Has anyone done the HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) qualification?

[Collision]

Am thinking of doing this and might need some ongoing support!

Where else would I find that support than Mumsnet?!!

TIA

[dietdiva123]

I have just started unit 2 of this course, we could compare notes and try and help each other out.
x

[dietdiva123]

I am in the process of doing this course, I am just starting unit 2, did find a place to get help?
x

[user789653241]

Why reviving zombie?
Tbh, at my ds's school, HLTA are all made redundant due to the cost. And they hired new, young TA's without any special skills. Very depressing, but seems like that's the way it happens in our area.

[Bowerbird5]

No. No one should be sharing course work. The whole point is that it is about you and your school. Don't be lazy, do it yourself!
If you have a question I will try and answer it but anyone found sharing course work would not gain the status and the lender may also be stripped of their status. We were told this by our tutor years ago.

I am quite happy to give advice but completing the HLTA Standards is for you alone to do. It is about you and your job.

[allyp1967]

Can anyone help me by sharing their HLTA course work for reference only purposes

Thanks

[email protected]

[allyp1967]

Hi it’s a level 5

[sp76]

Hi
This is a long shot but I would like a bit of help to finish Unit 2 of my HLTA if anyone can it'd be greatly appreciated as struggling to answer the last 3 questions.

[howjue]

hiya, i currently have a degree but without QTS, can i become an HLTA or be used as a T.A?

[jenstor]

Hiya
I've seen a job advertised for a HLTA
I do have my nneb and my NVQ 4 in childcare do you think there would be any chance if I applied?
thanks

[mrz]

I've just attended a workforce development meeting and the speaker confirmed all TAs working in schools will need a minimum of a level 3 (or be working to gain a level 3) by 2011.

[nymphadora]

hi roisin!

I know of teachers who were deemed ineligible for hlta jobs as they didn't have hlta status! Daft but true , some places(LAs?) follow the criteria strictly.

[cyb]

cowsgo they were giving HLTA's out like smarties when I did my course, hence some of the dubious folk who ended up earning the status

[mrz]

There was talk that all TAs must have a minimum of a level 3 by 1012 to work in maintained schools but I'm not sure what will happen with a new government.

[CowsGoMoo]

I am currently undertaking the relevant 3 days preparation for HLTA assessment (at Chichester Uni) having compiled my evidence and met (I hope!) the 33 standards.

However, on our last prep day we were informed that the likelihood of HLTA remaining is very slim. I am also a cover supervisor and am just about to finish my Diploma in Secondary education at Sussex Uni which is far more relevant to working in a school as a CS or a TA than the whole HLTA prep/standards.

I personally, having nearly completed HLTA, would steer clear and enrol on an NVQ TA course instead. The school I work in are now insisting that all TA have the NVQ level 3 and are not employing anyone without any experience or qualifications anymore.

hth

[cyb]

But the joke is you dont get observed teaching a whole class by your assessor which is a prerequsite of becoming an HLTA and the reason why loads of heads want their TA's to get the status.

[roisin]

I did an HLTA a couple of years back. It's not really "training" as such, but rather self-reflection and demonstrating the experience and knowledge that you have gained through your job and your ability to function at a particular level.

I didn't find it very challenging tbh, but it's good to have a piece of paper to wave around to prove I can do my job!

[mrz]

From what I remember she met with her assessor a couple of times and was asked to produce a file with proof of qualifications and to show how she met the standards in her current role (LSA at the time) and had to complete case studies from her school . Then was seen in her school by the assessor.

[cyb]

The head at my school uses HLTA's (whether skilled or not) to cover PPA time. Cheaper than supply staff

[maizieD]

Probably a local thing, mrz, but theoretically absolutely incorrect! Why on earth should someone with QTS, who has probably actually produced far more evidence for each standard than any aspirant to HLTA status has, have to go through the process all over again?

As we are, I believe, both working in the same LA I shall check this out with my local union rep!

[mrz]

kissingfrogs I'm sure you will be very good at it with your qualifications.

maizieD I'm not sure if it is a local thing but an ex colleague with many years experience as a classroom teacher still had to prove she met the 33 standards and complete the course.

[kissingfrogs]

mrz: I bow to your superiority. You are a veritable fountain of knowledge. No, I had not read those reports. As a near-extinct TA, I will find an alternative employment which allows me to serve humanity better - flipping burgers maybe.

[maizieD]

MilaMae,

If you have QTS there should be no need for you to get HLTA status. The 33 standards HLTA have to meet are taken from the QTS standards, so you've already met them!

[mrz]

MilaMae if you want to gain HLTA status you must complete the course whatever your qualification

you can find out more at the TSA site
www.tda.gov.uk/support/support_staff_roles/learningsupportstaff/hlta/background.aspx

handbook

basically you need to demonstrate you meet 33 standards to gain the status.

[MilaMae]

I am an experienced ex primary teacher and literacy co-ordinator. This job really interests me,do you know if I'd need to do the course mentioned in the op regardless of my teaching qualifications and experience?

TIA

[mrz]

kissingfrogs I'm pleased you are aware of the difference and I assume the implications of HLTA merely being a status in the employment market.

I'm sure you will also be well aware of the government report compiled by Reform into ways to manage cuts to education. The main suggestion being

The best way to absorb cuts but protect education is to boost pupil to teacher ratios and sack assistants.

Also the "evidence" from Ofsted & IOE

"The Institute of Education and Ofsted have found that teaching assistants have a negligible effect on educational outcomes, and may in some cases even harm a child's education if they are used as a substitute for proper teaching time."

&

"Some assistants no doubt help in the classroom, but the evidence suggests they offer poor value for money. Over time, schools should seek to remove them from the classroom, saving £1.7bn a year at current rates and putting the spotlight back on quality."

As a classroom teacher I am very aware of the value of an experienced TA but unfortunately those who hold the purse strings do not share my opinion (or yours).