Skills for life planner

The local authority surveyed schools to identify levels of interest in, and demand for, the programme. About 200 teaching assistants from across the borough registered for literacy or numeracy courses.

A local training provider carried out initial assessments and identified appropriate learning opportunities. A flexible programme was then developed providing sessions in the morning, afternoon and after the school day. Programmes were run at the training provider’s learning centre which is located in central Barnsley, with easy access from across the borough.

Where schools were unable to release teaching assistants for training, the training provider, along with Barnsley Adult Learning Service, provided tailored training on the school premises, including teaching assistants from neighbouring schools wherever possible. A comments and complaints procedure was set up to continuously improve the quality of the service, and strategies were put in place to address any issues as they arose.

Almost all participants passed their tests at the first sitting, with a few securing a pass on the second attempt. During the programme, the training providers were visited by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) as part of a thematic review and received very positive feedback. This provision was highlighted as good practice at national conferences.

A morning celebration event was held where certificates were presented by former cricket umpire Dickie Bird, a local celebrity. The event was attended by teaching assistants and headteachers from participating schools. Key speakers at the event included representatives from Barnsley local authority, the training provider and the ALI.

Many of the teaching assistants have now progressed on to foundation degrees and HLTA status. Their success has inspired and motivated other teaching assistants to overcome their doubts about embarking on skills for life courses and gaining qualifications. To facilitate this, the local authority has continued to work with a range of training providers to give teaching assistants choice and flexibility in accessing courses to suit their individual and school needs.