Menu
07/04/2003
Wider role for teaching assistants outlined
Teaching assistants could have a new role in supporting pupil learning under plans set out in a new consultation published today.
The document outlines a set of standards for higher-level teaching assistants, changes to teachers' contracts and regulations on the role of support staff. The package of measures has been developed in partnership with the unions and employers that signed up to an agreement in January to raise standards and tackle teacher workloads in schools in England.
It is hoped that the changes will result in teachers working shorter hours and being freed from administrative tasks and excessive cover for absent colleagues.
School Standards Minister, David Miliband, said that for "too long" teachers have been distracted by tasks that prevent them from focusing on teaching.
"Higher Level Teaching Assistants offer not only real benefits for pupils in terms of individualised support, but also the chance to provide teachers with essential timetabled time for planning, preparation and assessment," he said
"Teachers and teaching assistants are not interchangeable - teachers must make the lead contribution to teaching and learning. The revised draft regulations are clear that teaching assistants must operate under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher."
The government has also announced that 50 more schools will receive training status, bringing the total in England to more than 130. These schools receive extra funding to develop and spread good teacher training practices.
(GMcG)
The document outlines a set of standards for higher-level teaching assistants, changes to teachers' contracts and regulations on the role of support staff. The package of measures has been developed in partnership with the unions and employers that signed up to an agreement in January to raise standards and tackle teacher workloads in schools in England.
It is hoped that the changes will result in teachers working shorter hours and being freed from administrative tasks and excessive cover for absent colleagues.
School Standards Minister, David Miliband, said that for "too long" teachers have been distracted by tasks that prevent them from focusing on teaching.
"Higher Level Teaching Assistants offer not only real benefits for pupils in terms of individualised support, but also the chance to provide teachers with essential timetabled time for planning, preparation and assessment," he said
"Teachers and teaching assistants are not interchangeable - teachers must make the lead contribution to teaching and learning. The revised draft regulations are clear that teaching assistants must operate under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher."
The government has also announced that 50 more schools will receive training status, bringing the total in England to more than 130. These schools receive extra funding to develop and spread good teacher training practices.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 December 2003
Good leadership 'essential' for schools' performance: report
Good leadership and management of teachers and other school staff are "essential" if schools are to improve, according to a new report published today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
Good leadership 'essential' for schools' performance: report
Good leadership and management of teachers and other school staff are "essential" if schools are to improve, according to a new report published today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
03 March 2005
Labour education plan promises 'tailored support'
Labour have launched their five-year education plan with promises to provide 'tailored support' for school children. Plans unveiled by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly include the provision of extra tuition support for children to help develop strengths and tackle weaknesses.
Labour education plan promises 'tailored support'
Labour have launched their five-year education plan with promises to provide 'tailored support' for school children. Plans unveiled by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly include the provision of extra tuition support for children to help develop strengths and tackle weaknesses.
14 April 2005
Conservatives pledge return to 'traditional' teaching methods
Michael Howard has pledged a return to traditional teaching methods, using phonics to teach children how to read and write. Speaking during an election campaign conference in London, the Conservative leader said that the methods would help to ensure that children of immigrants learnt how to speak English.
Conservatives pledge return to 'traditional' teaching methods
Michael Howard has pledged a return to traditional teaching methods, using phonics to teach children how to read and write. Speaking during an election campaign conference in London, the Conservative leader said that the methods would help to ensure that children of immigrants learnt how to speak English.
07 October 2003
Government welcomes rise in vocational degree places
The government has said that there will be an extra 10,000 places on foundation degree courses next year, "giving more people a chance to study for a vocationally-focused higher education qualification".
Government welcomes rise in vocational degree places
The government has said that there will be an extra 10,000 places on foundation degree courses next year, "giving more people a chance to study for a vocationally-focused higher education qualification".
17 January 2005
Schools inspector calls for better citizenship teaching
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, has called for an improvement in the quality of citizenship teaching in schools. Recent evidence, provided by education regulator, Ofsted, revealed that citizenship teaching, which became a statutory requirement in schools two years ago, was the worst taught subject at secondary level.
Schools inspector calls for better citizenship teaching
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, has called for an improvement in the quality of citizenship teaching in schools. Recent evidence, provided by education regulator, Ofsted, revealed that citizenship teaching, which became a statutory requirement in schools two years ago, was the worst taught subject at secondary level.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
