Union hits out as teaching assistant training fund is scrapped

Released 05/07/2010

HLTA training budget to be cancelled for school year

UNISON has spoken out against a recent letter from the Training Development Agency for schools (TDA) revealing the budget for training higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) has been cancelled for the 2010/11 school year.

The public sector trade union accused the government of "breathtaking short-term thinking that could damage children's education", after learning the teaching assistants' training fund has been scrapped.

Earlier this month, a UNISON survey showed that, following new guidance on class cover, teaching assistants are increasingly being asked to step in and cover for absent teachers, without being given enough training or support.

The union is calling on schools to plan properly for absences, or risk damaging children's education. They say a vital part of proper planning is having enough teaching assistants trained to HLTA status, who have the right skills to cover classes for short periods, when teachers are not available.

Christina McAnea, UNISON head of education, said: "The government is playing fast and loose with children's educational needs. What schools desperately need are more teaching assistants trained to HLTA level. Now they are being told there is no money available.

"There is a clear need for more teaching assistants to be trained to a higher level. Earlier this month, a UNISON survey revealed that all too often teaching assistants are being called on to cover for absent teachers without enough training. It is simply not fair on the staff or the children that only 27% had the HLTA training they need to cover for teachers on a short-term basis.

"By cutting 100% of the funds available for training teaching assistants the government will only make matters worse."

A spokesperson for the TDA commented: "People will still be able to gain HLTA status but the funding for training and preparation will need to be provided by the LA from other sources. Alternatively, schools or individuals can continue to fund the training and preparation themselves.

"Where financially viable, we will continue to support funding for HLTA assessments for those candidates currently registered for assessment. We are in contact with local authorities and stakeholders about arrangements for other candidates that have started their training and preparation."

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