What is the difference betwen LSA and TA

[cwtch4967]

Still all a bit new to the jargon - can someone enlighten me?

LSA is a Learning Support Assistant and is usually employed to work with a named child on a one to one basis ie child with a statement of needs.

TA - Teaching Assistant, generally helps out in classroom with all pupils.

HTH

Also depends on your LA. I work 1 to 1 with a child with a statement which specifies qualified support, but I am still a TA. The only important difference would be their qualifications and relevant experience.

I know in our LA job titles and descriptions have changed due to restructuring and those newly employed to work on a one to one are being called LSA's especially if they have qualifications to do so, there are still plenty of TA's working with statemented children but might not have the qualifications despite the experience!

Thanks - DS 3 ASD will be starting mainstream nursery with 1:1 support from TA. Not ideal but it will only be for 1 term as he should have a place at special school from September.

Nothing in our area, our titles got changed from LSA to TA

Soon to start training as a TA, and imo, it's not the title that should be of concern, but getting the right person for your DS.
If the TA os open to listening to you, and working with you to continue what has been started at home - and communicating back to you too, then i would be happier with them.

I am such a TA! (Sings her own praises.)

Nothing in it. Depends where you work.

If you do the course you can be an HLTA (a Higher Level Teaching Assistant). Which means, lucky you, you can cover a whole class. Cheap supply cover, in other words.

The funding for the HLTA courses has been cut in my area, so no more HLTAs. Makes it hard to compete now with those who got it recently. Though I don't want to be a cheap supply teacher, anyway.