Are TAs really able to cover for teachers?
The Government believes that well-trained and experienced support staff can play a valuable role in undertaking cover for short-term teacher absence, for example when teachers are ill or undertaking professional development. However, we expect only well-trained support staff — normally having attained higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status will be leading classes, and then only under the direction and supervision of a teacher. Details of the new HLTA standards and training routes can be accessed at www.hlta.gov.uk. Heads will need to be satisfied that support staff undertaking cover duties are suitably trained. Guidance on cover supervision is now available.
