Teaching assistants work extremely hard as part of a team who deliver the curriculum under guidance from qualified teachers.

We liaise with outside agencies, including speech and language therapists and learning support services, to deliver specific learning programmes to many children.

We assist in record keeping, work displays, preparation and support with resources. We nurture the children in our care - both in the classroom and during breaktimes.

Many of us are qualified first-aiders - parents and carers rely on us and feel their children are safe with us.

We are always willing to do that bit extra, stay at school longer and do more than is asked of us.

We are not "helpers" but professional and dedicated people. Many of us have relevant qualifications and are studying so we can improve the service of excellence to children.

Please give us the pay and conditions we deserve. Thank you to all the teachers, parents and everyone else for their support.

-Amanda Botten, Brighton