05 October 2023
A further 28 Islanders have completed their teaching assistant training and have begun working in
primary schools. This is the third cohort of teaching assistants who have been recruited and trained
through the Teaching Assistant Trainee Programme in 2023.
At the beginning of 2023, the Teaching Assistant Trainee Programme was launched to encourage a
broader range of suitable candidates to come forward, and to provide additional support and
training.
Previously, potential teaching assistants only had the option of applying directly to schools. The
Teaching Assistant Trainee Programme gives candidates an additional way of applying. Individuals
can apply to the programme, and access additional support, information and training.
In addition, the Programme also uses different modes of advertising. This includes social media
campaigns which emphasise the skills needed, rather than any specific qualifications or previous
employment required.
The teaching assistants have completed two weeks of training, including sessions on health and
safety, safeguarding, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), neurodiversity, and mental
health and wellbeing. After completing their training, they have completed two one-week
placements in different schools.
Following their placement, each individual has been able to express an interest in one of the
schools. They will support teacher and pupils by providing one-to-one support for pupils, as well as
working with small groups. Teaching assistants also provide dedicated support for students with
additional needs, as well as providing supervision at lunch times.
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome our
new teaching assistants to the workforce.
“Teaching assistants play a vital role in ensuring that students – especially those with Special
Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – have the tailored support they need to reach their full
potential. In doing so, teaching assistants provide invaluable support for teachers, and help reduce
the overall workload that we know is a concern.
“I’m also pleased that the Teaching Assistant Trainee Programme has been successful in attracting
people from a range of backgrounds that more represent our Island communities, including our
Portuguese, Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian communities. I wish all our new teaching assistants the
best of luck in the new roles.”
Teaching assistants from previous cohorts who provided anonymous feedback said:
- “I feel really fortunate to have been selected to be on the course. It has helped me get a job
in a school with hours and holidays that fit around my family. The school is also a great
place to work, with lovely staff. It has given me experience of what to do in a school and has
opened my eyes up to other job possibilities in the future.”
- “When you have bad days, the good days more than make up for it. I love my role now in
school and it honestly fills my heart with pride when you see the impact you have in those
children’s lives and their learning,”
All teaching assistant roles are advertised via the Government of Jersey website.
Applications for the next cohort of the Teaching Assistant Trainee Programme will open in January:
Islanders can email education.recruitment@gov.je for more information.
gov.je