Why HLTA?
Trained and accredited Higher Level Teaching Assistants have become a valuable teaching asset in all phases and sectors of education.
Key benefits that have been seen are:
• Increased confidence and expertise in staff achieving the status
• Creation of a portable, nationally recognized status
• Emergence of greater opportunities for all staff to develop
• Wider potential to make greater use of all staff in schools
• Development of more flexible staffing models
• Creation of development opportunities & roles not previously seen
“The status has enabled teachers and TAs to work much closer in a classroom environment and they can step in during PPA time and provide short-term cover. HLTAs can be spread throughout a variety of classes, taking small groups of children who may be having problems within the larger group. Many of them also have specialist skills such as Art or Sports and are involved in working with the teacher to help lead the subject.
Surrey believe that in the long term, it is imperative for Local Authorities to think about the capacity of their workforce as it is forever changing.
Schools are going to find it difficult to face the future unless they embrace the role of an HLTA.”
Anne Hudson, Workforce Remodelling Advisor, Surrey County Council
