T/A taking yr1 class ALOT !!

[brainfreeze]

My ds is in yr1 and his teacher is also their deputy head. In the absence of the head teacher, the DH is out of his class 2 days a week. This leaves her T/A to teach their class along with a parent helper

Whilst I believe the role of a T/A is invaluable, I am not happy they are allowing this to happen more frequently.

The head is away for 2 weeks, and we have been informed there will be no supply teacher, only T/A and helper. Surely, this is not right?! What can we do to complain formerly? A few of the parents are v. unhappy about this arrangement.

ps The T/A is also his teachers 'best friend' and the head of governors is a really good 'mate' of the head teacher - should I bother ?!

If the TA has Higher Level status then she can take the class in the absence of the teacher. The teacher will be doing the planning, she will be delivering the lessons (like supply teachers). I know it's not ideal but sometimes the children will respond and learn more wiith someone who knows the structure of the day and the children better.

Indeed - so she can 'take' the class, but she isn't allowed to teach . Like there's a difference.

Whilst I would possibly concede the point that a TA might be better than a supply teacher for a day (and this would depend hugely on the quality of the supply teacher - and most schools have at least a couple whom they know and trust), a TA babysitting for up to 2 weeks is outrageous. I would complain.

I'd be more worried by the support. A teacher is supported by a TA who has had proper training and knows school policies re behaviour management, CP etc. A parent helper supporting a TA is not good enough.

I'm not clear from your message - is the HT currently off? (Sick?)

I would be very unhappy with a regular 2 days' cover by TA, let alone a fortnight's solid stint.

Whilst classes can and do flourish under supervision by non-QTS status staff, it's wholly inappropriate for supervision to continue for this length of time.

I would write a letter to the Governing Body c/o Chair of Govs: there's nothing much else you can do, but they will have to take it seriously.

No, the HT is not sick...planned 'leave', so they have known about it for some time. I think a letter t the Govs in on the cards. Thanks for your responses ... just wanted to gage if I was over reacting or being precious about ds. I think a letter to the Chair if govs in on the cards.

Cheers MN's