Denbigh High School, Luton
HLTA

My path to HLTA
In September 2001 I enrolled at Putteridge College do to the City and Guilds Level 1 Teaching Assistant course, passed that and went on to do the Level 2 in September 2002.

By November 2003, I was beginning to feel that there was no way forward or any career prospects (unless I enrolled to do a degree) and so left Denbigh to work in a Pupil Referral Unit. Although I enjoyed helping to set up the unit, the work mainly involved sitting next to pupils and persuading them to finish their work. I found that I was bored. 

In June 2004, I returned to Denbigh and was enrolled on the HLTA programme. My primary reason for doing this was the improved pay and I also thought that it would enhance my CV.

My role as a HLTA

In June 2005, Denbigh advertised for a Lead Cover Supervisor. One of the teachers had been doing the job for the past five years but it had become one of the jobs that teachers could not do as it was admin based. I submitted the application form, had an interview and got the job. When I first started, the teachers found it hard to accept that I was no longer an ordinary teaching assistant. I had a lot of support from the senior management and now staff accept that I can carry out task effectively to ensure greater continuity for the pupils.

The role has grown and I also now get involved with exam invigilation, reception, exam timetabling, year 6 transition, pupil behaviour issues, support timetable cover as well as doing all the mainstream cover and going into classes. I undertake a duty once a week, doing girls’ swimming. My hours are 7.30am – 4.00pm and generally I find the job extremely satisfying.

What has HLTA status meant?
For me, doing the HLTA was one of the best things I ever did and I am now also an HLTA mentor.