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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Who is more qualified? A HLTA or a TA with an unrelated degree?

54 replies

Motherpro · 31/03/2024 19:39

Settle an argument.

Who is more qualified?

YANBU A HLTA with a Level 4
YABU A TA with an unrelated degree

When I say more qualified, I don't mean generally, but rather in the school environment working with children.

OP posts:

Beekeepingmum · 31/03/2024 20:30

I think qualification for the role in the most important thing. I might have a PHD in Rocket Science but that doesn't mean I'm the most qualified to train the kids in football over the FA accredited coach.

Hesma · 31/03/2024 20:28

Degree is level 6 so graduate is more lightly qualified than a level 4 HLTA on paper but it sounds like the HLTA is more experienced

Victor1aPlum · 31/03/2024 20:26

SkyBloo · 31/03/2024 20:11

*The TA has a higher qualification.

The HLTA is more qualified to do the job.*

This but tbh? Beinh a TA or HLTA often isnt really an academic/qualification based job. The experience with loads of children over many years is what tends to mark the best TAs.

Its why most headteachers would hire a seasoned mother of 4 with no qualifications whatsoever, but who's spent years running brownies, over a new graduate, for a TA role.

I don’t think that is true anymore as more and more is expected from TAs. We often work with quite challenging children and have a lot of responsibility planning and running back to back interventions.

I am a TA with 12 years teaching experience, a BEd honours degree with literacy coordinator experience. Most of the TAs and HTLAs I work with are similar. I do work with a couple of HTLAs without a degree.

I class myself as more qualified than an HTLA without a teaching degree but they are in a higher role I chose not to take. As such I would always defer to them, they have the class it is my role to support them.

BandyMcBandface · 31/03/2024 20:21

TA with the degree is more qualified, particularly if it's a humanities based subject which will allow them to progress to teacher training.

I’m genuinely confused about this. You can progress to teacher training with degrees that aren’t in humanities!

BlackCatsAreBrilliant · 31/03/2024 20:17

I am a TA. I have an unrelated degree.

Within the school setting, I regard an HLTA as being more qualified for the work.

baileybrosbuildingandloan · 31/03/2024 20:13

Well if the degree is in, say, equine therapy, then they hold a higher qualification, but the HLTS is more qualified to do the job.

Would you want a surgeon repairing your car?

Apples and oranges.

SkyBloo · 31/03/2024 20:11

*The TA has a higher qualification.

The HLTA is more qualified to do the job.*

This but tbh? Beinh a TA or HLTA often isnt really an academic/qualification based job. The experience with loads of children over many years is what tends to mark the best TAs.

Its why most headteachers would hire a seasoned mother of 4 with no qualifications whatsoever, but who's spent years running brownies, over a new graduate, for a TA role.

lizzowhiz · 31/03/2024 20:10

The degree is a higher qualification

ChickenNugget86 · 31/03/2024 20:09

Regardless both roles are massively underpaid!
I'm a TA with a level 3 qualification, so many new TAs are coming in with no childcare qualifications at all. The ones sent on supply can be awful. Many experienced TAs are leaving now with the cost of living.
My head offered me the chance to be a HLTA but it's just not worth it for all that responsibility, worked out an extra 50p per hour.... No thanks.

Hankunamatata · 31/03/2024 20:08

It's not which role is more qualified, it's not the right wording.

Hlta is the higher paid role therefor technically above the TA role

Similar to NHS where a band 6 has more responsibility and paid more than a band 5

LawrieForShepherdsBoy · 31/03/2024 20:03

I’m curious to know how the context of the disagreement

Original poster

Motherpro · 31/03/2024 20:02

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 31/03/2024 20:00

The TA has a higher qualification.

The HLTA is more qualified to do the job.

Yes, this is what I think.

OP posts:

Saucery · 31/03/2024 20:02

In the school environment, working with children - the HLTA is more relevantly qualified, plus has more experience (providing, for example, 3 years of experience has proven CPD).

Original poster

Motherpro · 31/03/2024 20:02

Thrushhelp24 · 31/03/2024 20:00

Qualified and experienced are two different things aren’t they.

Quite.

I'm aware that a degree is a higher qualification. It's a Level 6 and HLTA qualification is a Level 4.

But the HLTA has more experience on the job and has training directly related to the job. So, to me, within the actual role, it seems obvious that the HLTA is actually more qualified for the job.

OP posts:

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 31/03/2024 20:00

The TA has a higher qualification.

The HLTA is more qualified to do the job.

BendingSpoons · 31/03/2024 20:00

Hankunamatata · 31/03/2024 19:57

Bit of a weird question. A degree is a higher qualification.
Are HLTA paid more?

Yes HLTAs are paid more and have additional responsibilities, usually related to teaching the whole class at times.

The TA doesn't need her degree for her current job. It's great she has it, and she will likely go on to become more qualified if she does teacher training, but her current TA role has less responsibility than a HLTA.

RaininSummer · 31/03/2024 20:00

When I was a TA, I was told I didn't need to do the HLTA Award as I was more highly qualified already. This was when HLTA was first brought in though

Thrushhelp24 · 31/03/2024 20:00

Qualified and experienced are two different things aren’t they.

Original poster

Motherpro · 31/03/2024 19:59

Hankunamatata · 31/03/2024 19:57

Bit of a weird question. A degree is a higher qualification.
Are HLTA paid more?

Yes, they have more responsibilities than a TA, which includes covering classes from time to time.

OP posts:

Original poster

Motherpro · 31/03/2024 19:58

KCSIE · 31/03/2024 19:57

This.

Outside of school settings, the other one has a higher level of qualification. A degree is a Level 5 equivalent qualification, isn't it I think?

Show quote history

Level 6 I believe.

OP posts:

KCSIE · 31/03/2024 19:57

BendingSpoons · 31/03/2024 19:53

In the school the HLTA is more qualified and will be given more responsibility e.g. leading classes.

This.

Outside of school settings, the other one has a higher level of qualification. A degree is a Level 5 equivalent qualification, isn't it I think?

Hankunamatata · 31/03/2024 19:57

Bit of a weird question. A degree is a higher qualification.
Are HLTA paid more?

Original poster

Motherpro · 31/03/2024 19:57

I'm one of the above and currently having a discussion with a family member who has a different opinion.

OP posts:

LanahLane · 31/03/2024 19:54

The graduate has the higher qualification.

https://www.apexlearning.org.uk/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-level-4-hlta-course

Who is more qualified? A HLTA or a TA with an unrelated degree?

BendingSpoons · 31/03/2024 19:53

In the school the HLTA is more qualified and will be given more responsibility e.g. leading classes.

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