Teaching Assistants
There are many opportunities to work as a teaching assistant (TA) in Surrey schools. The national school workforce modernisation agenda has lead to significant growth in the number of TAs and other support staff employed in schools. Jobs are advertised in the local press, school newsletters and on this website. TAs work both to support the teaching and learning of pupils and to support teachers in delivering high-quality and professional education.
TA roles are created to suit the particular needs of a school and, therefore, they differ slightly between schools. For example, a TA whose role it is to support pupils with severe learning difficulties and physical impairment may undertake a range of welfare duties. A TA working in a secondary school design and technology department may have specific skills in, for example, woodwork or textiles. TAs working in mainstream primary schools are likely to develop skills that support the teaching of literacy and numeracy.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles will carry a greater level of responsibility than other TAs. The role may include working with whole classes and undertaking what is known as 'specified work'. The teacher retains overall responsibility for the class and the HLTA works under the direction and supervision of the teacher.
TA Induction Training
The TA Induction training course uses materials developed by the TDA and is delivered by VT Group consultants. This popular training is designed to be an informative and interesting introduction that will equip TAs with a range of tools and techniques which can be used to support their role. The TA Induction Programme for Primary School TAs takes 5 days to complete and 4 days to complete for TAs in the Secondary phase. The schedule of course dates is available on www.vtfours.co.uk/cpdonline.
Higher Level Teaching Assistants - Assessment
The national standards for HLTAs are a detailed range of competencies describing the knowledge, skills and understanding required from TAs who work at a higher level. TAs can be assessed against these standards in order to gain HLTA status. The HLTA programmes are fully funded. Further information about HLTAs can be found on the TDA website. An HLTA role in a school will be at the third level within the TA career structure.
VT Group is a TDA-approved provider for nationally-specified TA training which prepares candidates for HLTA assessment. There are various routes to achieve HLTA status. HLTA is also offered with subject specialisms in Maths, Science and Food Technology for those working in the secondary phase. Before embarking upon HLTA, candidates should attend one of our briefings which are held each term at various locations across Surrey. These briefings provide a good insight into what is expected of candidates wishing to achieve HLTA status. Please go to www.vtfours.co.uk/cpdonline for information about briefing dates. Some TAs use their experience in the role as a stepping stone to teacher training through the Graduate Teacher Training programme (GTP) or the Registered Teacher Training programme (RTTP). An increasing number of TAs are also developing their careers by undertaking a Foundation Degree.
NVQs for TAs
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Supporting Teaching and Learning at Levels 2 and 3 are delivered by a range of providers across Surrey. The NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning is designed for Teaching Assistants who have a reasonable amount of experience in the classroom, and it is recommended that applicants join either the Level 2 or Level 3 course based on their level of experience, current job description and responsibilities. Candidates are supported by an assessor and during the programme they are required to prepare a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates how they meet the relevant national occupational standards. An NVQ programme normally takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.
Funding
Funding for NVQs is provided through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and some learners are able to access fully funded programmes through additional Train to Gain funding. Full details about funding can be obtained through the NVQ providers. Surrey's Support Staff Training and Development Grant from the TDA cannot be used to fund NVQs as funding is provided through the LSC.
Providers
A list of NVQ providers in Surrey can be found on the VT Four S website, www.vtfours.co.uk (requires registration). Alternatively, you can e-mail wd@vtplc.com to request a fact sheet. Additional information for employing organisations, including schools, is provided by Business Link Skills South East. Tel 08457 512288.
Support Work in Schools (SWiS) qualification
The SWiS qualification is available at Levels 2 and 3 of the National Qualifications Framework. It is suitable for anybody in a support staff role who would like to gain a formal qualification or who is new to the school environment, has more than one role in a school, or would like to improve their career prospects or skills. SWiS is a modular qualification and learners can choose the modules relevant to their role in the school. View www.tda.gov.uk/support/qualificationsandtraining/swis.aspx for further information.
VT Group offer briefing sessions each term on the SWiS qualification. To book a place on one of these briefings, go to www.vtfours.co.uk/cpdonline.
Cover Supervisors
A major aim of the Government's Workforce Strategy is to reduce the burden of cover on teaching staff. From September 2009, teachers will not be expected to cover for absent colleagues. Consequently, schools are redesigning their cover policy in order to comply with this requirement.
The role of the Cover Supervisor is central to the success of any cover strategy. A collaboration of schools in Surrey has worked together to develop and deliver a 3 day programme of initial training for Cover Supervisors. For information on current training on offer, e-mail the Workforce Development Team on wd@vtplc.com .
Learning Mentors, Learning Coaches, Pastoral Co-ordinators
Increasingly, support staff are deployed to help students who struggle to meet the school's expectations of work and behaviour. These staff work closely with teachers and school leaders to encourage the children to realise their potential by making the very best of the opportunities they are offered in school. The focus is on supporting students to develop skills associated with raising self-esteem, improving social interaction and generally finding routes to success in life. In the future this strand of work will develop into a professional framework of student support and guidance.
VT Group are able to offer workshops and training for these roles. For information e-mail the Workforce Development Team on wd@vtplc.com .
Working in Administration and Finance
Working in a school office is a unique and exciting experience where you can use your skills in finance, personnel, administration, reception or clerical work to impact on the education of children. Surrey schools range from large secondary schools to small village primary schools. Whatever type of school you work in, you can be sure of a job that is stimulating and rewarding.
If you are already professionally qualified in areas such as finance, personnel or premises management, or you are looking to return to work after a career break, there are many opportunities for you in Surrey schools.
School Business Managers, School Bursars and Administrative Officers work closely with the Headteacher and Governors in managing and monitoring the school budget. In addition, they often have responsibility for personnel and pay issues and can have oversight of premises. There are many other roles available, depending on the size of the school, such as Personal Assistant to the Headteacher, Finance Assistant, Clerical Officer or Receptionist.
Many schools offer training and development opportunities for staff through formal courses and on-the-job training and some staff are given the opportunity to undertake courses which lead to a qualification.
Staff are employed under local government (Surrey) terms and conditions of employment on a variety of full and part-time contracts, and are paid on Surrey pay grades. There is scope for salary progression within each grade, the opportunity to join a pension scheme, and often the option to work school term-time.
Schools advertise their own vacancies in the local press, school newsletters, on the Surrey County Council website - www.surreycc.gov.uk - and on this website.
Induction Training for Support Staff
VT Group offers a one day induction training progamme based on materials developed by the TDA and delivered by a VT Group consultant. This course is offered to support staff who are new to working in a school context and is suitable for those working in primary, secondary or special schools. This programme is fully funded and delegates normally come from a wide variety of support roles. Please note that TAs should not attend this programme but should attend the TA Induction programme. The schedule of course dates is available on www.vtfours.co.uk/cpdonline.