Have been employed as a HLTA in a lovely school for about 2 years, having returned to work following a long career break. Previous career in corporate / professional background.
It has been a really rewarding experience, fantastic colleagues and wonderful children. Although it has been incredibly challenging, I have really enjoyed seeing their progress and feeling like I am making an actual difference. There are two other HLTAs in the school, both very experienced - and a number of class TAs and 1.1s. I ran intervention groups for KS2 and various classroom cover where required, PPA cover etc. Lunchtime / playtime cover was on a rota and everyone chipped in.
This term, we have a new Head - and she has arrived guns blazing, seemingly intent on implementing change. During her first staff meeting, she announced that all support staff would be required to cover a full hour lunch duty every day, as well as break duty. Teachers would no longer be expected to share this…ever.
She then went on to say that TAs were not entitled to full half hour lunchtime breaks, and would only be allowed a quick 5 minute break to use the toilet - during the day, and then 15/20 minutes to eat lunch after the lunchtime period is over. She stipulated we are not to leave the classroom for toilet breaks during class time, and this needs to be managed accordingly. Staff meetings would be 3.30 to 5.30 every Tuesday - and TA staff will be invited if relevant - otherwise they can help with teas for the teachers and prepare classroom resources for the duration!
I have never felt so talked down to in my life, with such an insultingly divisive address to staff. Are schools not supposed to be inclusive environments? Having worked in large male dominated corporate environments, this was the worst staff introduction I have ever experienced, and I feel like handing my notice in.
To too it off, the HLTAs have now been assigned to a classroom as opposed to working with different classes within the school, and the class teacher assumes I belong to ‘her’. She keeps making references such as ‘my TA’ and already I am in no doubt that she sees me as ‘her’ personal assistant, as opposed to someone who is there to assist the children. Feeling terribly unsettled, and aside from various contractual conflicts, surely it doesn’t make sense to utilise HLTAs in this way? The pay grade is somewhat higher than the standard class TA pay grade - but this new head clearly thinks we are all brainless minions who should be seen and not heard.
Would really like to hear what other schools do. Particularly in relation to lunchtime duties etc.
Thank you 😊