HLTA-is it worth pursuing?

[LoudestRoar]

I am currently an LSA/121 in a primary school. I'm considering my next steps, and wondering if training to be a HLTA would work for me. I love the idea of teaching, but not having to do the planning side of things to fit alongside my family needs. Am I right in thinking level 4 is what I should be aiming for? I'd probably self fund the course and do it in my own time. Thanks!

HLTAs are fantastic and schools would be lost without them. If you're doing the job then it will be for job satisfaction. Fund out how much extra an hour you would be paid then work out how many if those hours you would need to do to pay back what it has cost you to train. You might be surprised....

Sorry, typos, find not fund and of not if. Typing without specs is a mistake!

Thank you! Think I definitely need to look into it further.

Be careful. I was a HLTA who was an SEN specialist. I am a qualified dyslexia assessor, and had extensive training/ experience in Sp&L, autism etc. I was also used as assistant SENDCo; meeting with parents, outside agencies etc, and helping teachers write PCPs I loved it!
Then a new head took over. Suddenly I was used as wall to wall cover, in 7 different classes including Nursery. This was with no planning left, no PPA and only enough time to pee or eat during the day, not both. No interventions were done, because I used to do (almost) all of them. The SENDCo lost my support. She went off with stress. I felt utterly unsupported and went off with stress. In the end I resigned, and I still worry about all those SEN kids not getting any support. It can be amazing with the right support, but you can end up being used as a supply teacher for a third of the money.

I’m a HLTA. Massively overworked for a tiny bit more than a regular TA. When I cover classes I have no TA support and yet a teacher has a TA or me, a HLTA. It’s just not fair. You’re used as cheap supply.

There is government funding for TAs to train as HLTAs at the oment,. Except it's a bit confusing because the wording makes it seem like you have to already be doing that sort of work and this gets you the official title.

Yes I got the job and had to study for certification alongside, paid for by the school. Had to complete it within 12 months.

What 43ontherocksporfavor said. I know some at my school who have intentionally remained as a TA so they would not be able to be used as class cover. Not worth it IMO.