My HT is now offering to support the world and his wife with HLTA application. She definitely sees it as a feather in her cap to have as many TAs with the status as possible. BUT only one is paid HLTA and she is quite adamant there is only room for one.

I personally feel quite gutted because I regularly take whole classes, etc etc. The intention must be just to manufacture whole class evidence for these applicants as they are class based with their teacher all day, every day.

I would be interested to hear if this goes on elsewhere. I just feel it devalues all the genuine hard work I put into achieving the status. One TA is only just completing her second year in the post. Have you really gained enough experience by then to go for the status?

Sorry if this sounds like sour grapes, but I had a long wait before being considered for funding. Now it's being handed out like sweeties!

I might be a bit of a sour puss but could it be something to do with the £500 she will get per successful candidate?

Not surprised you are feeling this way I think I would be too.

wasnt there a criteria that you had to be in post as a TA for a certain amount of time before aplying for the status?

like you say i cant see the point if she isnt appointing HLTA also gives them a chance to move to other schools where they maybe arent qualified enough to be taking on the role

I think you have every right to feel the way you do. All she is achieving is having overqualified staff who will become unsatisfied and move on.

Lbee be proud of what you have achieved, in the knowledge that it was your own work and that you have the experience to go with the qualification.

Dot
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Caroline I had no idea there was money involved for the HT. That would explain a lot because I am the first TA to get HLTA since he has been in charge. Probably couldn't believe his luck!

Yes DQ minimum in post is 2 years. She will scrape in under this criteria come September.

And thanks Dot. Yes I am pleased I got there through people on this forum and my own determination. I get paid HLTA rate for the times I take whole classes. My union says that is wrong. They say if you are good enough to be HLTA for whole classes, PPA etc. then you don't stop working at that level when you are with small groups or one-to-one.