Support staff are the unsung heroes in schools! Whether they are working in the primary phase as the only member of an ‘admin team’ or in the secondary phase where they are part of a large support network covering everything from the receptionist to the Lead Science Technician - their work is consistent and of a high quality.
Since the introduction of the Work Force Remodelling agenda in 2003, schools have been transformed by the energy given through its support staff by the delegation of admin tasks away from the teachers to enable them to concentrate on teaching and learning. The way that schools work with their support staff has evolved overtime with many members of staff now on the Senior Leadership Team, taking the role of tutor or representing their school at international conferences – the list is endless. Even with the current change in school structures through federations and academies, support staff are seen as even more vital to the success of the mix.
To maintain this accomplishment, there must be opportunities for these 
members of staff to develop through viable, accredited training programmes.There are the SBM programmes which are delivered nationally but not all administrative staff are required to take this route.Also, for many support staff, the idea of going back to ‘learning’ for themselves is not an easy decision to make.
This is where the Certificate of School Administration is the ideal solution for those with a clerical role. The CSA is a Level 3 (A Level equivalent) accredited programme, delivered locally over a six month period.The learning is all work related; enhancing current roles and giving participants the confidence to develop their role in school.
Here is what a Headteacher has to say about the impact of the CSA on a member of his staff, Kim Gill:
‘Perhaps the most significant impact that the CSA has had on Kim is in her self-belief and her willingness to take-on new, and often challenging, initiatives.As a result, her role in school has expanded to encompass a range of new HR responsibilities and she is already planning the next phase of her professional development with EMLC.I believe that the CSA has helped to identify a clear career pathway for Kim to pursue in school and this is already benefitting our organisation as she develops her skills and professional expertise’.
The CSA is an opportunity to gain the foundation of knowledge around your role in school, to put your role into perspective. Here is what a Kim has to say about the programme and the difference it made to her:
‘The CSA was introduced to me when I expressed an interest in pursuing an administrative qualification;I wanted to gain some direction and focus in my role. In attending the first face-to-face session I was astonished by how many doors this course could open. My cohort was one of the pilot groups and it was new to all of us so the support available through the tutors, online forums with colleagues from the cohort and face-to-face sessions were invaluable. I feel it is important to stress that you are never alone, there’s always someone who will be able to answer your queries – remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question! The CSA enabled networking opportunities and a chance to share good practice with people who are in similar roles. My confidence, knowledge and understanding of School Administration has grown considerably through undertaking the CSA. I am currently in the process of completing my CSBM and hoping to start the EDeBAM in September with the view to achieving my BA in the future. Without the CSA I would not have been aware of all the personal development opportunities in School Administration. I feel that professional development is important to all support staff and that it should be encouraged’.
From these testimonials, the support network is evident both through the Face-to-Face sessions, via the on-line community and the dedicated tutor allocated to the cohort and available throughout the programme.
If you are interested in learning more please contact EMLC at info@emlc.co.uk
