Portsmouth's schools need you to support their classrooms
A call for people in Portsmouth to become teaching assistants are invited to attend an information event on Tuesday 28 February at Central Library (third floor) from 10am to 2pm.
Teach Portsmouth, a Portsmouth City Council initiative to train and recruit the best professionals for the city's schools is holding an information event for those interested in supporting pupils in the classroom.
Many vacancies within the sector remain unfilled due to staff leaving over pressures related to COVID, taking early retirement or a general lack of awareness of opportunities available. Over 100 people have attended two events with many going on to complete training with local providers or apply for jobs in schools.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"At the start of the year, we set out our aspirations for the city which focused on its recovery from COVID. Training and education were part of this, knowing that upskilling people would create more opportunities for everyone.
Cllr Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education
"Becoming a teaching assistant in a school can offer flexibility, whether that's finding a role that fits around school pick up time or volunteering in the classroom to build up experience to teach, the opportunities in education are endless."
The event is a first step in finding out more about the profession and the careers it can offer. The Learning Place and the City of Portsmouth College will provide information on apprenticeships and short courses in education.
The Wymering School, Thinking Schools Academy Trust and Trafalgar School will be promoting their support vacancies too.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children and education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"Supporting pupils is a rewarding experience, as you enable children and young people to reach their potential. It is a varied role that could see you working in a group or on a one-to-one basis.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director for children and education
"However, people interested in education will often see supporting pupils as a step towards becoming a teacher. Working as a teaching assistant is a career, allowing those in the position to progress into more specialist or senior roles, if they want to."
Callum Murphy