Customer Reviews
A Superb Book - By: Mr. A. Snell, 07 Jan 2008 
In response to C. Dodd's review, I would like to point out the following: This book was writtenin 2003, when the Teaching Assistant Standards were first introduced. At Level 2, these are the standards that assistants are required to reach. The course is aimed at those who are new to the job: for experienced teaching assistants, the NVQ3 course is more appropriate, & goes into the rolein more depth. The range of qualifications are designed to reflect the range of ability & experience which teaching assistants have, which varies enormously. Your misguided comments should be aimed at those who set the course rather than those who write material for it. Shame on the writer of the below review is more appropriate - myself & others on my course found this book a really useful resource.
An insult to intelligent people NO STARS - By: C. Dodd, 04 Jan 2008 
I agree with the above comments. This is a patronising book that aims itself at complete idiots. Most teaching assistants could write this with their eyes closed whilst passing the scissors to the children they work with! As for the illustrations!
It is basicin the extreme & if that reflects the standard of the NVQ course then what can I say! The book is though, a good reflection on the standards set by NVQ for teaching assistants.
Bit pointless buying the book really when nobody fails the course!
Shame on the writers & those who set the guidelines for the course. Teaching assistants work with children & want to know how to do their job well, they are intelligent enough to be aware of Health & Safety they don't need to spend weeks covering the subject! Must go.....need to write a unit on where the pencils are kept (not).
The Teaching Assistants Handbook - By: Back to School, 24 Nov 2007 
This is a very good book for those who are just embarking on a course & considering a career as a teaching Assistant.
It gives a good all round indicator to areas of the job description. The chapters are well laid out & the text is easy to read.
It can however be over simplifiedin certain areas & may seem a little condescending.
There are areas of weaknessin realtion to legislation such as Health & Safety. To be fair I have found this with other generalised books & fully expect now to have to research information for legislationin specific books or on the respective websites namely Health & Saftety.
If you are prepared to do this as well, I am sure you too will find it a very helpful learning tool.
It's okay... - By: Ms. Melinda Perks, 21 Nov 2007 
I bought this book because I'm studying the CACHE Certificate for Teaching Assistants LEvel 2. I read the reviews before I boguht the book, but still decided to buy it. It does have some useful informationin the book, but I don't think it is a brilliant buy. The layout is easy to follow, but I don't think there is enough information on the ICT side.
Still worth a read though...
So so ... - By: Mary Lush, 13 Oct 2006 The book is OK for complete beginners to the job of teaching assistant. It's well laid out & easy to follow. Unfortunately I had reason to look up health & safety with regard to children & ICT equipment, not only could I not find anything with regard to safe ergonomics ie; recommended height of monitors, height adjustable chairs, foot support, etc., I was horrified to see a photograph of a child on page 215 looking up at a screen that was way too far above his head, the angle of his elbow to his upper arms was not the recommended 90 degrees & the chair was not height adjustable!
