to provide additional assistance but to put them in control of a class is ridiculous. Why bother supporting teacher training when it seems so easy to just replace them with assistants? Teachers study very hard to gain teacher status and have a big responsibility. I personally feel the whole admin systems of paperwork and support in this area is to blame. Let teachers do what they do best "teach" and assistants "assist"!
Caroline, UK

Well done New Labour, it appears you've developed another ingenious and innovative proposal that sacrifices quality for the sake of cost.
Spen, England

Hurrah to classroom assistants having to take lessons. My husband works as a science technician at an inner city high school and quite regularly has to go in to the classroom to help a teacher take a class as there is no classroom assistants available or they don't want to go into the class and help take the class. More often than not, he finds that the kids take more notice of him - and do as they are told - than they do of the teacher! Classroom assistants don't want the responsibility to start teaching and are far too soft on kids. If they are employed as a classroom assistant, they should do that, not moan and whinge that they don't want to or that there's a certain disruptive child that they don't like/fear in that class.
Elizabeth, Leeds, UK

I thought the role of a classroom assistant was to relieve the teacher of a lot of the drudgery of the average day, and let the teacher concentrate on what they have trained for. This is just a cheapskate idea dreamt up by an idiot who is hell-bent on cutting costs. Teachers should teach; assistants should assist the teachers. End of story.
Steve Cahill, England

When teaching assistants were introduced I said at the time they would try and "promote" them without qualifications, you didn't need to be Einstein to see the next move; teaching on the cheap. I am sure, however, local authorities will think twice when they get their first discrimination lawsuit, for teaching kids with unqualified staff whilst other kids get teachers.
Robert, Scotland

Why not employ admin assistants to do admin and leave the teachers to teach? Then the bad teachers can't use that as an excuse for being just plain bad at their jobs.
Simon, UK

Teaching on the cheap Robert, Scotland

I am a 25 year old professional considering a move in to the teaching profession, and my main concerns are that I wouldn't have the time fulfil my potential as I have to spend my time photocopying and form filling. Assistants could be used for photocopying lesson handouts, taking the register at the start of lessons, instructing the pupils on homework, instructing on reading requirements etc, so long as the teacher is at hand to answer any specific questions. The teacher is supposed to be the qualified professional who has specific knowledge to impart, so how about letting them get on with it?
Alison Finch, England

My partner is a classroom assistant and often takes classes while teachers catch up on marking papers. I suspect this practice is already going on in many schools. She is fed up of taking a class where a supply teacher has been sent in on �135 per day who shows no interest in the kids as they probably won't be back again. Classroom assistants are very undervalued and under paid.
Mick H, England

I've seen many teachers whose control of the class left a lot to be desired Christina, England

What makes a teacher more capable of being left alone in a class of children than a classroom assistant? I've seen many teachers whose control of the class left a lot to be desired and many classroom assistants who would have put the teacher to shame. I've not got a degree but am an experienced trainer. Is a degree essential for primary ages? Surely the ability to pass on information in a way that will fire the enthusiasm and imagination of the pupils is more important than a degree.
Christina, England

It would appear from reading these posts, that the majority of the teachers spend most of their time marking their students' work. Why don't we allow the teaching assistants do all the marking then? I'm sure a process could be put in place allowing teachers to analyse marked work as they would normally do.
Cameron, Scotland

The problem with teaching assistants is that there is no national standard or grades of TA. Teachers are inconsistent about their views towards them depending on their own personal agendas. The primary school teachers my wife works with (as a training assistant) have stated, with no room for doubt, that they are opposed to TAs teaching yet she daily gets asked to take struggling groups aside for maths and IT (up to 15 at a time).
Steve, UK

I hope this isn't an 'easy' way of getting cheap labour from people who devote themselves to help our youngsters learn Richard H, UK

Are the teaching assistants going to be paid a full teacher's salary for doing a qualified teacher's job? I hope this isn't an 'easy' way of getting cheap labour from people who devote themselves to help our youngsters learn. That would be the worst kind of advantage taking.
Richard H, UK

First, health care assistants muscling in on jobs carried out by licensed nurses (RMN, RGN, etc.) - as they cost less to hire than the fully licensed nurses and now classroom assistants (same thing, only in teaching this time). When are we going to stop trying to get things on the cheap? I hope people realise that cheap does not equate to quality.
Ada, UK

Teachers, on the whole, are a very professional group. However, the NUT seems to be intent on making people believe that they are a bunch of kids at playtime in their own make-believe world. Teachers hold the key to the future in the education of our children. As such the NUT seem to think it has the right to do whatever it wants. Sending pupils home, dropping Maths from 14, reduced testing. Their only concern seems to be that league tables might highlight bad teachers - most of whom appear to be at the conference.
Bill, England

If teachers undertake a Degree Course to qualify, why should classroom assistants with no training be in charge of a class? I agree they should take on more admin and support tasks.
Margaret South, England

We could probably all think of bad examples of teachers or classroom assistants, but that doesn't in itself make a case for or against generally. Teachers should be better prepared for the role, but I would be happy for classroom assistants to take on teacher duties in time-limited, and exceptional circumstances. Really, the government is trying to avoid taking more measures that will encourage people into the profession. As a purely short-term measure it might be useful. Some assistants may be well-qualified, but if they apply to be an assistant that is what they should generally expect to do. If they want to teach, then perhaps a PGCE course is the answer. All, whether qualified or not, may resent being given extra duties routinely, with the added stress, and still being paid peanuts.
Alison, UK

Classroom assistants are not necessary and they are not qualified Adrian, UK

We employ teachers to teach, they have plenty of time to plan lessons - about three months a year. Classroom assistants are not necessary and they are not qualified. Teaching is tough, but so is business and without all the perks.
Adrian, UK

If teachers worked 9-5 Monday to Friday like the rest of us, and didn't take 20 weeks holiday a year there'd be plenty of time for every kid to learn everything they needed.
Tom G, UK

For the benefit of Adrian and Tom G, my wife is a Secondary school Maths teacher. Most week nights she works past midnight marking coursework and homework, and preparing lessons. A fair amount of those 20 weeks holiday, (actually only about 14 weeks), is spent doing the same. For this she has the perks of being spat at, verbally abused and threatened with violence, by both the children and their parents. Sounds cushy doesn't it?
Malc Brookes, UK

I can't think of anything that will undermine the professional standing of teachers more that sending children home because of there are "too many of them" It is about time that the NUT members learnt to separate the needs of pupils from political dogma.
Andy, UK

Classroom assistants should be taking care of the pointless admin and leaving teachers free to teach Lisa, UK

Class sizes above 27 pupils pretty much guarantee the majority of children will not benefit from the lessons. If sending excess children home is the only way schools can get the government to realise that squeezing more children into overcrowded schools is detrimental to British society, then so be it. My husband is a teacher who works 8am to 8pm every day (mostly marking lessons and doing the huge amounts of paperwork required by the government), and during his so-called vacation time he plans lessons, fills in endless forms and still manages to work at least 9-5pm. Classroom assistants should be taking care of the pointless admin and leaving teachers free to teach.
Lisa, UK

While no parent wants to leave their children with unqualified careers, many classroom assistants are qualified. Many have a degree and many have child care and education qualifications. Why can't classroom assistants have different pay levels based on experience, with the option of moving to teaching if desired? No, an unqualified classroom assistant should not be left in charge of a class. But why should a qualified classroom assistant with the same training as a teacher not be able to look after them?
Chris, UK

No - classroom assistants are valuable people in the job they do but they are not qualified teachers. All this smells of is education on the cheap. Good education needs to be supplied with well qualified, well supported teachers. This costs money and the culture in England has a real problem with this. We always put a price on something and never seem to know the difference between this and value. Value our children and we value our future.
Lynn, UK

Classroom assistants are vital - but as assistants! Jan Goffey, US/UK

In my long teaching career, I had a couple of classroom assistants I had no problem leaving with the bulk of the class whilst I took a small group for 'intensive therapy'. Others were very closely monitored; depends on the skills and attitude of the person involved. As for the ignorant comments on teaching and holiday - I now run my own business, stressful yes, but nothing like coping single-handedly with over 35 children day in day out, planning several variations of the same lesson because of the ability levels within that class. Like most teachers, I worked through the school 'holidays' and was in school by 8 and rarely left before 5, then went home to more marking and preparation. After over 20 years and two stress induced illnesses, I gave up. Classroom assistants are vital - but as assistants!
Jan Goffey, US/UK

Classroom assistants are exploited by teachers - assistants haven't been through teacher training but are expected to cope when the teacher needs time out. Where is all the money taken from us in taxes going? It seems that a great deal is spent on special needs children and on inner city schools - and very little is spent on your average child. I wish I could afford private education for my children.
V Jay, London

Here we go again, lets have a whinge about teachers and holidays. Change the record. You are right - teachers don't work 9-5. They work 8 - 6, then come home and carry on marking. "They have 3 months to prepare lessons etc" - would you like your children to wait until the spring for the work they did in September to be marked? Classroom Assistants, as well as keeping an eye on the class, should also do the photocopying, preparation of handouts and displays and all the other support work, and let the teachers do what they are trained to do - TEACH!
Hazel, UK

Teaching is no longer a vocation for most teachers, it is a career. Teachers no longer carry the respect they used to. They have given up more and more of the commitments they had - Saturday team games for example - and have gained more and more perks, including inset days and personal study time during work hours. I only have respect for those who work in difficult run down areas who deserve medals for the things they endure. The rest should stop moaning and get on with the job.
Terry Emerson, London, UK

While no parent wants to leave their children with unqualified carers, many classroom assistants are qualified. Many of them have a degree and many of them have child care and education qualifications. Why can't classroom assistants have different pay levels based on experience, with the option of moving to teaching if desired?
Chris, UK

I can't think of anything that will undermine the professional standing of teachers more that sending children home because of there are "too many of them". It is about time that the NUT members learnt to separate the needs of pupils from political dogma.
Andy, UK

Would you let parents take over the role of a GP? Vish, UK

Teachers work hard and deserve our support, not the kind of bashing that ignorant middle classes give them. Class room assistants are needed but should "assist" the teacher NOT take over their role in any way, shape or form. Teachers spend years at university, followed by PGCE to learn how to teach. The idea that you can get a parent with their own bias, etc to take over the job of a teacher is ludicrous. Would you let parents take over the role of a GP?
Vish, UK

Just that, to assist the teacher in the classroom, not act as a replacement. To act as an extra pair of eyes and ears on school trips, and under the teacher's supervision, to help with basic reading and maths. My child will be removed from school if I discover that the class has been left in the sole care of a classroom assistant for longer than a couple of minutes.
Kathy, UK

Adrian mentions 'qualified' - I was 'taught' GCSE Chemistry by a 'qualified' teacher and didn't understand a word, friends were taught GCSE Physics by the same teacher and didn't understand a word of that. We taught/helped each other on the respective subjects and thankfully passed. This teacher no doubt had a wonderful knowledge of science but just couldn't get the message across in my opinion. Maybe its the PGCE course that needs revising?
Ben BEng (Hons), Pontefract, England

It's just teaching on the cheap, isn't it? Disgraceful - yet utterly predictable.
Richard, UK

Some 19 years ago, when my son was at junior school, the school allowed and encouraged mothers to come into the school to help. The school claimed it was of great benefit to the children in that extra time was available for reading, the mothers being able to listen to the individual whilst the teacher got on with teaching the main group. One day my son came home in tears, the 'mother', untrained and unthinking, had become impatient with my son, and told him to TRY HARDER, MY 5 YEAR OLD CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!

(My son by the way was/is Dyslexic and Dysgraphic. with an IQ of 130.) Because of this stupid, untrained woman who had been let loose in the classroom it took nearly a year to undo the damage of her one thoughtless remark. When I took the school to task I met a belief that these uneducated mothers were good for the children. My worry is that if classroom assistants are introduced they will be like Special Constables in the Police, so under trained that they become a burden on the full time trained professional, and that far from helping they will actually reduce quality of teaching.
Barry P, England