Wensum Trust: Teaching assistant jobs could be scraped

Wensum Trust teaching assistants jobs are at risk. Plans revealed to cut all its teaching assistant posts were announced as it struggled to cope with rising costs. The Wensum Trust said it wanted to scrap 78 full-time equivalent roles and introduce 48 pastoral and learning positions across eight primary schools. Chief executive Daniel Thrower said: “We really value our staff – this is a really hard decision for us to make.”. If you would like to learn more about this article click here.

According to Teaching Assistants Digest Norfolk’s Wensum Trust is made up of 11 schools. There are currently 75 full-time equivalent TAs across the Trust’s eight primary schools and a full-time equivalent of 8.61 midday assistant roles. Under the proposal, there will be 48.5 PALS roles and a FTE of 5.88 midday assistant roles.

Pastoral and Learning Support (PALS) roles

Following a ‘comprehensive staffing review’, Daniel Thrower told TA Digest that a new staffing model had been developed to bring consistency across all trust schools. Their new model has been developed using the Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP) management tool.  The tool ‘helps schools plan the best curriculum for their pupils with the funding they have available, and ensures staffing budgets are set in accordance with the Department for Education’s national benchmarks’.

Daniel Thrower said the ICFP identified that Wensum Trust primary schools ‘currently have more education support staff than the DfE’s national benchmark’. As such, the Trust is ‘creating a brand new education support role’ which will see teaching assistants ‘replaced’ by pastoral and learning support (PALS) roles.

Daniel Thrower, chief executive of the Wensum Trust, said its energy bills had soared by more than £500,000 in the past year while the unfunded salary uplift had added around £360,000 to the budget.(source Eastern Daily Press).

Wensum Trust Teaching Assistants (TA’s) 4myschools can help

The good news. 4myschools demand for Teaching Assistants in Norfolk is increasing. We work with hundreds of schools across Norfolk including The Wensum Trust. We understand the complexities of these decisions and can support those at risk of losing their jobs. If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant at risk of redundancy in Norfolk 4myschools can help.

Flexibility Tailored to Your Needs

Joining 4myschools offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing teaching assistants to design schedules according to their preferences and commitments. Whether juggling coursework, pursuing further education, or managing personal responsibilities, you can work part-time or full-time, choosing the days that best suit you.

Many teaching assistants find their ideal school through supply teaching and later transition to become direct members of the school staff. This progression, can be difficult without the introduction through supply. It allows TAs to ensure the environment is right for them and sometimes leads to work-based training to become teachers.

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Weekly Pay, No Strings Attached

4myschools understand the importance of financial stability. We ensure that you receive weekly pay through our own PAYE payroll, eliminating the hassle and uncertainty associated with umbrella companies offered by many other agencies. With us, you can focus on honing your skills and making a difference in the classroom, knowing that your hard work will be rewarded promptly and fairly.

A Commitment to Education and Giving Back

Joining 4myschools, means becoming part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on education in the UK and overseas. As an award-winning education recruitment company, we take pride in our commitment to giving back. Through our innovative profit-sharing model, we reinvest a part of our profits into education initiatives both in the UK and overseas. The charities we support include Smile Train, Well Wishers,  Nelsons Journey Norfolk, Music for All UK, CCBRT Tanzania, to name but a few.  By collaborating with 4myschools, you’re not only advancing your career but also contributing to the greater good of education worldwide.

Choose 4myschools an Agency You Can Trust

In a competitive and ever-evolving industry, trust is paramount. With 4myschools, you can rest assured that you’re partnering with a reputable and reliable multi award winning and REC accredited agency. 4myschools hold the Gold standard in recruitment and are on DFE approved staffing Frameworks. Our team of experienced education recruitment professionals is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.  We will find the perfect placement for you and give ongoing guidance and professional development opportunities. With our proven history and unwavering commitment to excellence, you can confidently continue your journey in the world of education as a Teaching Assistant.

Conclusion

For experienced TAs or those seeking valuable experience in schools while enjoying flexibility and competitive pay, 4myschools offers the perfect opportunity. With opportunities across Norfolk and the freedom to design your own schedule with our revolutionary Updatedge App, there’s never been a better time to join our team. Partner with 4myschools, an agency you can trust, influence children in education, and unlock endless possibilities for your future.

Our team of experts are ready and waiting to speak with you on 01245 353808 or simply register your interest and one of our team will call you back.