The Children, Young People and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Boards review of the role of teaching assistants across primary schools in Swansea is to be discussed by the Councils Cabinet on the 8th March. The Board found that the numbers of teaching assistants employed across schools in Swansea had increased substantially over recent years, along with our expectations of them. Members therefore felt that it was time to take stock of this important resource and look at how the Authority and schools can plan and develop their teaching assistants into the future. The Board spoke to teaching assistants and headteachers at three Primary schools in Swansea, Townhill, Terrace Road and Crwys. They also completed an online survey of all Councillors, Chairs of Governors and Headteachers across Swansea.
Councillors were very impressed with the dedication, quality and knowledge of those teaching assistants that they met and felt that if this is an indication of the support staff we have in our schools it is extremely encouraging.
They did find some areas for improvement particularly in relation to the need for regular appraisals and in consistency of training. We would also like to see teaching assistants used more in the drive to improve oracy, numeracy and literacy.
Click here for a copy of that final report and the Cabinet agenda for the 8th March.
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