So who is a Teaching Assistant on here ??

[Whizzz]

In 2 weeks I start my first TA job
It's in a Secondary school across all years & all depts.
I got lots of help on here when I was trying to decide to make the big career change, but can't now remember who the TAs are - so sign in here if you are a TA too

Hi Whizzz,
I start a new job as a TA in 2 weeks too!
Doing one-to-one support for a little boy with ASD in reception. Really looking forward to it, worked with young children as a nursery nurse for years but this is my first school job.

Congratulations on your new job!
I am a TA in a primary school & have done this job for a good 12 years now!
You wont recognise my name, as I have had to change it, but I more than likely would have posted on your previous thread.
I love the job!

Cool ! All tips, gratefully received

What year are you going to be working in?

I am working across all year groups! Some specific classroom support and also with pupils out of class in smaller group work

TAs come out, come out wherever you are !

Hi, I also start as a TA in a secondary in acouple of weeks. Feeling really nevous as onoy worked in Primary so far. Being on the short side looking up, rather than down, at pupils is one notiable differance....how did they all get that tall. Completed the Cache TA3 this year so re-reading all my text books at the mo.....good luck and keep us posted.

Bt the way, do know how to spell really but fingers are moving faster than my brain!! not a good start

I'm a cover supervisor in secondary school.
Wedgiesmum is a TA in primary school.
Nikkie BSL interpreter/TA in SEN school (I think - hope I've got your job title approximately right Nikkie!)

Whizz, you may well find that at times you have duties to support/supervise children at break times and lunchtimes. When you are free, do make sure you socialise with the whole staff in the staff room/refectory/wherever. Even when you are really busy (and you will be), make time to grab a coffee in the "place to be". In some schools TAs tend to cluster together in a ghetto, and then complain when they don't feel integrated into the whole staff.

When on classroom support, if you are not sure what you can do to support the teacher then do ask. Particularly if you are supporting regular classes, then grab a quick chat with the teacher at a breaktime, and ask for feedback on your performance so far, and ask what you could do to help and/or should not do. We have some fantastic TAs in our school, and the odd occasional chocolate teapot.

If you are supposed to be supporting in a class and will not be there for whatever reason (sickness, absence, training, or if your Manager has told you to be elsewhere), then make sure and double check that the teacher is also informed. If they can rely on you being there, you will be of far more use to them, and they will plan to use you most effectively.

If you are supporting one-to-one in a classroom, and expect to take that child out of the class (for a reading test or something), try and give the teacher advance warning, and ask if it is convenient.

Most schools rely heavily on email for communication, but most TAs do not get given laptops. Do make sure you get a username and email address asap (you may have to push IT for this, as they are always busy); check to make sure you are included on "all staff" emails, and try and find regular time to check your emails. This will help you feel more informed about the school, and more a part of the whole structure.

Hope those few "off the top of my head" comments are helpful to you!

Good luck to you and susyb!

Thanks so much Roisin - some great tips - keep them coming !! I was hoping to get some sort of timetable in advance but it looks unlikely now before I start! At least I have 1 day without pupils !! Boy will my head be spinning !

Thanks Rosin, will bear all those in mind!

Whizzz and Susyb - how's it going?
I was thinking about you today when I watched a new TA making mistakes!

I never saw this last time!
Yes thats about right for me Roisin. I am based in a classroom on a 1:1 but I help others as and when.It is a post 16 SN class 10 kids 8 staff!

roisin - its going OK thanks . Very much in at the deep end but I'm finding my feet now. I've found a huge variation in the way that the teachers respond to you in the classrooms - but I'm learning their various 'styles'. Most of my time is spent with one Yr7 class (pupil with Aspergers & one thats dyslexic) - although I also have a few yr8 & 9 classes too.
I'm really enjoying it & glad I made the career change !

I am a TA abd have just been accepted to do the HLTA, it starts next week and finishes in December.

Good luck!