HT would rather lose teachers than deal with TAs

[isthisfair]

Has anyone come across this? Have name changed as the situation might be recognisable.

Briefly - am working as a long-term supply in an Early Years unit with very cliquey and unprofessional support staff who do not see the value in child initiated learning which makes it very difficult to really follow the Early Years ethos.

Several teachers have come and gone over the past few years and even now two teachers are planning to leave. All problems have been reported to the Head who thinks highly of the support staff despite the fact that no-one who cares about childrens's education really wants to stay.

omg is this my school?

I think they will offer me a permanent position but I'm not too keen because support staff are really unskilled in engaging with the children. Is yours the same ninth?

Sorry ninah

Exactly as you describe.

Do you see a way ahead ninah or do you plan to get out?

Have the TAs been sent on proper training? When the whole EYFS changed a few years ago, our teachers were continually being sent on training for obs, recording, learning through play etc. all the TAs got was a few verbal pointers and then were expected to 'teach' in the same way as the teachers. We didn't know what on earth we were supposed to be doing! It was a lot of change and to get all the paperwork done we were continually staying after school or taking stuff home and when we eventually got the hang of it, the process would change and we'd have to start all over again! The pay and no career progression makes some TAs dig their heels in and resist change, Not saying it's right but has anyone found out the reason they are so obstructive? I can't quite believe they have so much sway over the HT! He/she needs to grow a pair.

Also a TA's job spec should mention somewhere that they are there to support the class teacher not decide among themselves how to pass the time!

I have tried everything I can think of, but now I am planning my exit! If you have a choice at all I'd say don't go there. All the training and support in the world is meaningless without your HT backing you. Visibly. I found out after I'd taken the job I replaced a senior teacher who wanted the hell out of there and who had basically suffered a breakdown.

Jodie, definitely, this is a big problem in my class.
Fwiw I am aware of how difficult the TA role can be, I used to be a TA myself.

I love Early Years and don't want to leave but there is an apathy more than anything. The HT has not tackled this and from what I have heard several very talented teachers have left after disagreements with the TAs where the HT has refused to back them up. The HT will come in every now and then and urge all staff to support the Leader but there are no repercussions and its all just talk.

Yes, same. Have worked really hard to put things in place, but it all sinks back again. I love EY too and I know what a great classroom should look like but without supportive leaders and/or great team it's not possible to achieve; the frustration is immense. I dread going to work and am contemplating supply if nothing suitable comes up by Easter. I'd think carefully about taking this on; at least if you do, you will go in with your eyes open. If you do take it, I'd formally record your concerns at the outset, in these days of target driven PM.

I agree it is so very frustrating. I think I will pass on this. I don't understand the HT's attitude. The rest of the school has brilliant TAs and if this group was separated and moved around (they have been there for years) they might be more effective.

yeah mine has been there for years too. She got moved out for some sessions and it was loads better .... but it only took weeks before she argued her way back in!
have just found out about a possible local vacancy in R (friend's school .....) am crossing everything I get it!

Good luck ninah, hope you get into the other school. I will also look for alternatives.

Are either of you in the Stansted airport region of the country? We are looking for an EY leader at our school.

Jodie bless you! I was years ago, but moved away ....Shame, you sound great to work with!

That is lovely of you Jodie, I'm not around there either but really appreciate you suggesting it.

What a shame! Our school is lovely but for some reason we have had difficulty finding a teacher to lead the Early Years. We had no applicants so are advertising again in the spring and will hopefully find someone dedicated like yourselves then. Merry Christmas!