Skills for life planner

The 60-hour programme was delivered at the school for two hours a week. Twelve teaching assistants enrolled on the programme after hearing about it in a weekly briefing meeting. Recognising that the timing of the sessions was critical to the success of the pilot, the school agreed to release teaching assistants from their duties 30 minutes early on the relevant days. As well as emphasising the school’s commitment to staff training and development, this also enabled them to avoid paying for cover.

A tutor from the College of North East London delivered the courses in the school’s ICT room. Lessons also included computer-based practice tests. Learners supported each other, often using lunch breaks to work together on aspects of the course work. Other members of staff were also keen to offer help and coaching, with maths co-ordinator June Howell attending some of the sessions to make sure she could offer targeted help.

Although the teaching assistants had hoped to do their tests at school, software problems meant that they had to go the college for their final assessments. Some were anxious about this, as they had got used to working in a supportive and familiar environment. Another challenge arose when the tutor left and had to be replaced part way through the course. Despite these setbacks, most of the learners achieved level 2 qualifications in both literacy and numeracy.

The headteacher and staff at the school are convinced that the group learning approach and supportive learning environment were significant factors in the success of the skills for life programme.