High-Impact Interventions for Teaching Assistants & LSAs

Maximising Progress Through Effective Literacy and Maths Interventions

Teaching Assistants play a vital role in supporting pupil attainment, confidence and engagement. However, delivering interventions is about far more than simply working with individuals or small groups. The most effective interventions are carefully planned, consistently delivered and closely connected to classroom learning.

This practical and evidence-informed course will equip Teaching Assistants with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to deliver high-impact literacy and maths interventions. Participants will explore what makes interventions successful, how to motivate and engage learners, and how to ensure that gains made during intervention sessions transfer back into everyday classroom learning.

The course combines research-informed guidance with practical strategies that can be applied immediately in primary and secondary settings. It is ideal for Teaching Assistants seeking to develop their confidence and effectiveness, as well as SENDCos and school leaders looking to maximise the impact of intervention provision across their school.

This course reflects evidence-informed practice, including recommendations from the Education Endowment Foundation’s guidance on the effective deployment and development of Teaching Assistants.

High-Impact Interventions INSET Objectives

By the end of the day, participants will:

• Understand the characteristics of effective literacy and maths interventions.
• Recognise common barriers that reduce intervention impact and identify practical solutions.
• Develop confidence in planning and preparing intervention sessions.
• Build a toolkit of strategies to improve pupil engagement, motivation and independence.
• Explore practical resources and approaches that support effective intervention delivery.
• Understand how to help pupils transfer learning from intervention sessions into the classroom.
• Gain a greater understanding of their role in improving pupil outcomes.
• Develop an action plan for enhancing intervention practice within their own setting.

INSET Outline

Session 1: What Makes Interventions Successful?

This opening session explores the evidence behind effective intervention practice and examines why some of these have a significant impact on pupil outcomes while others fail to deliver meaningful progress. Participants will consider the role of Teaching Assistants in raising attainment and explore the key features that characterise successful literacy and maths interventions.

Topics include:

• The role of Teaching Assistants in improving outcomes
• What research tells us about effective interventions
• Characteristics of high-impact intervention programmes
• The importance of structure, consistency and clear objectives
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Session 2: Preparing for Successful Interventions

Effective interventions begin long before pupils enter the room. This session focuses on planning, preparation and collaboration to ensure interventions meet identified needs and are delivered with purpose and clarity.

Topics include:

• Planning purposeful intervention sessions
• Understanding pupil strengths and barriers to learning
• Establishing routines and expectations
• Working effectively with teachers and SENDCos
• Making effective use of assessment information
• Selecting appropriate resources and approaches

Session 3: Delivering High-Impact Literacy Interventions

This session explores practical strategies for supporting pupils in literacy. Participants will examine approaches that develop reading, comprehension, vocabulary and confidence while promoting engagement and independence.

Topics include:

• Supporting reading fluency and comprehension
• Developing vocabulary and language skills
• Effective questioning techniques
• Scaffolding without creating dependency
• Promoting independent learning
• Addressing common challenges in literacy interventions

Session 4: Delivering High-Impact Maths Interventions

Participants will explore how effective maths interventions can build confidence, address misconceptions and strengthen understanding. The session will focus on practical approaches that help pupils make sustained progress in mathematics.

Topics include:

• Identifying and addressing misconceptions
• Using visual and practical representations effectively
• Supporting mathematical reasoning
• Promoting mathematical talk and discussion
• Building confidence and resilience in maths
• Helping pupils retain and apply learning

Session 5: Engaging and Motivating Learners

Even the best-planned intervention can struggle if pupils are not fully engaged. This session examines strategies for increasing participation, motivation and independence, particularly for pupils who may have experienced previous difficulties or frustrations with learning.

Topics include:

• Understanding barriers to engagement
• Supporting reluctant learners
• Building confidence and self-belief
• Encouraging resilience and perseverance
• Effective praise and feedback
• Creating a positive climate for learning

Session 6: Bridging the Gap Between Interventions and Classroom Learning

For interventions to have maximum impact, learning must transfer back into mainstream classroom experiences. This final session explores how Teaching Assistants can strengthen links between interventions and classroom teaching and contribute to a whole-school approach to improving outcomes.

Topics include:

• Supporting the transfer of learning
• Strengthening communication between Teaching Assistants and teachers
• Monitoring progress and evaluating impact
• Recording and sharing evidence of success
• Maximising long-term benefits for pupils
• Developing sustainable intervention practices

What Participants Will Gain

Participants will leave with:

• A clear understanding of what makes interventions effective.
• Practical literacy and maths intervention strategies that can be implemented immediately.
• Approaches for improving pupil motivation, engagement and independence.
• Greater confidence in planning and delivering interventions.
• Ideas for strengthening collaboration with teachers and school leaders.
• A framework for evaluating and improving intervention provision within their own setting.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Teaching Assistants
• Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)
• Learning Support Assistants
• SEND Support Staff
• SENDCos
• Inclusion Leaders
• Primary and Secondary School Leaders seeking to maximise the impact of intervention provision

A highly practical course designed to help Teaching Assistants deliver interventions that genuinely improve outcomes and maximise pupil progress.

enquiries@jmcinset.com