yr 1 teacher off sick for half a term

[newgirl]

My dd's teacher has had a minor op and is off for about six weeks. They have a very sweet replacement teacher who usually works as a ta in the school.

When i ask my dd what she has been doing she describes work on the computer or watching tv programs.

Do you know if a ta is a qualified teacher?

Does this sound normal? Is there jack that I can do about it? Does it really matter at year one? I feel disappointed as my dd loves school and doesn't seem to be doing a great deal.

TA may be a qualified teacher choosing not to teach; she may not be a teacher. A TA could be used to supervise the class while they watch a video. She might cover the class for a few lessons using a teacher's planning - I don't think she should be teaching the class full-time unless she is qualified to do so. Not certain of the law on this one - why don't you ask the headteacher to explain the situation? It's reasonable enough to be concerned if your dd isn't learning at her usual pace.

A TA does not have to be a qualified teacher, although it is possoble they could be. S/he will have some qualifications - TAs work through NVQ level 1 - 3/4.

I would not be happy with somwone without QTS (qualified teacher status) taking my child's class for so long on their own TBH.

TA's do not have to be qualified teachers but could be. Go and see the Key Stage Leader/deputy/head and ask. I am a teacher myself and would certainly want to know - every year at school 'matters' and 6 weeks is a long time. Probably best not to rely too heavily on what your daughter has told you when discussing this with school staff tho'!

TA's qualified to level 3 or above can teach whole classes. Teachers should plan and evaluate the lessons if the TA is employed on level 3. If they are a HLTA (higher level teaching assistant) they would be expected to plan, prepare and evaluate the lessons themselves - overseen by the headteacher/ head of key stage/ subject co-ordinators/ line manager.
If you are concerned I would speak to the head teacher for clarification.

Oh forgot to say, in high schools they are called cover supervisors (level 3 qualified) and are employed to deliver lessons set by teachers, most school are doing this now as it's far cheaper than employing teachers. It's all about money I'm afraid!!!!!!

Whilst I would be happy for a HLTA to take the odd cover lesson I really would not be happy for a HLTA (unless qualified with QTS) to be taking a full class for the full 6 weeks when the FT is off sick. Surely that is bad practise?

ok the teacher who is off sick is also the deputy head so i would need to ask the head which i feel slightly awkward about - how do i find out who is the level coordinator - is a governor the right person to ask? dont know who they are either

we didnt get any letters about this by they way - we found out through the children