TDA comment on the Ofsted
report - The deployment, training and development of the wider
school workforce.
TRAINING AND
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR SCHOOLS News Release issued by COI News
Distribution Service. 5 November 2008
Graham Holley,
Chief Executive of the Training and Development Agency for Schools
(TDA) said:
"These findings are further evidence of the success of
workforce reforms.
"The TDA is already succeeding in getting through to school
leaders to encourage them to invest in developing their support
staff. Since Ofsted conducted its survey, we have launched a range
of online resources for headteachers. Over 30,000 copies of our
'Unlock the potential of your support staff' publication
have been ordered, since its launch in May. And more than 6,000
copies of 'Discover how standards (NOS) can transform your
school' have been ordered since the September launch.
"Support staff are an invaluable resource for teachers and
schools. But for schools to achieve the very best results,
it's essential that their skills and talents are used to the
full. We know that not all schools are realising the full
potential benefits of their support staff, because they are not
deploying them in the best ways. That's why a key priority
for the TDA is to support schools in developing consistent,
effective deployment practices which will help them make the most
of their whole school team.
"We value the positive influence Higher Level Teaching
Assistants have in schools and the real difference they make to
the lives of pupils, especially those from low achieving families.
Investment in support staff is essential to making the vision of a
21st century school a reality."
- ends -
Notes to editors
This news release applies to England only.
* For information about how to become a teacher, see http://www.teach.gov.uk
* Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line
on 0845 6000 991 - 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 0117 915 8161).
* The Training and Development Agency for Schools was established
under the Education Act 2005. Its principle aim is to secure an
effective school workforce that improves children's life chances.
* Experienced classroom teachers could earn between £35,000 and
£42,000 a year. The classroom teacher salary range is £20,500 to £61,000.
* Tax-free bursaries of up to £9,000 are also in place to enable
jobseekers to study for a teaching qualification (£4,000 for
Primary PGCE).
* Teachers also benefit from: an average of 13 weeks leave;
opportunities for career progression and promotion and entitlement
to training on the job; a public sector pension; plus access to
low cost home ownership schemes.
* For more information about how to become a teacher, see http://www.teach.gov.uk
TDA media enquiries
Contact Alexandra Walker-McClimens
Tel 020 7023 8020
Email mediarelations@tda.gov.uk