This programme is designed to develop TA expertise and confidence in the classroom. An online resource, it can be accessed by individuals or as a group inset session.
The online Developing TA Expertise course consists of 13 units, each with a video tutorial, resources and a quiz. Staff can pick and choose which sessions suit them or it can be used as a group resource in inset training. A bank of useful supporting resources is available for each unit to allow personal learning to turn instantly into professional practice.
Training objectives
- To enable TAs to effectively support learning in both English and Mathematics
- To improve TA confidence in phonics knowledge
- To improve TA confidence in maths subject knowledge
- To enable TAs to effectively facilitate the learning of SEND pupils
- To equip TAs to support behaviour management in the classroom
- To understand how to use questioning and formative assessment strategies to identify gaps and to check that gaps are closing.
Outcomes
- With the support of Teaching Assistants, pupils will become more
proficient in English and Mathematics - Through effective support by Teaching Assistants, pupils will be able to self-regulate better and increase their readiness for and focus on learning
How do we take part?
- The member price is £350+VAT or 3 credits per school
- All your TAs can access the course
- Use the training to suit you, either in groups or individually
- Access to the project online, watch recorded session, access resources, complete quizzes
- VNET TA Expertise Certificate issued on completion
Modules:
Assessment for learning strategies
- To know and understand how to use formative assessment strategies practically across the curriculum
- To be provided with tips and strategies to engineer effective discussions
- To know best practice in supporting oral and written feedback
Behaviour
- Strategies for supporting behaviour management in class, including knowledge of the school’s behaviour policy
- Tips and strategies on supporting children to regulate their own behaviour
- To understand the TA’s role when faced with challenging behaviour.
Covering a class at short notice!
- To understand a TA’s role when covering a class
- Tips and strategies on how to approach covering a class with planning provided
- Tips, thoughts and ideas on covering a class where there is minimal planning.
KS1 grammar
- To build confidence in grammar subject knowledge
- To know and understand KS1 grammar terminology
- To know and understand how grammatical skills build year on year.
KS2 grammar
- To build confidence in grammar subject knowledge
- To know and understand KS2 grammar terminology
- To know and understand how grammatical skills build year on year.
Stronger sentence in KS1
- To develop understanding of the progression of sentence construction
- To improve confidence in the key aspects of sentences to improve writing in KS1
- Practical strategies to use in the classroom to support and improve sentences.
Stronger sentence in KS2
- To develop understanding of the progression of sentence construction
- To improve confidence in the key aspects of sentences to improve writing in KS2
- Practical strategies to use in the classroom to support and improve sentences.
Supporting phonics
- To improve confidence in teaching word reading and spelling using the DfE Reading Framework (July 21)
- To enhance subject knowledge of both decoding and encoding principles
- To provide TAs with an understanding of how best to deliver phonics sessions.
Supporting SEND pupils in the classroom
- Supporting SEND pupils to know more and remember more.
- To explore effective questioning for SEND pupils when supporting a learning activity
- To explore a range of interventions for SEND pupils for maximum impact.
Supporting vocabulary instruction
- To be provided with a robust approach to the teaching of vocabulary
- Specific retrieval strategies to enable children to learn and retain new vocabulary
- To know how to teach vocabulary effectively in under 15 minutes.
Maths
Modules coming soon!
CPA in Maths
- TAs will know and understand the term CPA and know how to use each element to improve the understanding of abstract topics
- TAs will create their own toolkit of manipulatives to support the teaching of Number
- To know and understand the best strategies to support the CPA approach in their classrooms.
Questioning in Maths
- TAs will know how to ask a variety of questions and will understand how a specific type of question affects the responses that are received
- To know and understand the type of questions that enable the teaching adult to push for a deeper understanding
- To use indirect prompts which encourage learners to internalise their thinking.
Supporting calculation
- TAs will know and understand how pictorial and concrete understanding can help pupils to develop their calculations
- TAs will understand the progression of mental and written calculations across the primary age range
- TAs will understand the expectations for the children they are supporting.
Instructors:
Ruth McGlone
Ruth has 15 years of working in Norfolk Schools and just under 10 years as a Headteacher, leading a school through some challenging circumstances. As a Headteacher who has led a school through Covid-19 she is very well placed to appreciate the pressures on TAs today.
Ruth has worked as a System Leader as part of the Sheringham Teaching School Alliance and has been active in supporting the development of Mastery Mathematics in West Norfolk alongside the Cambridge Maths Hub.
Emma Adcock
Emma has just under twenty years of experience in the education sector, ten years of which she has spent working as an English Consultant for Norfolk Schools. She is a former head teacher, system leader and advanced skills teacher. She regularly provides additional leadership capacity for schools. This additional leadership has previously included: acting head positions, part-time assistant head roles and she has worked across schools as a teaching and learning coach to support Quality First Teaching. Emma is also an experienced trainer who regularly provides training for VNET schools on the following: curriculum design, subject leadership, Reading, Writing, Spelling and the explicit teaching of vocabulary.
Becky Clinton
Becky has worked in primary education for over 20 years, teaching from EYFS to year 6 and has led a number of middle leadership and management roles. She has previously worked for Norfolk County Council (NCC) as a maths advisor and has also worked as a leading maths teacher and SLE. Becky is NCETM professional lead accredited and has worked for the Angles Maths Hub. She is currently a KS1 Lead moderator for NCC and works as an education advisor part-time for a local MAT. Becky has worked for VNET as a maths associate for a number of years and has created a successful maths professional community as well as providing bespoke maths support in schools.
We can run this series for your school or across your MAT or Teaching Hub.
Please contact us to find out how!
Enquire now