HLTA Case Study: Nicola Ballard

The introduction of HLTAs has raised the profile of LSAs thought the school and our pupils are benefiting from the extra support we offer. I have worked as a teaching assistant for seven years but since gaining HLTA status, I have been given a lot more responsibility. My school has welcomed the new support assistant roles and everyone has been given roles that they both wanted and were capable of. I now regularly teach whole classes and have found that the children's learning has been greatly enhanced by the additional support they are now being offered.

In addition, I am now line manager to ten other LSAs and am responsible for ensuring they have access to training, that their work is fairly timetabled and dealing with any problems which may arise. I am well supported and respected by the other staff and have a real sense of self-worth: the school's confidence in my abilities is reflected in my new responsibilities.

I love my job and think the HLTA role is great. I'm unsure whether I want to pursue a career in teaching as at present I feel I have the best of both worlds - I teach and have extra responsibility without a lot of the pressures teachers are under. I am really looking forward to progressing my line management role and hope I can make a difference for other TAs.

Nicola Ballard
Radleys Primary School, Walsall
Approx 230 pupils

HLTA Case Study: Carol Blount

Having worked at Plym View for nearly 20 years, I had been working for some time at a higher level, holding the title of Senior TA, leading meetings, representing other TAs and coordinating appraisals, but gaining HLTA status provided the opportunity to have this recognised. Although I enjoy my work and feel valued and supported by colleagues, I often felt frustrated that there was no reward, either in status or in salary for my qualifications, skills and experience. The head teacher was very supportive and eager that I should gain HLTA status. It wasn't difficult to gather evidence in order to meet the required standards.

My self-esteem has been boosted, I have gained recognition and respect from colleagues and the experience has encouraged me to try for further professional development. Having recently completed my Foundation degree, I am planning to continue by enrolling on a BA(Hons) course next year. The sky's the limit!

Carol Blount
Plym View Primary School, Plymouth
Approx 140 pupils