Key Issues for Teaching Assistants Working in diverse and inclusive classrooms

This book is designed to support Teaching Assistants in the important and unique role they play in the education of children. This new edition includes a range of additional material and reflects developments in the recent UK context and legislation that relates to participation and diversity. It raises issues concerning values and professional practice for Teaching Assistants, emphasising inclusive approaches and the importance of understanding the perspectives of learners throughout. Each chapter contains an overview of topical debates, current research, a discussion of issues relating to values and professional practice. Every chapter raises questions and suggests reading for further reflection. This highly accessible resource includes contributions from leading researchers and experienced education practitioners. It introduces a range of issues, with a focus on inclusion and the key role of teaching assistants, such as: understanding inclusive education: school communities and participation Special educational needs and inclusive practice supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) children ethnic diversity and attainment the influence of gender on the achievement of boys and girls working with teachers and parents religious diversity and inclusive practice including and supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transsexual (LGBT) students welcoming and understanding asylum seeking and refugee students disability, human rights and inclusion. This book will enable Teaching Assistants to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of inclusive education. It provides an essential resource for Teaching Assistants and all those working in Education.

Introduction 1. Inclusive education: the key role of Teaching Assistants 2. Listening to learners: whose voice counts?3 Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils, underachievement and building relationships for inclusion 4. Not in my image: ethnic diversity in the classroom 5. The influence of gender on achievement6. Religious diversity and inclusive practice 7. Teaching Assistants working with teachers 8. How Teaching Assistants can involve parents 9. A new role for special schools?10. ‘The Learning Support staff’s brilliant….’ Facilitating asylum seeking and refugee students in British schools11 Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transsexual and at school; experiences and reflections 12. Challenging behaviour: Understanding the issues and providing support13. Bullying in schools – or bullying schools? 14. Disabled children, inclusion and the law in England and Wales15. Social justice, human rights and inclusive education

Gill Richards is Professor of Special Education, Equity and Inclusion at the School of Education, Nottingham Trent University, UK. Felicity Armstrong is Emeritus Professor of Education at the Institute of Education, University College London, UK.