September | Mumsnet

apirenticeta · 2024-07-24T04:26:43+00:00

Hi there I have been hired as an apprentice Ta I am 16 years old and I start on September (primary ) I was wondering how does an inset day go ? How do i get the staff to respect me as a ta and be a reliable dependent member of staff ? I am very new to this and woukd just like to know a bit more about everything

Harvestmoo · 24/07/2024 08:17

I would just try and be friendly and chat politely to everyone. It took me a long time when I was younger (older than you, but I think my parents modelled poor social skills!) to realise that at work the normal thing to do is have polite chit chat with everyone regardless of whether you know them that well. Just a little good morning and how are you is fine. It's much easier to talk to someone about work things when you've had a little small talk with them on other occasions. Good luck with the job. We had a lovely apprentice, aged 18 I think, in a school I worked in once and she was a well-respected member of staff.

MrsWombat · 24/07/2024 08:37

Hopefully, you will already have a contact (your phase leader or apprentice lead?) who will let you know anything you need to know before you start as I'm guessing you won't be on the staff emails yet. This should include anything like online training and the schedule for the inset days. Some of the training will be for all staff (e.g. safeguarding) and some will specifically be for TAs and/or Teachers and you'll need to know where you'll need to be. If you are not doing a specific bit of training you will probably be helping to sort out resources.

One thing to watch out for is the dress code. As a very young member of staff, unfortunately, you will be under scrutiny for short skirts and inappropriate slogans from the resident nosy old bag. Sad, but true. Don't let that put you off!

Good luck!

Starlight40 · 24/07/2024 08:49

We have an apprentice t.an and she is 18. What has impressed me most about her is she thinks ahead so if books need getting out she just does it. If the teacher writes some words on the board at the front she will get up and do the same with the board at the back. She is very gentle with the children but also firm when she need to be (year 1/2) Inset day for us in September is safeguarding training, talking about any children’s needs and then spending time in the classroom with the teacher. Good luck. I think you will be fine.x

TAApprentice · 24/07/2024 14:27

MrsWombat · 24/07/2024 08:37

Hopefully, you will already have a contact (your phase leader or apprentice lead?) who will let you know anything you need to know before you start as I'm guessing you won't be on the staff emails yet. This should include anything like online training and the schedule for the inset days. Some of the training will be for all staff (e.g. safeguarding) and some will specifically be for TAs and/or Teachers and you'll need to know where you'll need to be. If you are not doing a specific bit of training you will probably be helping to sort out resources.

One thing to watch out for is the dress code. As a very young member of staff, unfortunately, you will be under scrutiny for short skirts and inappropriate slogans from the resident nosy old bag. Sad, but true. Don't let that put you off!

Good luck!

Thank you , yes I have a contract I just signed it yesterday it starts on September 2 and I have my inset day schedule it will be about safeguarding and de escalation strategies etc

TAApprentice · 24/07/2024 14:28

Starlight40 · 24/07/2024 08:49

We have an apprentice t.an and she is 18. What has impressed me most about her is she thinks ahead so if books need getting out she just does it. If the teacher writes some words on the board at the front she will get up and do the same with the board at the back. She is very gentle with the children but also firm when she need to be (year 1/2) Inset day for us in September is safeguarding training, talking about any children’s needs and then spending time in the classroom with the teacher. Good luck. I think you will be fine.x

Thank you

TAApprentice · 24/07/2024 18:16

Harvestmoo · 24/07/2024 08:17

I would just try and be friendly and chat politely to everyone. It took me a long time when I was younger (older than you, but I think my parents modelled poor social skills!) to realise that at work the normal thing to do is have polite chit chat with everyone regardless of whether you know them that well. Just a little good morning and how are you is fine. It's much easier to talk to someone about work things when you've had a little small talk with them on other occasions. Good luck with the job. We had a lovely apprentice, aged 18 I think, in a school I worked in once and she was a well-respected member of staff.

I hope I'm the same !

isitfridaay · 25/07/2024 08:23

Why do you think you wouldn't be respected. You don't have to think that.

Just go and be polite smiley and warm. We respect all people who come to our school to work what ever their age. You won't be treated as a pupil. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. I would say listen and observe rather than talk for the first few weeks. Don't come on too strong.

It's a good point about the dress code. Even the nicest of the year 11 teach still don't understand the concept of no bare stomachs or shoulders or short shorts! So don't wear belly tops, spaghettis straps Nike pro shorts/ unitards or similar ever in school, even on a non uniform day while you suss it all out. (I appreciate this is generational though)

INSET day will be a mix of whole staff training such as safegaurding/ SEN / visits and individual / department prep. It will vary dependant on the needs of the school.

Go prepared with a drinks bottle, packed lunch (some inset days this is provide) and mug or travel mug for hot drinks (different schools have different rules about this), pencil case and notebook. A mid year diary might be helpful.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

sweatervest · 25/07/2024 14:18

we have an apprentice TA and she's lovely. just a really nice calm person, the kids adore her, she's not too noisy, she's not trying to prove anything plus she's a whizz at i.t. which is always a winner (for me who is crap at i.t.)

also if you get a cake from the staffroom then always get one for your teacher/whoever is leading the class etc. little wins.

TAApprentice · 25/07/2024 14:36

isitfridaay · 25/07/2024 08:23

Why do you think you wouldn't be respected. You don't have to think that.

Just go and be polite smiley and warm. We respect all people who come to our school to work what ever their age. You won't be treated as a pupil. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. I would say listen and observe rather than talk for the first few weeks. Don't come on too strong.

It's a good point about the dress code. Even the nicest of the year 11 teach still don't understand the concept of no bare stomachs or shoulders or short shorts! So don't wear belly tops, spaghettis straps Nike pro shorts/ unitards or similar ever in school, even on a non uniform day while you suss it all out. (I appreciate this is generational though)

INSET day will be a mix of whole staff training such as safegaurding/ SEN / visits and individual / department prep. It will vary dependant on the needs of the school.

Go prepared with a drinks bottle, packed lunch (some inset days this is provide) and mug or travel mug for hot drinks (different schools have different rules about this), pencil case and notebook. A mid year diary might be helpful.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Thank you . I don't think I wouldn't be respected but after reading some posts about ta s I became a bit skeptical but I am genuinely looking forward to it it is going to be an exciting Time in my life kickstarting my career !

TAApprentice · 25/07/2024 14:38

sweatervest · 25/07/2024 14:18

we have an apprentice TA and she's lovely. just a really nice calm person, the kids adore her, she's not too noisy, she's not trying to prove anything plus she's a whizz at i.t. which is always a winner (for me who is crap at i.t.)

also if you get a cake from the staffroom then always get one for your teacher/whoever is leading the class etc. little wins.

Thank you , I hope I am like her and I need to stop overthinking as it looks like I have something to prove (this was me being silly ) .

TAApprentice · 25/07/2024 14:39

isitfridaay · 25/07/2024 08:23

Why do you think you wouldn't be respected. You don't have to think that.

Just go and be polite smiley and warm. We respect all people who come to our school to work what ever their age. You won't be treated as a pupil. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. I would say listen and observe rather than talk for the first few weeks. Don't come on too strong.

It's a good point about the dress code. Even the nicest of the year 11 teach still don't understand the concept of no bare stomachs or shoulders or short shorts! So don't wear belly tops, spaghettis straps Nike pro shorts/ unitards or similar ever in school, even on a non uniform day while you suss it all out. (I appreciate this is generational though)

INSET day will be a mix of whole staff training such as safegaurding/ SEN / visits and individual / department prep. It will vary dependant on the needs of the school.

Go prepared with a drinks bottle, packed lunch (some inset days this is provide) and mug or travel mug for hot drinks (different schools have different rules about this), pencil case and notebook. A mid year diary might be helpful.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Yes I would defo be observing for a few weeks to I can see how the staff deal with all sorts of issues so I can learn from them and implement there strategies in the-future

Starlight40 · 25/07/2024 20:33

When I started my teacher said “Just do you” We are all different and bring so much knowledge and experience in different ways and that’s why we all work well together. I have watched the other teaching assistants and learnt from them as I’ve gone along.x

TAApprentice · 25/07/2024 20:34

Starlight40 · 25/07/2024 20:33

When I started my teacher said “Just do you” We are all different and bring so much knowledge and experience in different ways and that’s why we all work well together. I have watched the other teaching assistants and learnt from them as I’ve gone along.x

Hi there are you an apprentice or were you ?

Starlight40 · 25/07/2024 22:07

No. It was my first job in a school working as a t.a. I was 40 when I got the job.x

TAApprentice · 25/07/2024 22:08

Starlight40 · 25/07/2024 22:07

No. It was my first job in a school working as a t.a. I was 40 when I got the job.x

How have you found it ? And how many years have you been at the school ?

Starlight40 · 26/07/2024 12:20

TAApprentice · 25/07/2024 22:08

How have you found it ? And how many years have you been at the school ?

Show quote history

I love it. Every day is different. I’ve been there 5 years. I wouldn’t do anything else now.x