Maidenhead & Windsor

It's celebration time this week for the latest – and final - group of Maidenhead Royal Borough classroom assistants to gain top marks in a special Open University award.

The eight-strong cohort – from junior, primary and middle schools across the Maidenhead borough – have spent the last year studying for the Open University's Specialist Teaching Assistant Certificate, which equips them to help raise standards of literacy and numeracy in their schools.

And tomorrow (Tuesday) seven of the eight step proudly up to receive their certificates at a special ceremony in the Town Hall, Maidenhead at 4pm.

The eight successful students are:
Sharon Astle Bisham Primary
Alexandra Haas Bisham Primary
Michelle Bold St Peter's CE Middle
Lindsey Whearty St Peter's CE Middle
Sarah Butler Wessex Juniors
Rageni Venkatachellam Wessex Juniors
Helen Riddett Datchet St Mary's CE Primary
Hayley Mcfarlane Trevelyan Middle.

The course, which covers many elements of the Primary National Strategy and is aimed, predominantly at Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum (children from five to seven years), involves up to nine hours of home study a week and 50 hours of school-based tasks, both in the schools where students normally work and in others to give them wider experience.

Their assignments are assessed by OU-appointed tutors and their school work is monitored by their individual mentors – experienced primary teachers – who can offer help and advice throughout the training programme.

This group is the last to receive this particular Open University qualification since the scheme was launched in the Maidenhead borough seven years ago - it has been replaced by alternative arrangements for the professional development of teaching assistants.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education said: "It's really good to go out on a high note with another strong group of candidates lining up to receive their well-deserved awards. Teaching assistants do an extremely worthwhile job of supporting teachers in our classrooms and these eight deserve our warmest congratulations on their achievement.

"It is no mean feat to put in all the extra hours required to complete this certificate, especially as they have to continue their work in the classroom while they are studying. We are delighted to recognise their dedication and commitment in this way.

"They are an inspiration to all their colleagues – and hopefully their success will encourage other teaching assistants to study for this very worthwhile qualification."


The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead