The North Yorkshire Professional Learning Framework for Teaching Assistants

Teaching Assistant
Career Stage / Accreditation Opportunities / What can I do to develop further? / What is my role and how could my school support my development? / What opportunities are there for me to link with other schools/colleges? / What LEA programmed training opportunities are there? / How will this link with opportunities through National/F.E./H.E. Programmes?
General Teaching Assistant / NVQ L2/3 /
  • Join a Professional Association
  • Start a Professional Portfolio
  • Be available for in-service training
  • Attend staff meetings and planning meetings when appropriate
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of others within the school
  • Understand general school policies and relevant subject policies
  • Communicate effectively with parents/carers, teachers and other support staff
  • Attend in-service training and staff meetings as appropriate
/

Basic Role

  • Working as part of a team
  • Assisting class teacher in administrative tasks, e.g. displays, copying, record keeping
  • Supporting pupils’ learning as directed by class teacher
  • Encouraging pupil(s) to stay on task
  • Supporting positive behaviour
  • Supervising pupils during break
  • Having a basic understanding of SEN as defined in the SEN Code of Practice
  • Discussing your professional development needs as part of the school’s Performance Management programme

Developing Role

  • Entering pupil data using ICT
  • Updating pupil records
  • Assisting in writing IEPs and attending related meetings
  • Caring for and preparing teacher support materials
  • Contributing to the assessment of pupils
/
  • Local Teaching Assistant network meetings (primary and secondary)
  • Training opportunities as part of local cluster group
  • Observing good practice in other schools
  • A broad range of training events organised by the LEA
/
  • 4 day Induction training for new Teaching Assistants
  • TA network meetings
  • A broad range of training opportunities (see LEA website
/
  • NVQ level 2/3 courses for Teaching Assistants at a local F.E. College

Advanced Teaching Assistant / APL/APEL from NVQ3/STAC towards HLTA /
  • Join a Professional Association
  • Maintain a Professional Portfolio
  • Take lead responsibility for co-ordinating a school activity
  • Be involved in and contribute to whole school initiatives
  • Coordinate and organise extra curricular activities or work experience
  • Study for GCSE Maths and English grade C or above (if needed)
  • Study for a Foundation Degree (part-time)
/
  • Applying knowledge and understanding of the curriculum, age range or SEN effectively
  • Taking lead responsibility for coordinating a school activity
  • Using specialist knowledge to support pupils
  • Coordinating relevant information for IEPs
  • Discussing your professional development needs as part of the school’s Performance Management programme
/ As for GTAs above /
  • As GTAs above PLUS
  • HLTA assessment programme
/
  • NVQ level 3 courses for Teaching Assistants
  • Assessment for HLTA status (TTA) or
  • HLTA 50 day training programme
  • Foundation degrees and BA degrees aimed at Education professionals (e.g. Early Years, Early Childhood Studies, Pre 16 Learning or Education Studies)

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

TTA Professional Standards for HLTA

/ APL/APEL from NVQ or STAC towards HLTA units /
  • Contribute to planning, monitoring and assessment arrangements in partnership with the class teacher
  • Plan collaboratively with teachers
  • Understand assessment procedures and evaluate pupils’ progress in a range of assessment activities
  • Investigate routes for gaining QTS
  • Study for a Foundation Degree (part-time)
/
  • Supporting Senior Leadership Team in deployment of GTAs and ATAs
  • Making a significant contribution to Teaching and Learning in the classroom
  • Under the direction and supervision of a class teacher – taking whole classes
  • Using ICT effectively for own and pupils’ benefit
  • Planning own role in lessons
  • Promoting/supporting inclusion
  • Discussing your professional development needs as part of the school’s Performance Management programme
/
  • As for ATAs PLUS
  • Networking with other HLTA colleagues in local schools to support practice
  • Attending Teaching Assistant network meetings for Teaching Assistant Leaders
  • Linking with HE provider to pursue a relevant Foundation Degree or BA
/ Performance Management for Team Leaders of Teaching Assistants / Foundation degrees and BA degrees aimed at Education professionals (e.g. Early Years, Early Childhood Studies, Pre 16 Learning or Education Studies)
Working towards Qualified Teacher Status on either a PGCE programme or as a Graduate Registered Trainee

National Standards for QTS

/ APL from HLTA + Foundation Degree = 240 CAT PTS + 120 for HONS year = 360 /
  • Join a Professional Teaching Association
  • Create a Career Entry and Development Profile
/
  • As a PGCE student you would be placed in schools for school experience. You would be provided with a mentor for support and given opportunities to observe teachers in their classrooms
  • As a member of the graduate training programme you would be employed by a school as an unqualified teacher. You would be provided with a mentor for support and given opportunities to observe teachers in their classrooms
/
  • College based programme for PGCE students
  • Regional training events for GRTP trainees
  • Participation in whole school training for GRTP trainees
/ Many LEA schools are in partnership with HE institutions for ITT. Some schools accept GRTP trainees. These decisions are made individually by schools. /
  • PGCE ITT programmes
  • Graduate Teacher Programme