What happens when my child’s teacher is away from school?

 

Why is the teacher absent?

 

As you are aware, from time to time a teacher may be away from school. This is usually because  they are attending a training course. It is a legal requirement that staff receive continuing professional development, which ensures that they are fully aware of curriculum updates, legislation, national initiatives etc. Occasionally, a teacher may be absent due to illness.

 

So who teaches the class?

 

One of the following may happen:

 

  • A supply teacher will be booked. Where possible we try to book the same supply teacher across all classes so the children know the teacher and they become a familiar face in the school. A regular supply teacher develops a good knowledge of the policies and procedures at the school, which is useful.

 

  • For short term cover or when cover is needed at short notice, our school HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant), Mrs. Jury covers the class. A HLTA is legally able to teach or cover a class (short term).

 

  • Mrs.  Lorraine Davies may cover the class. This year Mrs. Davies is our Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Mrs. Davies is a fully qualified teacher.

 

  • Mrs. C. Jenkins may cover the class. Mrs. Jenkins is part time learning support assistant and part time PPA (Planning Preparation and Assessment) teacher at the school. Each teacher is entitled to PPA time during the week and this term, Mrs. Jenkins is teaching Years 3 and 6 when the class teachers are having PPA time. Mrs. Jenkins is a fully qualified teacher.

 

  • Occasionally, when teachers are called away for part of a lesson or for an urgent reason, the class may be supervised by a Level 3 LSA.  Level 3 LSAs are legally able to cover supervise classes. We have extremely well qualified LSAs at the school, with two of our LSAs being fully qualified teachers.

 

Where a teacher is likely to be absent long term, you will always be notified of the teaching arrangements for your child’s class. At all times we aim to ensure consistency and stability for your child and we try to keep staff absence to a minimum.