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

[Motherpro]

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.

I'd say in terms of "qualifucation" the person with the unrelated degree is more qualified.

But in terms of working with children as a TA, the HLTA is obviously more qualified.

What is the unrelated degree? Generally the TA with the degree is more qualified but to do the job, it depends. How long have they both been TAs?

TA with unrelated degree is relatively new to the role, has a recent degree in a humanities based subject and hoping to teacher train in the next year or so.

HLTA has worked there a lot longer so has more on the job experience and obviously has a qualification related to working with children in education.

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

Level 4 HLTA doesn't actually require any formal qualifications to do it - although many schools request GCSE Maths/English for TAs.

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

The graduate has the higher qualification.

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

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

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

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?

Level 6 I believe.

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

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

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

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.

The TA has a higher qualification.

The HLTA is more qualified to do the job.

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.

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).

Yes, this is what I think.

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

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

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.

The degree is a higher qualification

*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.

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.

I am a TA. I have an unrelated degree.

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