Sixteen teaching assistants in Bristol completed the Foundations of Outstanding Practice programme in on the 22^nd June.

Celebrating their success with their HLTA mentors. Julie Britton (far right) lead the in school support.

Komilla Marwaha Assistant Headteacher at Filton Avenue Infant School who attended the event wrote:

“The training offered by Best Practice Network to enhance and support teaching assistant skills is excellent. The training reinforces the partnership between the teacher and teaching assistant. It was clear from the celebration at the end of the course that it had been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding year. Skills, such as effective questioning and reflection are at the core of the training and opens professional dialogues between the teacher and teaching assistant about current practices. Through the year and especially by sharing good practice, teaching assistants have gained confidence in their own skills. By embedding these skills into their every day practices and sharing what they have learnt, I can see there being a big impact on children in the class.”

The event provided an opportunity for trainees to reflect on what they had learnt whilst on the programme which included amongst other things, a greater knowledge of how children learn, and an increase in self-confidence and greater understanding of autism and SEND, with one trainee saying:

“Learning the different styles of leadership was invaluable as it meant I could justify what I was doing to others. The programme gave me strategies and techniques to deal with conflict efficiently and the confidence and skills to move forward with my career progression. Now I feel that I am properly equipped to move the team forward in a positive and professional way”

Angie Corbett HLTA, Devon

Trainees noted many valuable aspects of the programme with a main feature being the support they received from their mentors which, helped clarify the programme schedule, gave greater availability allowing time to reflect and regular information and updates. Penny Smith from Bristol found that “The webinars were really good. They gave me a chance to refocus or ‘regroup' after leaving Day 1 and Day 2”.

Finally trainees reflected on how the programme has impacted upon the children they support with responses including an improved confidence in themselves leading to more confidence in children, providing the children with a more positive outlook on learning and use of strategies learned resulting in them feeling less stressed in the role and thus having a more positive impact upon the children. Shani White, HLTA and a Chair of Governors, found that the programme had a great impact on her role, saying that “It has allowed me to share my vision and implement ideas into our curriculum which in turn has supported our school values. My project has given our school in general and the SEN department a clear focus on how we deliver the SMSC across the curriculum”.

Visit our FOP Level 2 page to find out more about the Foundations of Outstanding Practice programme.