To be worried that someone with no qualifications or experience will be a TA in DD school?

[FusionChefGeoff]

So, was chatting with a mum who I've never met before who is excited she'll be leaving her job of 14 yrs as a receptionist to start as a TA in year 2 in my DDs school in September.

I asked if she's retrained? She says no.

I ask if she's done it before? She says no. But says she's been associated with the school for over 10 years as her kids have been through it so she does know most of the teachers.

I make congratulatory noises for her taking a chance etc etc whilst secretly worrying about how the hell this is a suitable appointment. I stopped asking questions too I'm afraid as I was starting to sound a bit rude and I didn't want to upset her.

And who is going to train her?? Presumably the teacher who by all accounts are drowning already in paperwork etc.

So, is there actually a feasible scenario in which this is acceptable?

She'll be doing an NVQ and training on the job I imagine. I would also suppose that the recruitment panel considered her appropriate when they appointed her.

You do realise that there are many classes being taught by teachers without qualifications in the subject they're teaching?

It is entirely reasonable as we all start somewhere. TAs have on the job training rather than formal qualifications.

She may have volunteered at school for years. She may have experience you are unaware of.

I don't think TAs need to have any qualifications for the job.

IME many (most?) TAs have no specific qualifications (or experience, by definition) when they first start working as a TA.

The interview process is rigorous. You normally have to do numeracy and literacy tests and teach a lesson as well as answer questions so they will have good reasons for considering her the best candidate.

You know that teachers don't actually have to be qualified either, right?

You don't need experience to be a TA, until recently I had never met one who had qualifications etc...they're quite new.

Having been both a teacher and a TA, unless they move up to hlta level it is unnecessary anyway.

TA training is pretty basic anyway,it's just ticking boxes.

She got the job because they liked her and felt she could do it presumably.

They're no qualifications required to be a TA, it's a bit like nursing in that way, anyone can be a carer. You just have to be willing to do it.

I mean Health assistants need no qualifications, not nurses

Very few TAs have qualifications. Most are nice mums looking for school hours work.

I really don't know why this is affecting you so badly.

And until you know more about the subject, you were right to stop talking about it as it sounds like you were A) wrong and B) a little rude.

I'm a TA, a very old NNEB qualification from way back counts me in as Level 3.

There are some in my setting working as TA's who don't have a written qualification behind them but do a great job supporting thd children and teacher.

she'll prob make a great TA having worked in the school all those years.

Don't worry about it.

Everyone has to start somewhere, people start jobs with no experience all the time. Don't be so precious.

I didn't think you needed qualifications to be a TA.

It's also a financial decision- unqualified staff are cheaper than qualified.

YABU and a bit pearl clutching

I became a TA at the age of 20 with no relevant qualifications other than having worked as a Youth Worker for the summer.

What kind of training do you think she should be having OP?

Sounds like this lady had far more experience than I did - I honestly don't know what you are worrying about?!

She hasn't worked in the school for ten years

None of the TAs in my school have any qualifications! Some might have o levels I suppose.

Most of the TA's at DC's school were unqualified when they started. Some were mum's who had been volunteering, some were mid day supervisors, some were career changers. They are all amazing, I trust the school implicitly when it comes to their hiring decisions. Why would you think you are in a better position than the head to make that call? 🤔

I assume that she has English and mathematics GCSE which is the usual typical entry requirements these days (but want historically)