Support Staff in Schools

A new study by the Institute of Education looks likely to prove controversial, after it concluded that pupils who are supported by teaching assistants <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/sep/04/teaching-assistants-classroom-improvements" target="_blank">do no better than those who are left alone</a>. Although more positive findings from the research suggested that support staff have had a positive impact on teachers' job satisfaction and stress levels.<br /><br />The full title of the report is <span style="font-style: italic;">Deployment and Impact of Support Staff in Schools</span>. The full version (166 pages!) of the report is <a href="http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DCSF-RR148.pdf" target="_blank">available here</a>, or you can read a more managable summary by <a href="http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DCSF-RB148.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Support Staff in Schools

A new study by the Institute of Education looks likely to prove controversial, after it concluded that pupils who are supported by teaching ...

Read more »

Guidance from Ofsted

The mere mention of 'Ofsted' may strike fear into you if you work in a early years or education setting, but on this occasion it seems the organisation is keen to lend a hand; two new publications on the Ofsted website are designed to offer guidance to those working with children.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General/Are-you-ready-for-your-inspection-A-guide-to-inspections-of-provision-on-Ofsted-s-Childcare-and-Early-Years-Registers" target="_blank">Are You Ready for Your Inspection?</a> is a 28 page booklet with information on what to expect from an inspection and how best to prepare for one.<br /><br />Also, <a href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Care/Childcare/Childminding-a-passion-to-be-outstanding" target="_blank">Childminding: a Passion to be Outstanding</a> is based on the opinions of childminders who have received the highest grade during inspection, and lists best practice in keeping children safe, inclusion, learning and development and other issues.

Guidance from Ofsted

The mere mention of 'Ofsted' may strike fear into you if you work in a early years or education setting, but on this occasion it see...

Read more »