Teaching Assistants
There are many opportunities to work as a teaching assistant (TA) in Surrey schools. The national school workforce modernisation agenda has led to significant growth in the number of TAs and other support staff employed in schools. Jobs are often advertised in the local press, and in school newsletters and on this website www.surreyschools.com. 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.
Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) - 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. Schools must now pay for staff to access HLTA programmes which lead to HLTA status.
Babcock 4S is a TDA-approved provider for nationally-specified TA training which prepares candidates for HLTA assessment. Please visit www.babcock-education.co.uk/4S for further information. Some TAs use their experience in the role as a stepping stone to teacher training through the Graduate Teacher Training programme (GTP) or other routes. An increasing number of TAs are also developing their careers by undertaking a Foundation Degree. Information about HLTAs can be found on the TDA website www.tda.gov.uk
Additional information about HLTA delivery in Surrey can be obtained by telephoning 0800 073 4444 ext 835035.
Qualifications for Teaching Assistants and the Qualifications and Credit Framework
Awards, Certificates and Diplomas in 'Support Work in Schools' and 'Supporting Teaching and Learning' at Levels 2 and 3 are delivered by a range of providers across Surrey, including Babcock 4S. These new qualifications are linked to the new Qualifications and Credit Framework.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) will enable learners to build up credits at their on pace and combine units in a way that will support them in developing lifelong learning and career progression that is applicable across the children’s workforce.
Funding
Information about funding streams can be obtained directly from training providers.
Providers
For a list of support staff qualification training providers in Surrey, email wd@babcock.co.uk to request a fact sheet.
Cover Supervisors
A major aim of the Government's Workforce Strategy is to reduce the burden of cover on teaching staff. Since September 2009, teachers have not been expected to cover for absent colleagues. Consequently, schools are redesigning their cover policy in order to comply with this requirement.
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.
Babcock 4S are able to offer workshops and training for these roles. For information e-mail the Workforce Development Team on wd@babcock.co.uk
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- www.surreyschools.com.