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Original poster

Is it acceptable (or even legal) for a TA to cover a class for a whole day?

40 replies

Mercy · 21/11/2008 16:29

?

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Original poster
Mercy · 21/11/2008 16:54

Anyone there?

OP posts:
LIZS · 21/11/2008 16:55

It is ok afaik. He/she would probably deliver prepared lessons.

Fimbo · 21/11/2008 16:55

There is one at my ds's school who has some extra qualification that enables her to teach a class.

wannaBe · 21/11/2008 16:57

yes.

We have a couple of HLTA's who cover non contact time.

mrspnut · 21/11/2008 16:58

It is for a Higher level TA, and indeed often done for certain subjects and cover.

I think Advanced TA's can cover for half a day.

duckyfuzz · 21/11/2008 16:58

yes

Fimbo · 21/11/2008 16:58

Ah i was just coming back to say its called Higher Level Teaching Assistant but Wannabe beat me to it.

Original poster
Mercy · 21/11/2008 17:01

Thank you!

It's 'only' Reception but I just wanted to check with others as I wasn't sure what to think.

OP posts:
cascade · 21/11/2008 22:22

No its not legal in reception. A qualified teacher must be present at all times. HTLA are not. HTLA can cover any year group but not reception.

blametheparents · 21/11/2008 22:32

Interesting point cascade, i didn't know that

kyrasmummy · 21/11/2008 22:39

TA covered DD'S reception class yesterday...

MsPontipine · 21/11/2008 22:43

Some ta's at ds's school are actually qualified teachers. Could this be the case?

MollieO · 21/11/2008 22:47

My ds's teacher was off sick half of last week and the class was covered by the usual TA plus the TA from the other reception class.

OlaMamas · 21/11/2008 22:54

Not 100% but in a school myself where the Head is pretty hot on legalities and as far as I am aware it is ok for a HLTA to cover a class, led by the plans of the class teacher even in reception which as far as I am aware has the same legalities as any other class in the school. Arguments either way for that.... after 4 years at uni to learn how to be a teacher.... is it enough just to draw up plans for others to follow.... could a monkey follow our plans then. Not taking anything away from a number of talented TA's that I have seen that control a class far better than some teachers I have seen (However not in my current school) Still not sure it's a good route to go down. Teaching on the cheap! Also know how much its affecting supply teachers.... as why pay a "proper" teacher when a TA can do it on the cheap!

Feenie · 21/11/2008 22:57

No, Olamamas, since September 2008 it became statutory for a qualified teacher to be present in Reception at all times.

OlaMamas · 21/11/2008 23:02

Didn't realise.... in my defence...not bin back that long... bin on maternity leave! What's the argument for that then? Is that year more important than the other years in school? What was the reasoning behind it?

pinkbubble · 21/11/2008 23:02

I am a TA, and I have been asked to take the class.

I am not actually a HLTA, but I do have at least 13 yrs of experience working in a class. TBH I would prefer to "stand" up and work as Class Teacher, than to get a supply in! (plus I have all the plans that the Teacher would be delivering to the children!) The simple reason being is, that I know the children well, a supply teacher doesn't! Quite often its more stressful for the TA with a supply teacher and 9 times out of 10 you basically do the work of the class teacher anyway - so why not get paid for it!

I am very fortunate, the school I work in pay their TA's double time for taking the class! Obviously not every school do that!

Feenie · 21/11/2008 23:03

I agree, Olamamas - if it's not good enough for Reception...........

OlaMamas · 21/11/2008 23:08

It also sounds like you are a very competent TA and in all honesty I totally agree.... you get the right TA your life is far easier than when you've had a supply in! Sounds like you are paid accordingly to your ability.... many are not so lucky and get taken advantage of as the average supply is probably (and I'm making it up a bit) quadruple an hour!!!! I think so long as TA's are happy with it, and capable of it (as it is realistically not part of the jobs expectations) and that a teachers job is not de-qualified down to just planning its not a bad thing!

cascade · 21/11/2008 23:11

In theory if a class teacher has PPA time, they should not leave planning for the cover teacher, or that defeats the object of PPA time. Im not sure why reception is different im secondary, only know through reading TES boards.

pinkbubble · 21/11/2008 23:14

There are a few TA's in my school are not happy in taking a class, and that is not frowned upon at all! They respect their feelings. Luckily there are always enough TA's that are happy to cover - obviously who enjoy it - espec because they are being paid enough to make it worth while!

pointydog · 21/11/2008 23:16

not in scotland

OlaMamas · 21/11/2008 23:20

I cover PPA time in my school. However I am a teacher and I also am responsible for the planning. However I wouldn't expect a TA to do the planning! When would they do it? Teachers expect to work outside school hours! we are paid reasonably enough to justify it!!! (More would be nice but hey!!!!!) I just don't think TA's are paid enough for what is now expected of them in many schools!

Feenie · 21/11/2008 23:25

That's true - ours have performance management, based on their delivery of intervention strategies; not fair on their salary. We don't have them covering classes though, although the head would if he had his way. Luckily, the governors agree with us.

cascade · 21/11/2008 23:29

The question you have to ask yourself is would you be happy for your own child to be taught by an unqualified person? Most people would not.