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Post by Plocket on Apr 29, 2010 17:39:36 GMT
Are there any classroom assistants on here because I've got some questions  |
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Post by Jasmine on Apr 29, 2010 18:34:51 GMT
I'm not a classroom assistant Plocket but I'm line manager for the TA's in 1 of my schools.
Might I be able to help?
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Post by Auricula on Apr 30, 2010 9:08:52 GMT
Me neither, but I may be able to help as I was head of a primary school.
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Post by Plocket on Apr 30, 2010 10:49:19 GMT
Thank you both! It's just that I'm so enjoying helping with reading at our school that a friend (she's also a teacher) suggested that I might enjoy being a classroom assistant. I wondered if you could give me some advice, and/or say whether I need qualifications or not (because some websites say you do and some say you don't  ) |
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Post by Jasmine on Apr 30, 2010 13:19:11 GMT
I would say that qualifications and/or experience would be important Plocket. You may find it useful (if you want to expand on your experience) to ask if you could do other activities including listening to readers with the teacher you are with - or even in different classes so you cover the different years. When we interview now applicants tend to have experience working in school. Some will have been INA's (Individual Needs Assistants) who work on 1:1 with a certain child (who may or may not have a statement) or they will have been a TA/CA before. There are lots of opportunities available if you do become a TA/CA. Some go on to qualify as HLTA's (Higher Level TA's) and they can actually cover the class and there would normally be a wide range of courses you could go on to develop your expertise. Different Counties/Boroughs will have different names to the ones I've used so just say if it doesn't make sense! Good luck! |
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Post by Auricula on May 1, 2010 12:17:02 GMT
I agree with Jasmine. Try to help at the school in a variety of ways, show you're adaptable,willing and co-operative. LSAs have to be able to workas part of a team ( sorry, TAs CAs LSAs INAs..are all basically the same  ) Most counties offer courses which lead to qualifications and whilst qualifications are not strictly necessary, most schools are inundated with candidates when they advertise jobs ( hours and holidays make it an ideal choice for Mums ) so qualifications are a useful way of weeding out candidates ( might not be such an issue if you are well known to a school). We expected our LSAs to attend regular courses and become HLLSAs where practicable as it helps them ( more money and kudos ) and the school ( they can be given more responsibility). If you have a degree, or even A levels, have you thought about becoming a teacher?? Hope that helps, feel free to ask for more clarification, if it's as clear as mud!! ;D ;D |
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Post by JennyWrenn on May 1, 2010 14:34:37 GMT
My cousin, who I met last week on our Bluebell Walk, is a classroom assistant. She teaches gardening to primary school children just once a week
They have their own mini greenhouse, etc etc and a small plot of land within the school grounds
She just loves it ;D
I think you need to get a CRB check tho
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Post by Auricula on May 1, 2010 23:07:04 GMT
Yes, you do, but you need it even if you're volunteering so it shouldn't be a problem.
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Post by Plocket on May 3, 2010 15:10:44 GMT
I'm already CRB checked and do regular reading at the school twice a week, as a volunteer. I had a chat with the Head Teacher at LP's school and she was very positive and encouraging. I think she wants her classroom assistants to have qualifications though.
I've tried to talk to the appropriate people at our local college but am waiting for them to ring back.
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Post by Jasmine on May 3, 2010 15:35:48 GMT
That's a good idea Plocket. Your local college will be able to help you to pick the most appropriate course and at the right level too.
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Post by Plocket on May 5, 2010 11:54:45 GMT
If they'd ring me back!!! I'll keep at them until I've spoken to someone |
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Post by Jasmine on May 5, 2010 14:23:47 GMT
That's not very good service is it - you'd think they'd be keen for new students.
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Post by Plocket on May 5, 2010 14:27:01 GMT
Mmm. I'll keep ringing them!!! ;D
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Post by Jasmine on May 5, 2010 14:30:59 GMT
A bit of harrassment should get some sort of response ;D
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Post by Plocket on May 5, 2010 14:35:30 GMT
LOL! I'll keep you posted  |
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Post by Jasmine on May 13, 2010 9:26:05 GMT
Did you get hold of anyone in the end Plocket?
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Post by Plocket on May 14, 2010 12:20:20 GMT
I went in eventually Jasmine, and got information on a couple of courses. I still need to speak to someone though to find out costs and stuff. Apparently the Election has put everything on hold because it will affect their funding, but they are posting me a prospectus in due course.
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Post by Jasmine on May 14, 2010 16:58:30 GMT
Ah well, it gives you a chance to read up and see what sort of course would suit you.
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Post by Plocket on May 16, 2010 17:59:53 GMT
Yep! And I'll keep you posted.
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Post by Plocket on Aug 11, 2010 16:12:41 GMT
It's official - I'm a student!!! Albeit part-time and I don't start until September. Our local college has stopped doing the course I wanted, and offered a basic childrens care course instead which wasn't what I wanted. However I found out that South Staffs College offers the type of course I want so I applied, and have been accepted. I start on 22nd September. It's a year long course, at Level 3, and after that I should be a qualified Classroom Assistant. Now I need to talk to school to get some more permanent (volunteer while I'm a student) work |
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Post by Barbara on Aug 11, 2010 16:19:38 GMT
Good luck P. will you need a satchel. ;D
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Post by Plocket on Aug 11, 2010 16:26:21 GMT
I've still got the one I had when I was doing my A Levels!!! ;D
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Post by Jasmine on Aug 11, 2010 17:25:08 GMT
That's brilliant Plocket . Lots of luck with the course.
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Post by Auricula on Aug 11, 2010 22:38:10 GMT
Well done Plocket - keep us informed of how it's going...................what sort of pencil case are you going to get?  ? ;D ;D |
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Post by blodau on Aug 12, 2010 7:24:41 GMT
Well done P. I'm sure you'll have a lovely time on your course and you'll make a great TA.
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Post by Plocket on Aug 12, 2010 8:07:08 GMT
OMG I haven't thought about a pencil case!!!!! ;D Thank you Blodau - it's a bit of a career change for me though! |
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Post by Auricula on Aug 12, 2010 8:42:18 GMT
I always wanted a furry one  |
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Post by blodau on Aug 12, 2010 9:03:52 GMT
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Post by Plocket on Aug 12, 2010 9:26:32 GMT
LOL! I hope it's MUCH easier than looking after certain Chief Executives!!!!! ;D ROFL at Auricula's furry item!!!! |
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Post by Auricula on Aug 14, 2010 8:52:28 GMT
;D ;D I'll have you know I've had both in my time Blod ;D |
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)
) Most counties offer courses which lead to qualifications and whilst qualifications are not strictly necessary, most schools are inundated with candidates when they advertise jobs ( hours and holidays make it an ideal choice for Mums ) so qualifications are a useful way of weeding out candidates ( might not be such an issue if you are well known to a school). We expected our LSAs to attend regular courses and become HLLSAs where practicable as it helps them ( more money and kudos ) and the school ( they can be given more responsibility). If you have a degree, or even A levels, have you thought about becoming a teacher??
? ;D ;D