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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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
