Sec. school TA / outfit and other ideas/discussion

[towelsand]

Hi there,
So I'm starting as a TA to help with children on EHCP.

Anyone with a similar role, who could tell me what to expect? I've been working in law previously, so completely new to it...
also! What shall I wear?

Primary or secondary?

Sorry, saw in your title! If secondary, start smartish, no jeans or trainers, and just look at what the other pastoral staff are wearing.

Are you in primary or secondary?

You'll get a feel when you're there on what the school's policy is, but as long as you don't wear jeans/ trainers - you'll be fine!

I’m primary (and EYFS) but I live in knee length dresses and leggings. I spend a lot of time on the floor though. Tend to wear low rise converse. I know thats not a look most of MN aspire to but it’s easy and comfy and I’m not likely to flash anybody.

Have you been able to visit the school in term time to get a sense of what other staff wear?
The dress code for secondary school staff can vary between schools but is generally smartish / the less formal end of the business-wear spectrum. No jeans or hoodies, no trainers unless you work in the PE department.

I wear smart trousers and a selection of tunic tops. Some colleagues wear skirts or dresses. Male colleagues wear smart trousers / shirt / tie. Very few wear suit jackets.

To start I would err on the side of smart which will be easy coming from law, IME it varies from school to school depending on the dress code.

I worked in one school that was very strict on business dress - suit or dress and jacket (even for support staff) and another where leggings and tunics was the norm.

If you are supporting a student with an EHCP then you will need comfy shoes that you can run in.

Good luck in your new job.

Oh and the basic rule of thumb was:

Nothing that you can see up, down, under or through

Ask other TAs or the SENDCo what your school’s policy is.

My niece works in an EBD school and jeans and trainers are acceptable. I work in a comprehensive school and teaching staff and TAs have to look smart.

Thank you ever so much for all the replies.

It's a C of E secondary, high achieving specialist academy.
I didn't have a chance to look at what the staff is wearing as I only had my interview last week... I'll opt for blazer, smart trousers and possibly brogues ...

If you in the same position...

Can you tell me how is your average day looks like pls?