Would it be a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) that would be the most appropriate career choice in UK schools? The two positions play an important part in the development of school support staff, but they are taking different paths- HLTA is concerned with the advanced classroom support, and SENCO with SEN provision and strategy management.
What is the Higher Level Teaching Assistant Role in UK Schools
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) position in the UK schools is a superior supporting position that is far beyond just helping. Lessons are scheduled, small groups are led, and at times, HLTA covers classes when the teachers are absent. They collaborate well with the teachers to provide quality learning and, in most cases, assist children with special needs.
A large number of teachers transfer to this position as it provides the opportunity to be more responsible without having the complete Qualified Teacher Status. This step can be like a natural progression to you, especially when you are already a teaching assistant. To be well advised on progressing, read our article on how to become an HLTA.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator Responsibilities
The school has a SENCO who heads the school’s provision of support to children with special needs. They are meant to develop Individual Education Plans, liaise with parents and external agencies, and ensure that each child receives the appropriate assistance.
At primary school, they tend to be concerned with early intervention, and at secondary school, the emphasis is on gaining access to exams and transition planning. SENCO’s roles and responsibilities described also include personnel training and monitoring of the overall school progress. This is one of the highest leadership positions in the school leadership career progression ladder, as compared to most of the support posts.
HLTA and Teaching Assistant Roles Comparison in Education
A lot of individuals inquire what the difference between HLTA and a teaching assistant is. An ordinary teaching assistant assists in the day-to-day activities, such as resource preparation, and with individual students.
An HLTA, however, has more mature work, including leading lessons and evaluating progress. The jump is normally accompanied by additional training and experience. And, in case you are a teaching assistant, you should be aware of this gap as the first step towards the teaching assistant to leadership pathway.
Not quite sure of what route is right for you? Whether to choose HLTA, or SENCO is frequently whether you desire to be in the classroom, or you wish to be the one making the whole school transformation. Either of these will support the education career ladder in UK schools and provide children with the support they need.
Teaching Assistant to Leadership Pathway
Being a teaching assistant and becoming a leader is not an overnight process, yet it can be achieved with the help of certain steps.
Being an effective Teaching Assistant
Gain strong experience and attain entry-level qualifications in this area of supporting teaching and learning.
HLTA Qualifications Requirements
The normal pathway is the Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant. It encompasses planning, evaluation, and child development. You will be able to study it in its entirety online, at your own pace.
Classroom Intervention Strategies
Get to know how to effectively work with SEN pupils by using specific group work and behaviour strategies.
Moving Towards SENCO or School Leadership
A few of the HLTAs subsequently become SENCOs or take up higher education positions. With every step, there are new skills and doors on the education career ladder in UK schools.
To have a closer look at the HLTA standards and the reasons why they are important, refer to our guide What Are HLTA Standards and Why Are They Important?.
SEN Support Classroom Intervention Strategies in the UK
Both HLTA and SENCO roles entail high SEN support in the primary and secondary schools. HLTAs provide classroom intervention plans in the UK, including one-to-one reading or behaviour plans, daily. SENCOs align these activities throughout the school and make sure that it complies with legal requirements.
The major distinction lies in scope: HLTAs will be involved in working with pupils, whereas SENCOs will influence the entire school strategy.
HLTA Salary and Future in the UK
The average salary of an HLTA in the UK schools is around £23000 to £30000 annually, again, it depends on the location and experience. This is quite considerable in comparison to an average teaching assistant salary and the additional burden.
In the long term, you can even further in a career in school leadership. Several HLTAs give their experience and proceed to SENCO posts or other leadership positions following obtaining the appropriate SENCO training course in the UK.In case you would like to learn the precise course that will aid you in achieving the HLTA status, go to our Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants.
