introductory training for teaching assistants

Guidance on introductory training for
teaching assistants and school support
staff


source

Local authorities (LAs) need to provide positive leadership in helping schools develop and deliver effective induction programmes which may include a taught programme of initial training. Most LAs offer introductory training based on TDA induction materials. Some offer integrated or multi-agency introductory training or are exploring opportunities to do so. In planning introductory training programmes for school support staff LA staff could consider:


 identifying opportunities for integrated or multi-agency introductory training and which school support staff would benefit from this




==

establishing a school induction policy for newly appointed support staff with clear and specific targets, roles, responsibilities and timescales

 identifying induction and initial training needs of newly appointed staff

 developing an induction plan for each newly appointed member of staff which takes account of their previous experience and achievements and may include a taught programme of initial training


===

Introductory training helps new TAs and support staff to understand their role, feel confident in their work and be effective members of the school team. However, many longer-serving staff have found it useful as a refresher to bring them up to date with changing policies and practice.



The training complements school-based induction, providing an introduction to important developments in education, such as Every Child Matters, revisions to the National Curriculum and ways of managing behaviour. The training covers the essential knowledge and skills that all support staff need, and there are targeted separate sets of materials for primary TAs, secondary TAs and other support staff.



http://www.tda.gov.uk/upload/resources/pdf/g/intro_training_guidance_tass.pdf