Wokingham

School support staff from across the Wokingham district are being invited next month (September 9) to a Wokingham District Council roadshow to learn more about the training opportunities that are available to them.

Wokingham School support staff including administration staff, catering staff, technical support, playground management, site maintenance and teaching assistants will all be able to find out at first hand some of the training opportunities that are available to them, many which are free of charge. Some of the courses on offer include adult key skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT, NVQs, high level teaching assistant status and foundation degrees. And should support staff have aspirations to become a teacher, options on how this can be achieved can also be discussed at the roadshow.

The roadshow is taking place at the council’s Professional Development Centre on Reading Road in Wokingham on Saturday September 9 from 10am to 12.30pm and is open to anyone who is employed by a Wokingham district school. As well as representatives from the district council, local colleges, universities and training providers will be available to answer questions and provide information, advice and guidance on training opportunities.

The Wokingham district council and schools recognise the contribution of everyone who works within the school community. They know the importance of strengthening the whole school team which will ultimately improve standards in schools and children’s well being. However, until now, many staff have not had the opportunity to develop their skills and to have their experience recognised.

Caroline Lyness, support staff development officer said: “ All support staff deserve access to high quality training and development, and to a clear career pathway. They want good advice on the wide range of qualifications available to them and which are also appropriate to their work.

“We hope this roadshow will offer advice to district’s support staff on how they can develop their current roles and, if they want to move to a new career, what qualifications they may need. The roadshow also aims to help them map a clear career progression route.”

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “Support staff provide a vital service in delivering education and it is right that their training needs are not forgotten. The roadshow will allow everyone from cleaners to teaching assistants to get advice on how to access high quality, professional training and development. I hope many of them will take the time to come along and learn more.”

Wokingham District Council