Jude Macdonald: Making the most of the TA workforce to support rising complex needs

As the number of pupils with complex needs in mainstream settings increases, how can schools better harness one of their greatest assets: the teaching assistant workforce?

In this session, Jude Macdonald, Director of SEND and Safeguarding at Keys Academies Trust, will share how her trust is rethinking systems and practice to ensure TAs are well-equipped, valued and impactful in supporting inclusive classrooms. With a focus on building staff confidence and embedding thoughtful structures, Jude will explore what it takes to develop a TA workforce that is central to effective SEND support.