Teaching assistants
'Teaching assistant' is the name given to all adults who are paid to work with children in the classroom.
Other titles include 'learning support assistant' or 'classroom assistant', but 'teaching assistant' is the government's preferred term. It includes everyone whose main role is to assist the teacher in the classroom.
The information below is for teaching assistants (TAs), line managers, governors and anyone with an interest in the work of teaching assistants in Lambeth.
Background
The role of the TA has evolved over the last 10 years. TAs are playing an ever increasing role in our schools to improve the quality of education for all our children. Conventionally, the work of the TA has almost been exclusively been associated with supporting children in special schools, and pupils on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register in mainstream education.
The introduction of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies has increased the demand for high quality TA training, as TAs have taken on more responsibility for teaching and learning for all pupils.
All local authority (LA) vacancies are managed by our recruitment team. They are advertised in the national and local press, internally and on websites such as http://powered.jobsgopublic.com/lambeth/ .
All posts for teaching assistants need applicants to have been or willing to be CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.
You might also want to try the following:
- contact Teresa on t.grant@supreme-education.com or call on 020 7926 9798
- contact a Teacher Recruitment agency as many of them now employ teaching assistants
- look in the local and national press for adverts from individual schools outside the LEA
- contact local LEAs and ask look for their vacancy list
- contact schools directly with your CV and perhaps offer to volunteer (provided that you have been CRB checked)
- Twin Training - a company who delivers teaching assistant training. Please call 020 8297 0041 reception@twinuk.com.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status
HLTA status has been introduced for TAs working at a high level to support teaching and learning. TAs who meet national professional standards will be awarded HLTA status and receive a letter on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
TAs wishing to apply for this will need to read the LA guidance notes and complete an application form. Further information can be found on the HLTA section of the Training and development agency website.
National Association of Professional Teaching Assistants (NAPTA)
Napta has been established to recognise the expanding role of that TAs are playing in schools. It supports TAs by providing professional development opportunities, acting as an information service, and helping to assess and document their existing skills. Visit www.napta.org.uk.
Basic numeracy and literacy skills for all Lambeth TAs
As a part of the LA professional development programme for all TAs. We are inviting TAs to enrol on adult literacy and numeracy programmes at Learndirect and work towards obtaining a level 2 in both these subject areas. This is, of course, only applicable to TAs without these qualifications or their equilvalent.
Visit www.learndirect.co.uk or contact
Learn Direct,
Internet Exchange,
Brixton Library,
Brixton
020 7926 1057
Email: jerick.go@exchangegroup.co.uk
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
There are a number of TAs who may wish to pursue a career in teaching. If you would like further information please look at the Training and Development Agency website.
Video with practical tips for working with teachers
TA consultant Mellina Allison offers some practical ways of overcoming common difficulties and improving the teaching assistant and teacher work relationship.