In Scotland some classroom assistants never see the inside of a classroom.
I have been a classroom assistant with Fife Council since they were first introduced in 1999 and for two-and-a-half years I had a very satisfying job, working with pupils, preparing resources and generally assisting pupils and teachers. I felt I had made a difference in the school - until February, when I was made to take first aid training. I am now responsible for this in my school, along with the other classroom assistant, and 80 per cent of my time goes in dealing with first aid.
I spent over a year completing the classroom assistant Professional Development Award (PDA), but now I wonder why. What need is there for two levels of classroom assistant when we all do exactly the same job - namely, first aid? Surely this is not why classroom assistants were put in place?
I dislike my job very much, as do many of my colleagues, as it is not the job I applied for. The Scottish Executive implemented classroom assistants to help raise attainment in schools and free up teachers' time, but this is impossible for me to do as I can be called away for first aid at any time.
All the good relationships I built up with the teachers have gone, so they don't include me when planning lessons. I can no longer go on trips out of school as I have to be in the premises to provide first aid cover. As a result I feel more of a hindrance now than a help.
The first aid issue has had a negative effect on pupils, teachers and us.
We rarely have the time to complete the tasks we are given.
What can be done to get back the job I loved and that had a positive benefit to the school? Fife Education Authority is not using classroom assistants the way the Scottish Executive intended. When schools used us properly, we made a difference. But the Authority doesn't seem to consider the impact these changes have had, and appears to have completely disregarded our feelings and sense of morale. Fife should think again before it loses many dedicated staff.
