Have a look at our checklist of good practice for all school support staff, old and new.
Your role, contract, pay, etc.
Have you:
ð been given a copy of your contract? (It should be given within 2 months of starting your job)
ð got a permanent contract? If not, why not?
ð been given a copy of your job description (JD)?
ð read and checked what is in your JD? (you can say no to things that are not in your JD)
ð could you find your own copy of your contract and JD if you needed it?
Do you know:
ð the grade for your job and understand the school’s pay scale?
ð what hours you are being paid for – your start and finish times?
ð how many weeks of the year you are being paid?
ð whether you are paid to work your hours on inset (training) days?
ð how overtime is rewarded – is it in pay or as Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)?
ð the procedure for reporting in sick?
ð the procedure for requesting leave?
ð if you are on a probationary period do you know when this is to be reviewed?
Policies you work under
Have you:
ð been given a copy of the school’s employee handbook?
ð received a copy of all relevant policies, for example: behaviour, health and safety, restraining pupils, sickness absence procedures?
ð been told about playtime duty arrangements (wet and dry) – including the system for dealing with accidents, accident record book and the names of trained first aiders?
ð been told about the procedure for recording and reporting an injury at work?
ð been shown where to go, who to report to, in a fire drill?
ð been told the procedure for reporting hazards/faulty equipment?
ð been told what opportunities there are for professional training and development and how to apply for any courses you may wish to attend?
ð had it explained about being enrolled in a pension scheme?
Information and communication
Do you:
ð know where to find information about pupils’ special medical/educational needs or who to report any concerns about pupils to?
ð know the system for receiving daily/weekly updates in your school, for example: is there a morning briefing before school starts (you only need to attend if this is within your hours) or school staff email?
ð know if your school carries out performance management/appraisal for support staff?
ð have a safe place for your personal belongings? (lockers)
ð know if there is regular health and safety induction for all staff? (Not just teachers)
Posted: 15th March 2016