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Aiming high

Teaching assistants will take on more responsibility under a new programme to recognise their professional competence. Mary Evans reports More than 7,000 teaching assistants across England could be taking whole classes alone if, as expected, they sign up to a new initiative this year.

More than 7,000 teaching assistants across England could be taking whole classes alone if, as expected, they sign up to a new initiative this year.

The Teacher Training Agency will launch the Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) programme at the end of April, following the successful completion of pilot projects by around 300 candidates.

It is not a qualification but a recognition that an individual is working to a set of standards. People who successfully complete the HLTA assessment are sent a letter by the TTA, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, as proof of their status for employers.

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