How do I become a teaching assistant?

There is no easy answer to this question! In the past many TAs gained employment by volunteering as parent helpers and this is still a valuable way to gain an insight into the role. Generally, LEAs now insist upon basic qualifications in English and maths and some prefer that applicants have an additional vocational qualification (although vocational qualifications usually require that you are already employed in the role). Having gained a first post you should be entitled to attend LEA induction training. Some schools require that you complete additional vocational qualifications once you take up a post. Your first step should always be to contact the personnel department of your Local Education Authority.

What sort of people become teaching assistants?

The demographic of the teaching assistant population is incredibly diverse but it can be divided into clear subsections.

There is an administrative workforce upon which many schools depend. These people fulfil the 'traditional' roles of TAs (performing clerical and administrative tasks, tidying classrooms, supporting display work, etc.). The contribution made by this group of people is immense and as the role of TA has moved  to supporting pupil learning it has been essential to employ a new workforce which has time to perform the traditional tasks.  Many people are now directly employed to source and organise resources or to take responsibility for display in a school,  their job descriptions may list them as a non-teaching assistants rather than TAs. Ofsted have acknowledged that it is good practice to have people employed to fulfil these tasks.

Most TAs work closely with children, often working with an individual or a group of pupils. They are the para-professionals, working alongside teachers and becoming involved in planning, preparation and assessment. TAs may also have more specific roles, for example, taking responsibility for displays, resources or ICT. These TAs are likely to have vocational qualifications, often of a high level.

Some TAs gain experience of the classroom environment before applying to a teacher training course. Colleges and universities tend to look favourably upon such experience and it allows the individual to decide whether teaching is the career for them.

It is important to realise that people move freely between these classifications.

What qualifications do teaching assistants usually have?

One of the great benefits of the TA workforce is that they bring such a variety of experience and expertise into schools. The range of qualifications held by TAs is as broad as their spectrum of experience, from basic qualifications through to double degrees, teaching qualifications and Master’s degrees. There is now a national framework of qualifications, with the core being NVQs that have been based upon National Occupational Standards. TAs may hold other vocational qualifications including Cache, Btec and specific qualifications, e.g. those  relating to speech and language development, SEN, hearing impairment, ICT, etc.

What is the value of my existing vocational qualification?

There are two factors to consider. The first is the level of your qualification, which is fairly simple to understand (refer to the Qualifications Framework for guidance). The second factor is the currency of the qualification, this is far more confusing. The role of TA has moved from a classroom administrator (putting up displays, organising resources, etc.) to directly teaching children (e.g. ALS, FLS, ELS programmes).

Universities will sometimes APL (accredited prior learning) a course you have completed in the past but they are notoriously cautious in their attitudes: they have to be able to ensure that the course you have completed is a close enough match to their own courses in respect of the skills and academic rigour. Nevertheless, “if you don’t ask you don’t get”, so it is always worth a try!

Where can I study?

This obviously depends upon the level of study you intend to take. Most TAs train in Further Education Colleges (use the handy interactive map to locate a local FE college) but LEAs, SEN Support Services, individual schools and private companies like ours also offer more specific training.

What is HLTA status?

HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) is a status and not a qualification. It is astonishing the confusion that this simple distinction appears to cause. HLTA therefore has no equivalent academic qualification (but foundation degrees for teaching assistants will usually provide the opportunity for students to achieve HLTA status during their course of study). Any experienced TA can apply for HLTA status but it really is necessary to have your headteacher’s approval. You also require Level 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy (QTS equivalence tests are not currently an acceptable alternative). Having achieved HLTA status you will then be entitled to apply for a HLTA position.

N.B. Some authorities have had HLTA roles for several years – consequently there are some people fulfilling HLTA roles who do not have HLTA status and some people with HLTA status who are not yet employed in a HLTA role. It is all admittedly a little confusing at the moment!

How do I become a HLTA?

There is an explosion of myths around HLTA status which is proving difficult to dispel. Basically, there are three routes: a three day assessment only route, a fifty day route and the Foundation Degree route. A further route that falls between the fifty day and three day routes is now being considered. No matter which route you choose you will have to compile a portfolio and be assessed by a trained assessor from an approved body. The application consists of case studies in which you write about your ability to progress the learning of an individual, a group and a class of children. You will then map the HLTA standards to your chosen case studies. In order to have HLTA status you must have Level 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy. For more information visit the HLTA website which has its own very useful list of FAQs.

Can I become a teacher now that I have HLTA status?

Although HLTA standards are derived from QTS standards they are not commensurate. At the moment there is no way of progressing from HLTA to QTS without passing through graduation and teacher training.

What are Foundation Degrees?

Foundation Degrees are vocational degrees equivalent to the first two years of a degree. They focus upon developing associated skills and an academic understanding of pupil learning and behaviour. Most Foundation Degrees now give students the opportunity to achieve HLTA status and to progress to an Honours year which may also carry QTS.

I’ve been a TA for many years, how can I become a teacher?

Teaching is a degree level profession. If you are a graduate you may wish to consider completing a PGCE or flexible PGCE. Other routes to Qualified Teacher Status include GTP and SCITT. Please note that you will require GCSE (or equivalent) in English and maths (and science for primary teaching if born after 1979). If you intend to teach at secondary level then your degree needs to be in a curriculum subject.

If you are not a graduate you may:

• complete a degree that has a QTS component

• complete a degree and then PGCE, flexible PGCE, GTP or SCITT

• complete a foundation degree then RTP.

For all of the above you still require the aforementioned qualifications in English and maths. Visit the TTA website for advice and information

I’m having trouble working with my teacher. What can I do?

Usually this stems from a lack of communication on one side or the other but more often both! Teaching Assistants face tremendous difficulties because of their very structured timetables and contractual limitations. Equally, teachers lead very busy lives and hold the ultimate responsibility for pupil progression. It is always helpful to make time to communicate with one another and hold a professional discussion; seething silently does nothing to help you move forwards. Some situations develop because of mixed signals: I have known a teacher who felt very nervous when being watched intensely by a TA. It turned out that the TA thought the teacher was a superb practitioner and was observing with such intensity because she wanted to adopt some of her teaching strategies. Strange things do happen!

Whatever your differences, it is essential to act professionally and to remember that we are all ultimately aiming to progress the pupils’ learning. If the situation escalates despite your best intentions then you will need a mediator, probably your line manager. Unions will only usually become involved when there is a contractual difficulty or a problem between the TA and the school but all are happy to offer advice in order to diffuse a situation.

I’m doing a Foundation Degree but my colleagues tell me that there’s no point because I can do a three day course to gain HLTA status. Are they right?

You can certainly gain HLTA status without all of the work involved in a Foundation Degree! HLTA status is fundamentally an acknowledgement of your scope of abilities and talent as a teaching assistant. In contrast, Foundation Degrees exist to broaden and extend your understanding of pupil learning and your role in this process. It is a valuable (and valued) academic qualification that has great credibility when it comes to the selection of HLTA candidates. Foundation Degree graduates usually have an option to complete their Honours year and work towards QTS.