Teaching assistants in English state schools are to be subject to a new set of standards, the Department for Education has announced.

An independent review is to be carried out to identify shortcomings in the current regime, after which a more robust, “clearer and concise” version will be developed.

The panel responsible for this activity have been tasked with designing standards that are easy to understand, effective at assessing teacher assistant performance, “steer” professional development and are designed to “inspire confidence”.

Schools minister David Laws explained that good teaching assistants are vital in boosting the standard of education in England and “helping students fulfil their potential”.

Kate Dethridge, chair of the review and principal of Churchend Primary Academy in Reading, said that she looked forward to the opportunity to work with her expert colleagues.

She added: “We hope to ensure that the development of these standards will make a significant contribution to a self-improving, school-led system."

Commenting on the announcement, Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said that teaching assistants are an important part of education and it is important that their work is recognised.

A framework of professional standards will go a long way in making this happen, she went on to say, as she heaped praise on the review panel’s inclusion of teachers and assistants.

Members include Marc Rowland, deputy director of the National Education Trust; Kath Robinson, higher-level teaching assistant at Woodthorpe Community Primary School; and Amanda Whittingham, assistant headteacher at Wensley Fold Church of England Primary Academy.