TA numbers have doubled in seven years

The number of teaching assistant jobs in English primary schools has made another big leap, according to the latest government figures.
There are now 105,000 full-time-equivalent posts - 6,000 more than last year and twice the number in 2000. The actual number of primary teaching assistants is far higher, as many work part time.
The figures include learning support (special needs) assistants, and assistants supporting minority ethnic pupils.
Classroom teachers still outnumber teaching assistants, at 196,900, but their number has fallen slightly since last year.
There are also nearly 20,000 TAs in special schools, and 36,000 in secondary schools.
Other non-teaching staff such as secretaries and bursars are also on the rise.
SCHOOL WORKFORCE IN ENGLAND, January 2007 (Provisional)