Q: I’ve been given an official letter about my NQT year and my lazy teaching assistant after a meeting with our deputy head. In it she stated that if I didn’t do certain things I was at risk of failing my induction year. Most things are to do with my TA. She seems lazy and only does things if I write down detailed instructions for every session. She expects me to write down displays I want her to do as well as how she is to contribute to assessment files (I’m a reception teacher). My last observation went well so I feel I’m being picked on.
A: Getting an official letter is serious so you need to do all that your school requires of you, including deploying, leading and guiding the TA, which isn’t easy, so ask advice from others. You are responsible for what she does in the classroom and if that means writing everything down, then do it. Try to understand your TA and get her on your side. What seems like laziness to you may really be a lack of confidence, not wanting to tread on your toes, or poor skills. Share the importance of success with your teaching assistant so that you work more as a team.