scrutiny

[artwise]

I recently had an upsetting experience. I have worked for a number of agencies over the years and my current agency-Teaching Personnel, gathers feedback from the schools about my performance- nothing wrong with that. But last Friday, I was not 100% well, probably 80% there. I went into a new school, new routine, etc The LSA flitted in and out. By the end of the day, I gave the class of Y1 children 20 minutes planning, the LSA was doing some assessment. And I admit, I relaxed my guard and allowed the children to just get on with it. The feedback was that I was not engaging with the children. I may have felt and looked disinterested by an observer, I acknowledge that. However, I was really upset because: a) this is not a valid account of my whole day of interaction, b) I have an LSA scrutinising me c) any kind of feedback is unfair under these circumstances. I do not have support of my colleagues if I am feeling under the weather. Plus, each day is treated like a job interview.

My other agency Protocol only feed back to me if there is something really wrong, in which case, I would know it too! I feel more relaxed when I work for this agency, even tho they dont filter the good comments through. If a school likes you, then they will use you.

How do others feel about this approach and have you had similiar experiences?
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[lousylear]

I am on LA list only and do all supply through direct contact with schools. I have been in four different schools in last three weeks and have received no feedback whatsoever. In one school no staff spoke to me all day apart from to answer my direct questions about when playtime is, etc. I guess no news is good news. It is really hard being assessed when you're in a class you've never had before.

[janeb]

Poor you "artwise" - that all sounds very harsh.
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Getting feedback should be a useful experience and not make you feel c**p!!
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I would probably avoid going back into that school if I were you!
However, if you like the school and would like to return, I would try to be ultra confident and organised when I went in...be polite and courteous to the LSA (remembering smugly that you are better qualified than her!!)...and prove to everyone that you are a great teacher.
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Accept any feedback (although I don't think that daily feedback is fair
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) but don't just be a doormat - if someone over-exaggerates a situation or gives unfair comment, ensure that you give your views too.