UNISON Northern launches Teaching Assistants Professional Standards

Thursday 6 October 12.30 pm Gateshead Civic Centre

UNISON, the public services union, recently published the Teaching Assistants Professional Standards and have been working with the Education Trust on a career framework and professional development for teaching assistants. The guidelines and standards for head teachers, governing bodies and teaching assistants have the potential to transform the way teaching assistants are deployed and supported in schools.

Speakers at the event include:  Ian Mearns MP and member of the Education Select Committee, Kirsty Carr, Head Teacher, Jon Richards, UNISON’s National Officer for Education and Clare Williams, UNISON Regional Secretary.

Speaking in the run up to the event Clare Williams said: ““UNISON are delighted to be part of this extremely positive initiative which is an opportunity to show the professionalism of teaching assistants and the important role they play in education.  These standards provide school leaders with a tool to ensure consistency for all teaching assistants, so their skills and expertise in raising pupil achievement are recognised and developed. ”

Ian Mearns MP for Gateshead said: “It is increasingly apparent that the importance of teaching assistants in classrooms is growing. Not only do they provide an extra adult in the room, they also offer a wealth of professional experience which I am in no doubt enhances the quality of learning which takes place in the classroom.  The official recognition of the high standards which teaching assistants reach on a daily basis is long overdue and extremely