The new national occupational standards for classroom assistants (see News, page 4) are welcome for several reasons. The standards, and the forthcoming NVQs/SVQs that will follow, will be a big step to enhancing the professionalism of classroom assistants' work and how it is regarded. The level 2 and level 3 qualifications will help to provide a career structure, with a progression in responsibilities and, hopefully, pay. And the standards help to clarify just what classroom assistants should be expected to do. At present, confusion often reigns - job descriptions are many and varied, or completely absent, and headteachers, teachers and parents may have very different ideas or a lack of knowledge about the role and existing qualifications. The job of a classroom assistant has changed greatly in recent times. These qualifications are the first step to recognising and evaluating the contribution that these often overlooked members of staff can make.
The new national occupational standards for classroom assistants (see News, page 4) are welcome for several reasons. The standards, and the forthcoming NVQs/SVQs that will follow, will be a big step to enhancing the professionalism of classroom assistants' work and how it is regarded. The level 2 and level 3 qualifications will help to provide a career structure, with a progression in responsibilities and, hopefully, pay. And the standards help to clarify just what classroom assistants should be expected to do. At present, confusion often reigns - job descriptions are many and varied, or completely absent, and headteachers, teachers and parents may have very different ideas or a lack of knowledge about the role and existing qualifications.
The job of a classroom assistant has changed greatly in recent times. These qualifications are the first step to recognising and evaluating the contribution that these often overlooked members of staff can make.
If you want to keep abreast of the Government's plans in its second term for developments in the early years sector, be sure to read this week's Special Report, which gives a concise guide to what's in store.
