How important are Higher Level Teaching Assistants?
The role of support staff has dramatically changed
over the last few years, with Teachers becoming more dependent on teaching
assistants to ensure that quality learning and teaching is delivered to all
students.
In 2003, the Higher Level Teaching
Assistant (HLTA) role was introduced. This was following workforce reforms to
help tackle workload in the classroom and raise standards. In order to
receive HLTA status, you should meet the national HLTA standards.
Unfortunately, the Government has now
axed all funding for support staff training and schools that wish to continue
training will have to provide funding themselves.
The role of a HLTA
As an HLTA, you will carry out all the
roles of a teaching assistant but the main difference is the increased level of
responsibility, such as teaching a class on your own, covering absences and
allowing teachers more time to plan and mark.
How to become an HLTA
In order to become an HLTA, it is
essential that you have the following in place:
· You should currently be in a teaching
assistant role
· Have the support of your school and head
teacher
· Funding should be available
· You should have received the necessary
training including Level 2 in literacy and numeracy
At Learn Now, we also have a passion for learning, so
much so, we are willing to contribute funding towards the training of HLTAs to
ensure that all support staff have the opportunity to meet the professional
standards required for HLTA status.
For each member of staff enrolled on the Higher Level
Teaching Assistant Level 4 course, Learn Now will contribute £20 towards their
studies. (Please note, this is only available if course
is booked by employer).
We will also provide staff members with discounts on
other selected courses, such as SEN Teaching Assistant, Maths/English
Level 2 and e-learning courses.
In the first instance, you should speak to
your school and enquire about what support they are able to offer to help you
fulfil this role.
If they are happy to contribute towards your Higher
Level Teaching Assistant Level 4 course, they should contact the enrolments department
in order to complete the necessary paper work and start the enrolment process.
For more information about the HLTA Level
4 course or other courses we provide, please click
here.
