Teaching Practice Policy

School: Caherleaheen NS

Introduction

This policy has been devised in consultation with the Board of Management and staff of Caherleaheen NS and shared with the P.Association.  Caherleaheen NS is willing to provide opportunities for teacher work  basis.

The policy contains procedures and requirements for substitution by teachers Special Needs Assistant (SNAs) and teacher placements

 

Rationale

This policy aims to assist Caherleaheen NS, in fulfilling its duty of care, as legislated by the Children First Act 2015, the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017.

 

 

Procedures for Student Teachers

1. Applications for teacher placement should be made in writing as soon as possible in the school year to the school secretary (including details as outlined below)
2. The granting of of placement opportunities will be given on a priority basis to former pupils of the school and to students who have an association with the school (i.e. relatives of staff members, residents in the local community)
3. The maximum number of placements  is two students at any one time
4. Students must be fully insured by their respective school or college for all aspects of their placement
5. Students must be able to provide current National Vetting Bureau documentation, which should be processed in advance of the placement start date through the student’s college
6. Students must abide by the Guidelines (Appendix 1) and sign the Form of Compliance before commencing their placement (see Appendix 2)
7. Any placement is subject to the authorisation of the school Principal/Deputy Principal and Caherleaheen NS reserves the right to refuse or defer work experience/TY placement should school circumstances warrant this.
8. The application for a placement should include:

 

• a brief summary of the applicant’s educational record and interest in the placement
• the dates sought for work experience/TY placement;
• verification that the work experience/TY placement is supported by and indemnified by the post-primary school or college in which the student is attending
• confirmation that vetting obligations (as per DES circular 31/2016) will be complied with in full in advance of commencing placement

 

Supporting Teacher students on placement

1. The principal, class teacher will coordinate and mentor the student during the work experience/TY placement;
2. Staff will endeavour to ensure that the time spent in the school by the student is beneficial and a positive learning experience. Students will have an opportunity to work in a variety of settings and develop a variety of skills.
3. Pupils and staff will treat students on work experience programmes with respect and courtesy at all times.
4. Students students will not be left in sole charge of pupils at any time and will be supervised by the class teachert or Special Educational Teacher (SET).

 

Requirements for the SNA/TY/students

1. Students must at all times be respectful of all members of school staff, BOM, parents and pupils
2. Students must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times
3. Students should dress appropriately whilst on work experience/TY placement
4. Students must be punctual and attend at agreed times
5. All matters in relation to school business, pupils, staff, parents etc must be treated with the utmost confidentiality
6. Students are expected to co-operate with the general rules, procedures and policies of the school (see Appendix 1: Guidelines for Work Experience for more details);
7. It is strictly forbidden for students to take photographs of pupils or school staff on any device. Permission to take photos of school displays, etc. must be sought from the Principal/Deputy Principal by the student.
8. Students must follow the instruction/guidance of the Principal, Deputy Principal, Secretary or any other staff member designated to supervise their duties or administration requirements.
9. School/College supervisors of work experience students who visit the school are expected to be positive and respectful towards school staff and to the placement student thereby providing a positive learning environment.

Appendix 1:

 Guidelines

Substitute/Student Teachers, SNA’s, TY students, Volunteers, Coaches working in Caherleaheen NS National School

 

Before you start you must provide the school with:

• Teachers: Copy of your Teaching council registration, a statutory declaration form. You will be asked to sign a form of undertaking with the school & a signed copy of these guidlelines.
• Teacher/TY/SNA students: vetting confirmation from school/college, signed copy of these guidelines.
• ALL:Signed Form of Compliance at secretary’s office (Appendix 2)

 

DO

1. School currently starts at 8.45 am and finishes at 2.35pm.
2. Keep all events in class and in yard confidential. If you have a concern about anything that happens in the school, speak to the class teacher or principal
3. If you need to leave the school premises at any time, please inform the class teacher or secretary
4. Treat all children with respect and kindness. Any problems in relation to a child’s behaviour should be referred to the class teacher, another member of staff or the Principal
5. Inform the class teacher if you are writing notes/observations about anything in the class
6. Switch off your mobile phone when on the school premises
7. If on yard duty at break-times walk around, observe, and help children. Report any problems/concerns to the teacher on duty
8. Check with the teacher or designated contact person regarding use of office/school resources and equipment
9. Be aware of the schools ethos and familiar with its policies.
10. Seek advice/assistance from teaching staff

 

DON’T

• Get involved in any activity that involves lifting children, toileting or any other inappropriate physical contact
• Find yourself alone with a child in an unsupervised area
• Discuss in any detail individual children outside of school – refer requests for information to the class teacher.

 

Appendix 2

 

Form of Compliance

 

Please sign below and return to the school secretary.

 

I hereby agree to participate in placement/substitution/coaching work in Caherleaheen NS subject to the conditions and procedures described.

 

Signed: __________________________  Date: ______________

 

Contact Phone No: _________________

 

Role: Tick        Student Teacher     ___

Substitute Teacher ___

SNA student          ___

Substitute SNA      ___

TY student            ___

Coach/Student C.   ___

 

Please circle accordingly:

I have supplied the school with a copy of my statutory declaration Y/N

I have supplied the school with a copy of my Teaching Council registration: Y/N

I have completed the Form of Undertaking: Y/N

I have read the Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment: Y/N

I have read the school Code of Behaviour: Y/N

I have read the school Child Protection policy: Y/N

I have read the school Health and Safety policy : Y/N

I have read the school Anti-bullying policy: Y/N