I want to be part of fhe process of choosing a new TA for my Ds

[Hedgyhoggy]

Ds is only child with a statement in school. I'm a governor, was a teacher and a TA and I asked head today if I could take part in the interview process. She said no, that it would set a precedent to other parents. I'm feeling a bit disappointed. I know she's probably concerned about me being pushy (though I haven't a history of it) but I can't help feeling that I would have been useful, especially when this person is so important to my sons development and his enjoyment of school. Am I being unreasonable. The thing is if I'd been on the personnel team of governors I have a feeling that she wouldn't have liked me being part of the process but she wouldn't have said anything. Just venting really but opinions would be appreciated?

[bjkmummy]

to be fair its not usual practice for parents to be involved in the choosing of the TA - I know a lot of us as parents would love to be able to be part of it but it certainly isn't the norm. although im not really sure if there are any 'rules' as such as to why parents couldn't be involved

[CoogerAndDark]

If you'd been part of the recruitment and selection Governor committee you would have had to stand down for this post. 'Untainted' Governors only (as it's charmingly referred to).
You have to trust the school to set a high standard and get the right candidate to support your DS.

[CoogerAndDark]

Btw I don't think it's to do with you being 'pushy' or not. It's part of good recruitment practice, that's all, although the Head should have made that clear.

[Hedgyhoggy]

Ohhh I know your right. Think I might have been pushy if I really liked someone, so probably better out of it....I guess my concerns are with the heads complete lack of understanding of ds. Ct good though. Wouldn't have thought a quick chat with a personnel governor would be an issue though, just so they at least no what the child the TA is intended for is like. Do you think it would be worth/acceptable writing a bit of a 'this is who ds is' for interviewers.

[CoogerAndDark]

The shortlisting process and targeted questions should be aimed at finding a suitable person. Is there an SEN Governor who will be included on the panel?
They should be shortlisting according to experience and training and digging further in interview as well as seeing if the candidates give a good impression re warmth and friendliness etc.
There 's not a great deal you van do at the selection stage, governor or not.
I don't see any harm in a brief checklist of qualities you think would make for a suitable TA but you'd have to make it clear you were submitting it as a parent and not a Governor. The class teacher and SENCO should already have that in mind, though.