The Training and Development Agency (TDA) have been given the brief by the Department for Children, Families and Schools (DCFS) to build on Workforce Reform initiatives and ensure that all Support Staff in schools – called the Wider Workforce - have training and development, because:
“Support Staff are making a difference to virtually every aspect of school life.” (TDA 2005)
Terminology
The term Support Staff is used by the DCSF to include all
adults working in schools in any capacity and at any time of day or evening, who are not qualified teachers. This term covers
what is also known as the Wider Workforce. This group of other adults, which includes Teaching
Assistants, are divided by the TDA into 6 broad headings:
An overview of all these roles and the attached qualifications may be found at www.sqf.org.uk and at http://www.tda.gov.uk/leaders/supportstaff/career_development_framework/supportframework.aspx