Perceptions of School Based Support Teams about Providing Support to Foundation Phase Teachers in Two Butterworth Primary Schools, Eastern Cape

The Policy on Inclusive Education acknowledges that all children can learn if they are given the necessary support. In order to achieve this goal, the Department of Education (DoE) introduced the establishment of School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs) whose main function is to support teaching and learning in schools. Nonetheless, there seems to be challenges on how to support learners experiencing barriers to learning among the members of the SBST. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of the SBSTs about providing support to the Foundation Phase (FP) teachers in two Butterworth Primary Schools in the Eastern Cape. This study used the qualitative mode of inquiry and a case study as a research design. Face-to face semi-structured interviews, observations and document analysis were used to collect the data from the SBSTs about their perceptions in providing support to the FP teachers. Data was analysed by identifying common themes. The findings revealed that the SBSTs do not have enough knowledge and skills on how to support the FP teachers. Some of the challenges they cited include inadequate training, lack of communication, overcrowding in classrooms, lack of support from the parents and from the Department of Education. In an attempt to alleviate the above raised challenges, a model has been proposed.Thesis (D.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 201