I read Georgianmum's post and could almost have written it, but I'm not a qualified teacher. I am just a 'mum' who went into school to help out when my daughter was little and developed an interest in literacy and teaching children to read. I came from a managerial background I volunteered initially and was then taken on to support a child in class who had severe behavioural difficulties.
I have voluntarily trained myself up to NVQ 3 level, but am paid as a level 2 TA. I am now tasked to work one to one with a child who has additional educational needs and some physical issues and, in addition, I work 1:2 with children who are having difficulties with reading. My success rate over the last 2 years in this respect have been really good . I've had great feedback from management and parents alike.
I plan and create resources, mostly in my own time, and I believe I contribute positively to the progress of the children I work with. I know that the majority of Teaching Assistants in my school are educated, committed individuals who care deeply about what they do. As with any other profession, however, there are people who are in the wrong job.
I know that my days as a TA are probably numbered. If I thought this was for the benefit of the kids, I'd be delighted, but let's be honest here, this is all about saving money. Some schools may be able to employ extra teachers to take on the demands of children with SEN or the gifted and talented children, but most won't be able to do this. The teachers will end up with this burden instead. I really worry about what's happening with our education system and this is far from surprising.