Most useful thing a TA can do to help teacher for inspection?

[Pencilandpaper]

Hi all, I’m a TA in a primary school who are expecting an Ofsted visit very soon. I have never been in a school when one has happened before, but I’m sensing the stress around it So, I was wondering from teachers/more experienced TAs - what can I do to help, both before and during? What is the process like and how long do inspections last? I really love the school I work at, the teacher I work for is brilliant and so supportive and I really want to help in any way I can. I could ask directly I guess but don’t want to be seen as a burden? Thanks all

I've had inspections in the Early Years setting I worked at but not in the school. I was told to make sure I know our safeguarding policy (including the names of safeguarding leads and the one for the LEA), which children were on Pupil Premium and how the funding supported these children and Behaviour policy. Also be aware of the children in your class and year group who have EHCPs/on SEND list and what is in place for them. Hope this helps and good luck.

If you're observed in class, then be busy with assisting learning at all times. If the teacher doesn't direct you specifically, then do things like watch carefully to the input - see how children are responding, can you take a whiteboard to the carpet and extend a child who is 'getting it', can you take some manipulatives in maths to the carpet and help out a child who is struggling, can you have some key questions on the subject you're learning about to ask that will extend a child's understanding etc.

Don't just ever sit and listen to the teacher speaking, and don't do things like tidy up the room or whatever, during a lesson. Assist with the learning. My TA is amazing, does all of these things.

What Rafa said.
As a TA, I was never interviewed by Ofsted inspectors but they were observing to see how we were deployed to facilitate children's learning (& well-being).

Rule. Not Rafa. 🤦‍♀️

Make a beeline for the Sen/ pupil premium kids and rotate round them

All good points thank you, and I think I do most of them already anyway.

I’ve literally just gone through inspection!! I spent yesterday sound asleep (and tomorrow’s teaching could be questionable).

I’ve been through inspection as a TA, an early years worker in a nursery and now as a teacher.

First off, your teacher should have a long written plan for each lesson I imagine (that’s what I had to have ready). Make sure you know your role. You’ll likely be given a copy prior. Know your role and make sure you do it. Remember to use lots of open ended questions with the children. Be clear on behaviour policy and make sure you carry it out fairly. And like the above said, be involved and have things like a whiteboard and a one or a piece of paper or whatever at hand. Think of any resources that could help kids when they’re stuck and know where they are to grab them if needed.

I did notice some, not all, made that extra effort of getting in early or staying a bit later to help. Some can’t do that and it’s not expected, but I have to say arriving and finding my TA in the classroom earlier was a huge help to me. Practically because she helped me have everything ready, but she was also just a calming influence and it was nice to just verbally run though everything and make sure we were both starting on the same foot but having more than 5 minutes to do so.

When I was a TA, my teacher was amazing, but I was warned not to take what any staff member says those days personally. God stress levels were high. I get it now. I was snapped at a couple of times essentially for being at the photocopier at someone else’s crucial moment. Don’t take anything like that to heart. (Don’t tolerate rudeness either but hopefully you get what I mean).

Just be you. I’m sure in reality you have nothing to worry about. Be involved, worry about the nitty gritty at playtime and make sure you know who your DSL is.

I was also asked by an Ofsted inspector if I knew which of the children were Pupil Premium and/or SEN. I was able to and show them our Info Folder. This was actually mentioned in their report as an example of good practise.

@BlueBloodedBlue

I was also asked by an Ofsted inspector if I knew which of the children were Pupil Premium and/or SEN. I was able to and show them our Info Folder. This was actually mentioned in their report as an example of good practise.

Thank you for sharing. Can I ask what else was in the folder? We have lots of info, but it’s scattered across different places. Putting it together as a class information folder makes sense.

@Pencilandpaper Each class has a specific folder (put together by our SENCO) that contains all the paperwork relating to:

• children with an EHCP
• Children with SEN
• children who are receiving any additional support
• children who receive Pupil Premium
• any LAC

This is kept in a locked cupboard in the classroom

First off your teacher should have a long written plan for each lesson I imagine

Lesson plans aren't even looked at by Ofsted, though.

@GettingLardy

First off your teacher should have a long written plan for each lesson I imagine

Lesson plans aren't even looked at by Ofsted, though.

But, the Inspectors do ask Support Staff what the learning objectives of the lesson are and how the work has been differentiated. It helps (and sounds more professional) if you can quote from the lesson plan.