can someone clarify something..

[loosinas]

can a teaching assistant.. not a HLTA just a TA with a level 2 qualification.. teach a class in the absence of the teacher ?

they can "mind" the class as a cover supervisor... I think what they are asked to do when they mind them is up to the teacerhs who is off.

Schools saving money....

sorry - teacher

Yep cover supervisor across FS KS1 and KS2 is a TA at our school.

Yes, if the head has decided that it is acceptable.

Level 1 TA - no
Level 2 TA - no
Level 3 TA - yes
Level 4 HLTA - yes

A cover supervisor is normally level 3.

The unions state that level 1 and 2 should not be unsupervised at all let alone leading the whole class.

The unions state level 3 should only do emergency shprt term cover. They sholdn't be doing PA cover but can do first day of a teacher's sickness for example.

And Cover Supervisors should not 'teach' a class. They dish out work, keep order and collect completed work...
There are no required qualifications for a Cover Supervisor. The 'Level 3' relates to advice/guidance on rate of pay. Technically, only HLTAs are 'qualified' to lead whole classes (i.e teach)under the supervision of a qualified teacher (who does not have to be present in the room).

About 5 years ago the guidance stated that 'cover' was not an appropriate use of HLTAs' time...not that anyone ever takes notice of the 'guidance'...