A GUIDE FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS

INTRODUCTION:
I have endeavoured to put together a concise and handy tool for all new teaching assistants. It will deal with many of the common and not so common topics, TA's need to be aware of. 
I hope this tool is of use to all my fellow TA's ; new ones and ones who are inclined towards this profession.

LEGISLATION AND LAWS:

There are a number of Laws and Acts that TA's need to be aware of.
These form the basis of our workplace setting. All schools and institutions have to follow them to ensure the safety of the children and staff. Here is a compilation of the Acts along with their relevant dates.

Childrens Act--1989

RoSPA--Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (1917)

BTHA--British Toy And Hobby Association (1944)

HASAWA--Health And Safety At Work Act (1974)

COSHH--Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (2002)

RIDDOR--Reporting of Injuries,Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulation

PPE--Personal Protective Equipment

RPE--Respiratory protective Equipment

BATR--British Association of Toy Retailers.

First Aid

Fire Precaution

Food Handling

RESPONSIBILITY OF SCHOOLS:

The school is responsible for the safety and well being of the child during school hours and on any school trips or outing. It is the duty of the employer to provide training to the staff. In case of any major incident the HSE is to be contacted. All schools are required to provide first aid and support medical needs of pupils. Testing fire alarms, evacuation procedures should be undertaken on a regular basis. 

Among other safety procedures; e safety, PE safety and safety while using equipment in science laboratories is mandatory.A sensible approach to health and safety in schools means focusing on how the real risks are managed.Schools have to ensure that all staff are DBS checked and practice inclusion and equality at all times. Many schools ask for references to again make sure only responsible and safe adults are allowed around the young.

The national Government is responsible for devising policies and ensuring they are implemented. The department of education’s responsibilities are to work with children up to the age of 19. They cover the areas from child protection to education. They aim to make sure every child receives the same quality education.The other department is the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. They are responsible for further and higher education. The role of schools is to not only provide education to children and young people but under new policies to provide more services that are accessible for children, young people and families. The local government is responsible for many areas of the education system in their own region. The are tasked with the planning of the education service as a whole, and considering on how the budget should be divided to gain full potential from it. Sure start: Providing integrated education with childcare, family support and health services. Connexions:Aimed at young people aged between 13 & 19 and up to 25 for people with learning difficulties or disabilities. This service gives free information, advice and guidance on learning, living and working. Ofsted:Independent and impartial service, reporting directly to the Parliament.They inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.