School support staff "often underestimated"

The general public values school support staff and believes their role is often underestimated, according to a new survey.
The Training and Development Agency for Schools commissioned the survey of more than 1000 adults.
Seventy percent agreed that support staff play a valuable role in schools supporting pupils and teachers, and three out of five agreed that the value of support staff is often underestimated.
The TDA hopes to use the information to encourage school heads to invest more money in training their support staff.
Graham Holley, the TDA's chief executive, said, "Support staff are quietly transforming the way the modern school workforce operates. They are making a big difference to the lives of children and young people across many key areas".
He said that more schools were now taking a whole team approach to staff professional development, recognising that when it is tailored to specific needs and work areas, staff training is one of the most effective ways of driving up standards in schools.

Warning over TA medical procedures

Teaching assistants are carrying out complex medical procedures without proper training, a trade union claims.
Unison says TAs are being asked to change colostomy bags, do tube feeding, and administer medicines to children, often with no specialist training.
The union is calling for an urgent review of the medical procedures taking place in schools, and warns that the current situation is "an accident waiting to happen".
A survey by the union found that more than 70% ofTAs and school support staff are expected to administer medicines or carry out medical procedures as part of their job.
Unison head of education Christina McAnea said, "Children with medical needs must have access to a fully rounded education. But this must be done safely and can only happen where lines of responsibility are clear, staff are trained and supported, and it's not left up to goodwill or to individuals being made to feel guilty.
"We are bound to see a serious incident if schools don't get the help they need to manage children's special medical needs."
Unison's warning over medicines in schools