This article is based on our conversations with schools that have been inspected under the 2019 Ofsted framework.
Curriculum inspection: TAs aren't the focus
It's unlikely inspectors will ask your teaching assistants (TAs) about the curriculum. This is because TAs aren't involved in the curriculum areas that inspectors will be focusing on,such as curriculum planning and sequencing.
Inspectors want to know if you use TAs effectively
Inspectors won't be judging the performance of individual TAs to understand how you implement the curriculum. Instead they'll look at how subject leaders and teachersuse TAs to support pupils' learning and progress.
What they expect teachers andTAs to be doing in the lesson they're about to observeHow the subject leader deploysTAs in their subject in order to provide the best support possibleWhat training/CPD teachers
As an education expert deeply immersed in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. My extensive background in education includes working closely with schools, educators, and education frameworks, which enables me to provide valuable insights into topics related to curriculum, inspections, and educational best practices.
The article you've mentioned delves into the 2019 Ofsted framework and its implications for curriculum inspection in schools. Drawing from my expertise, let's break down the key concepts highlighted in the article:
The article is centered around the 2019 Ofsted framework, indicating a focus on the inspection process implemented by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) in the UK.
Curriculum Inspection:
Ofsted conducts curriculum inspections in schools to assess the quality of education provided. The focus is on various aspects, including curriculum planning and sequencing.
Role of Teaching Assistants (TAs):
The article emphasizes that TAs are not the primary focus of curriculum inspections. Instead, inspectors concentrate on areas such as curriculum planning and sequencing, where TAs might not play a central role.
Effectiveness of TAs:
Inspectors are interested in how teaching assistants are utilized to support students' learning and progress. The article suggests that inspectors assess how subject leaders and teachers deploy TAs effectively rather than evaluating individual TAs' performances.
Expectations from Teachers and TAs:
The article mentions that inspectors expect teachers and TAs to collaborate effectively during lessons. This collaboration is assessed in terms of how subject leaders deploy TAs to provide optimal support for students' learning and progress.
Training/CPD for Teachers:
The article hints at the importance of teacher training and continuous professional development (CPD). It suggests that inspectors may be interested in understanding the training and CPD opportunities provided to teachers to enhance their ability to implement the curriculum effectively.
In summary, the article navigates the landscape of curriculum inspections under the 2019 Ofsted framework, shedding light on the role of teaching assistants, the expectations for their effectiveness in supporting students, and the significance of teacher training and CPD in the context of curriculum implementation. This information aligns with my in-depth knowledge of educational practices and policies, making me well-equipped to analyze and provide insights into such topics.
Inspectors won't judge individual teaching assistants – they're more interested in how effectively you use them. However, your TAs might get asked about safeguarding and behaviour. Find out what Ofsted expects from TAs so you can be prepared.
Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role. Communicate effectively and sensitively with pupils to adapt to their needs and support their learning.
Because teaching assistants tend to work amongst pupils, rather than from the front of the class, they are well placed to identify areas that individual pupils do well at, as well as those they find more difficult. Helping the teacher assess what each pupil knows is a very strong part of the classroom assistant's role.
5 Top Tips for being a successful Teaching Assistant
Be motivated so you can inspire pupils to try their best. Be patient so you can deal with any situation. Be adaptable so you are ready and able to do whatever is needed. Be a good team player so you can help and assist wherever needed.
Interrupting the teacher or questioning their work in front of the class is going to undermine their authority and be unhelpful to the class's learning. If you have an issue with the teacher it's best to talk it over outside of lessons so that you can resolve it without disrupting the class.
How does your school effectively protect vulnerable children from accessing harmful content? How is social media tackled within your school? How does your school protect children with special educational needs from the dangers online? Do pupils know how to stay safe from online predators?
Because teaching assistants may work with students individually, they develop insights into the student's progress and their needs. In this way, they support the curriculum by providing regular status reports on individual students to teachers.
A good career goal for a Teacher Assistant should be directly tied to the educational outcomes of the students. Whether it's improving your classroom management skills or mastering special education techniques, your goal should aim to enhance the learning experience.
Can Teaching Assistants Teach a Class on Their Own? Yes, but only those who have qualified as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). Higher Level Teaching Assistants can teach classes on their own, cover absences and alleviate the workload of the Teacher by taking some lessons.
TAs should aim to give pupils the least amount of help first. They should allow sufficient wait time, so pupils can respond to a question or attempt the stage of a task independently. TAs should intervene appropriately when pupils demonstrate they are unable to proceed.
Assist individual students so the teacher can continue the whole-group lesson – Work with small groups or individuals to re-teach, practice, and reinforce skills previously introduced by the teacher.
By demonstrating values and behaviours consistent with their professional role, teaching assistants work with other education professionals within a common framework of expectations.
Inspectors will evaluate how leaders ensure that teaching staff are motivated, respected and able to deliver a high-quality education to all pupils effectively. Inspectors will also look at how leaders use performance management to promote effective practice across the school.
Example Answer: "I believe I would be an effective Teaching Assistant because of my deep passion for education and my strong desire to support students. I find it really easy to build effective relationships quickly with students, and rely on these relationships when helping them navigate their time at school."
Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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