TA chat forum

susie · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:57 pm Post subject:

Have you had a makeover Dizzy? looking very slick.
How did you get on Miss I?

Dizzydolly · Top of the class Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 477

Thanks Suzie you look cool too

Miss informed · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 6:00 am Post subject:

susie wrote:

How did you get on Miss I?

Well, the meeting was made up a a selection of teaching assistants, teachers and PPA/cover supervisors and also the HT and DHT.

We were reviewing the current way we implement PPA time at our school and looking for ways to make it more 'user friendly' for everyone concerned and finding a 'way forward' because of budget implications.

As I thought, they are considering using existing TA's for some cover supervision in the future but to be honest and to my astonishment the HT stated that of course we would have to train up staff and have pay increases to reflect this.

I found it interesting that both the HT and the DHT (also Senco) had very little clue as to legislation and/or good practise about using the school support staff in this role.

Of course, I made it clear that I was keeping myself informed in this area by being in 'contact' with various TA organisations and finding out what was the 'norm' up and down the UK Wink

I think though that everyone was genuinly trying to find the best solution for the school as a whole community...which is what, I for one think should happen...so far so good!

susie · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 6:33 pm Post subject:

Sounds like it went ok Miss I. Glad to see they were talking about training and extra pay! I really enjoy being involved with PPA time and it seems to be going well at the moment. Lots of schools round my way do it like this and those that don't are thinking about it.

cazzie · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:11 pm Post subject:

In my previous job, before moving, I was asked to cover in my class for ppa or sick leave, year 1 and 2. I covered each week for Att/DT and had to plan and implement the lesson. This was a toltal shock cause I had no subject knowledge but the HD stated that if I could put displays up and make resources I was capable of teaching the children D&T. I took on the responsibility cause I was studying the Foundation Degree for TA's at the time. B was that a learning curve!

daisycat · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

When my teacher is off, I have a cover come in, as I insist that I am not going to be left on my own with a class, the particular students I work with can't handle change, so their behaviour can be a bit erratic.. Guess, who actually takes the class? Me, surprise! The cover just sits and does nothing. On the occassion that the cover has been on their own, with work left plus instructions, plus the students know what they have to do, nothing gets done. Might as well let the students go outside and kick a ball around.

I do feel that some of the covers employed in school get of very lightly.

cazzie · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

Too right daisycat! Mad