What if the cap doesn't fit?

Released 28/07/2008

Using support staff as makeshift teachers could have worrying consequences, writes Matthew Jane

A former nursery nurse has expressed concern that support staff are being exploited and used in trained teacher's roles.

While we all accept the special skills and dedication that support staff and teaching assistants bring to schools, there is no getting away from the fact that they are simply not trained teachers.

This situation poses some worrying issues. Firstly, the fact that support staff are being used as ‘cut price' teachers would appear to suggest a potential hierarchal system in which support staff are not comfortable enough to refuse the request to take lessons for which they are not trained.

Secondly, has the hiring of appropriately trained cover staff become so difficult, or expensive, that it is simply not a viable option for schools anymore?

Either way, it suggests a worrying trend, with potential negative effects on many members of the school system. The children, whose education will essentially be harmed if they are not being taught by trained professionals. The cover staff, who are presumably not being given work as a consequence. The support staff, who are being ushered into awkward corners, that could potentially affect their confidence and job satisfaction.

And, of course, the school business manager, who will inevitably be the one faced with any backlash from such practice.

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