Primary teacher becoming a HLTA

[DonatellaMoss]

Hi, namechanged for this as I've posted about my current job with my regular username in the past and I don't want to be identified. I'm hoping someone can help me with my questions!

My background: I'm a former primary teacher, qualified in 2001 and taught until 2007. I then went to work for an educational software company for a couple of years before returning to teaching in a City Learning Centre in 2010. When the coalition came to power in 2011 they cut the funding to Becta which paid my salary and so I was made redundant. I returned to work in the private sector in a role very much related to education, and that is where I currently am.

I'd like to return to working in a school in the future, in a HLTA role if I can. I understand teachers can apply for level 3 TA positions, but to be a HLTA you need to have met the standards. I've found some companies online which offer courses to accredit you at level 4 but I have a couple of questions that I can't find answered anywhere.

1. Would an online course be enough, or do HLTAs have to be independently assessed by the LEA?
   
2. Would a school potentially hire me if I hadn't worked as a HLTA before (even though I was a teacher), or is the route to HLTA status to be a level 3 TA then move to level 4 once working in a school?
   
3. Do you think my time out of teaching might count against me? My current role requires me to teach adults and keep up with changes in the education system, but it's now been 3 years since I taught children, and 7 since I had a class of my own.
   

Thanks for reading. All advice is welcome!

[marymoocow]

Hi. I qualified in '93 and taught until I had my 1st child in '98. I was then a SAHM for the next 10 years. When my youngest started school I volunteered for a few months, just to get back into it. I then applied for an HLTA post and got the job. I have never been asked to re train, I just use my teaching knowledge. I sometimes wonder whether I'm 'over-used' because of my QT status, but on the whole love it. No extra hours, reports etc.. Pay is rubbish though.
Hope that helps a bit

[DonatellaMoss]

Thanks mary that's useful. I was perusing the HLTA jobs advertised near me yesterday and one stated that they required the applicants to have the HLTA qualification so that's what got me thinking. I'm not looking for jobs yet though, this is all preparation for a couple of years time. Glad to hear you enjoy it. I've looked at the pay, and I think a full time HLTA post wouldn't pay too different from what I earn now working 3 days a week, with the bonus of school holidays which would be really useful when DD starts school.

[marymoocow]

I think you'll be fine, as obviously QT status is more than HLTA:-) Good luck for 2 years time

[marymoocow]

Just thought, when you work out pay equivalents, remember HLTA is support staff, and usually only get paid pro-rata. So the pay quoted may not be anywhere near what you bring home.

[DonatellaMoss]

Thanks, it was the pro-rata that was quoted for the position I saw so I'd taken that into account.

[phlebasconsidered]

I was a HLTA when returning after kids and never got asked about my HLTA qualifications. The QTS more than amply covers them. The pay is not even equivalent to two days worth of teaching, however.

[DonatellaMoss]

Thanks phlebasconsidered, as I mentioned before I'm aware of the pay and it wouldn't be too far off what I earn now. There were reasons I left teaching in the first place, and I don't think much has changed to tempt me back when I will have two DC, so I'd much rather be on lower pay and happier with my job, yet still working to support children's learning.

[rollonthesummer]

I thought the HLTA qualification was obsolete now and they weren't training any more?

[phlebasconsidered]

Oooh, me too. I am resigning my FT post and leaving at the end of July. I'd be happy to go back to HLTA! I want to see my kids again! And have weekends and a life. I am currently hoping for supply work, but if a local HLTA post came up I would go for it. 2-3 days supply per week travelleing to work would equate to FT HLTA not travelling far. I am counting down the days. Can't WAIT not to be teaching FT anymore. It's all going so horribly wrong with regard to life/work balance.

[CeliaFate]

I would do supply instead. If they know you have QTS, you'll be doing teacher's jobs for TA's pay.