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Frequently Asked Questions>  Teaching Assistants

 

 

Q1:  What qualifications would I need to start as a Teaching Assistant?

A:  No formal entry qualifications are required, however, it is recommended that TA’s have good basic skills in English and mathematics and have attended an introductory course eg. NCfE Initial Training for TA’s (City of Bristol College) or NVQ Level 2 (Filton College) or have been regular volunteers and have attended Local Authority Induction Training.
 

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Q2:  If I get additional qualifications will my pay increase?

A:  Not automatically unless there is a post at a higher grade for which you successfully apply.
 

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Q3:  Can I do this job full time?

A:  These posts are usually offered ‘term time only’ and prorate e.g. paid hourly for the number of hours for which they are required in school.
 

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Q4:  Would I be paid during holidays?

A:  Usually this is not the case, however, individuals need to ascertain this with their school.

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Q5:  Is there a national pay scale for TA’s?

A:  No. The Local Authority offers guidance which the schools then manage.

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Q6:  What are the opportunities for progression?

A:  Click here to view the South Gloucestershire Professional Learning Framework for Teaching Assistants  (pdf file 81kB)

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Q7:  Would any training be paid for?

A:  Currently, there are arrangements for some training to be centrally funded, however, this is under review. HLTA training is funded by national government and is accessed via the Local Authority.

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Q8:  Would I be required to attend all school Inset days?

A:  This is usually negotiated with the Headteacher and would relate to your contracted hours.

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Q9:  What training is available locally?

A:  The South Gloucestershire Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme

Filton College:
www.filton.ac.uk

Soundwell College:
www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/find_us/soundwell.html

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Q10:  Am I entitled to training?

A:  All staff have an entitlement to training, which may be school based or could be specifically related to your Performance Review.

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Q11:  Will I have a line manager?

A:  Yes, and hopefully a mentor too, particularly during your induction.

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Q12:  Will I have access to regular discussions with my line manager about how well I am doing (Performance Review)?

A:  It is hoped that you would, although the length of the cycle will vary from school to school.

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Q13:  Can you tell me more about becoming a HLTA?

A:  HLTA web page

HTLA website:
www.hlta.gov.uk 

HLTA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Q14:  How can I improve my basic skills in English, Mathematics and ICT?

A:  There are various ways of gaining a qualification in these skills for life areas. GCSEs and adult Numeracy, adult literacy and ICT qualifications are offered at local Further Education Colleges. Information is available from Filton College or Soundwell College (links to website). You may prefer to take on online assessment and progress through online lessons followed at your own pace to achieve adult numeracy, adult literacy or ICT. Learn Direct have several centres in these area (link to website).

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If you have a question on this topic, that has not been answered by the information on this page, then please email us to let us know:

Liz.Townend@southglos.gov.uk

 


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