NEW ASSISTANT SENDCO ADMIN

[harrow92]

Hello!

I started a new job last week in a secondary after 11 years in hospitality & under the same employer (management position) - I was shocked to have been offered an interview let alone the job, but was so proud of myself. Ready for a new challenge ...

I'm in a office based role essentially, in an office with the deputy head/SendCo & LSG. I did two days last week before the weekend and ready to start a new week. But, I found last week I was left on my own a lot with nothing to do. I feel like I'm not being trained at all. Is this normal?

I'd be set the odd task - but even then it wasn't checked over and no feedback given? I feel like I'm just floating along but I get worried Incase they think I'm not picking stuff up - but, being that I'm handling a lot of sensitive and confidential content, I don't want to just assume anything. Or make mistakes - it's a lot of software and procedures that I've no experience of. Which they know...

Like even producing emails or letters to parents - I haven't been shown the normal format for this - so I am winging it in the most professional way I know.
On my second morning, the receptionist put two parents through to me - I had no idea how to handle or answer any of their queries, as I had no background knowledge of the child of topic - and don't know the correct protocols yet. One of which was a unhappy parent about a exclusion - I had no idea What to say?! I just turned on my customer service voice and took notes but felt like a rambling idiot.

Is this normal? Should I just keep going at their pace? And await training when it does happen? Likely to be in drips and drabs as they're often in meetings or lessons?
Was I wrong to expect to be shadowed?

Just feeling a little useless. In saying that - I am also SO hard on myself - I suffer horrendously from anxiety, to the point it can be quiet debilitating - so it took a lot for me to make the career change. And I think because I'm SO out of my comfort zone I'm putting extra pressure on myself; when realistically it's been 2 days??!

I'm so scared every day going in incase I fail at something. Schools seem like such professional, high ball environments it sort of makes you feel you need to be the best of the best...

Everyone I had met has been lovely - and very welcoming which has been nice but I don't feel like I've settled in yet.

Have you started this same thread twice, under two different names ?
As, otherwise, there is someone in the exact same position as yourself you could get together with to compare notes.

Is isn't 'normal', but then, a SENDCo having an administrative assistant isn't normal either. You need to arrange a meeting with the SENDCo and say what you have said here. That you are very willing to learn, but, obviously not having come from a schools / TA background you are completely unfamiliar with all the language, the processes, the forms, and really need her to tell you what she needs you to do each day.

A LOT of SENDCo time is taken up with paperwork, but it will probably take a while to work out which bits could be done by someone else that wouldn't involve the SENDCo having to write out all the information anyway.
Are you able to offer minute taking in meetings ? As I can see that being very helpful. Then there are other bits that I could see being helpful in a 'save 15mins here and there' way, but a lot of the work would be a bit difficult to pass to someone who doesn't know the young person.

I would have thought they need to immediately explain to you what you can and can’t answer and what to do if you can’t.

Plus safeguarding training - the basics are available online and should be made available to you very quickly.

Jobs in hospitality and secondary education with the same employer? I guess anyone really can set up a MAT now. Is it Wetherspoons?

The OP means she spent 11 years with the same company prior to this move ….

Oops.

I agree with @Kite22, it will probably take a little time for them to work out what admin tasks to delegate to you, as that won't be easy. Taking messages when parents call is fine I think, you can't be expected to answer their questions. A regular meeting with the SENDCo is in order, so I'd suggest that as a starting point.

Thanks everyone - it would appear this is the norm for the school I've joined. As I've voiced my concerns to various staff members and they all just nod in agreement and say that's the norm in regards to support staff. Your just thrown in with no induction - which I find super odd if you've got no school environment experience.
Honestly - half the time I have no idea what is being spoken about - I feel very lost.
I haven't had any complaints yet, and the tasks I'm given I am able to complete and navigate my way through. But, I still don't fully understand what my role is? In saying that, it's only been two weeks - i tend to be very hard on myself. But I think that comes from a job in management where you are very busy, everyday from the get go. To behind a desk and I'm a very small fish in a big pond. I guess it just wasn't at all what I was expecting.