Portsmouth schools join forces to inspire the next generation of teaching assistants

(Left to right) Cllr Suzy Horton, Dawn MacWhirter, apprentice teaching assistant and Pippa Andrews, head of primary (interim) at Mayfield School

A group of schools in Portsmouth joined forces with training providers on Tuesday 28 February at Central Library to promote support roles in the classroom.

Over the last 12 months, schools and colleges have found it increasingly challenging to recruit support staff. While this situation isn't unique to Portsmouth, our information events bring together schools and training providers in one place, enabling people to learn more about routes into the classroom.

80 people attended the event across two sessions, with delegates enjoying short presentations led by school staff as well as information on apprenticeships and short courses from The Learning Place and City of Portsmouth College. At the end, people could ask questions as part of a Q&A and speak to exhibitors at their stands.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council attended the event and reflected on the importance of it:

"It was fantastic to see so many people interested in becoming teaching assistants at the event. I have worked as a teacher in a school and have always valued teaching assistants and the role they play in children's learning and development.
"They shape young minds across primary, secondary and post-16 settings - there is nothing more rewarding than that."
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education

This is the third information event organised to support people into the profession. Feedback has shown that some people lack the confidence to apply for a job or start training.

To build confidence among attendees, two schools who exhibited at the event took part in a trial taster morning. Those who signed up to the initiative, could visit a school and meet support staff under supervision. This will be rolled out to other schools at a future event.

Alongside schools, adult education providers, The Learning Place and City of Portsmouth College also gave presentations on apprenticeships, functional skills (maths and English) and short courses. Cheryl Head, programme lead for apprenticeships and community learning at The Learning Place said:

Cheryl Head talks about apprenticeships and the ability to earn while you learn

"There is a real need for people in Portsmouth to become teaching assistants in the classroom. An apprenticeship is a good option for those wanting to earn while they learn.
"Since launching the event, 15 people have already started their journey towards an apprenticeship which is fantastic news. I'm really looking forward to welcoming more people to start their training journey with us over the coming weeks."
Cheryl Head, programme lead for apprenticeships and community learning

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About the author

Callum Murphy

Callum Murphy co-ordinates the Teach Portsmouth team who create inspirational content about Portsmouth as a teaching city. His aim is to provide those interested in teaching with the information they need.

During university, Callum worked in a Winchester secondary school for one academic year supporting business studies, IT and media studies students during their GCSEs. After graduating, Callum worked in various marketing roles until returning to education, supporting the Teach Portsmouth team at Portsmouth City Council.

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