Teaching and school support staff FAQs

How do I find out about the different routes into teaching?

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) has a comprehensive database of routes into teaching, which can be accessed on their website www.tda.gov.uk.

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How do I apply for teacher training?

Undergraduate teaching degree applications are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service. A search for "Teaching" will bring up every relevant course. Applications for Post Graduate Certificates in Education (PGCE) are made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry.

I am an Overseas Trained Teacher wanting to continue my career in the UK. How do I find a job?

An Overseas Trained Teacher can legally teach for up to 4 years without UK Qualified Teacher Status, but in that time must be awarded it. The award can be through an employment based programme or through University training, such as Flexible/Modular PGCE. For more information contact the Training Agency and Development Agency for Schools as above. Vacancies are advertised in the Times Educational Supplement (TES, in newsagents on Fridays) or on www.eteach.com. Teachers from the European Economic Area can register with the General Teaching Council of England for Qualified Teacher Status, then apply for jobs.

I am a Qualified teacher who has had time away from the profession and would like to return. What advice can you give me?

The TDA funds Returners' courses, based at Universities and Colleges that are Initial Teacher Training providers. Courses are designed to be flexible to fit in with interested people's lifestyles, and childcare assistance is available. For a list of providers, or for courses that are coming up, please contact the TDA's Keeping in Touch programme on 0845 6000 991 or on the www.tda.gov.uk.

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How do I become a teaching assistant?

Your first step should always be to contact the personnel department of your Local Authority. If you live and work in Newham the contact is 0207 430 2000 and ask for the TA personnel department. LAs insist upon basic qualifications in English and maths and some prefer that applicants have an additional vocational qualification. If you are successful in getting a TA job in Newham then the trainers at the Credon Centre provides you with full induction training to ensure that you are able to support your pupils, the curriculum, the teacher and the school in raising standards. Please note that TA training at the Credon Centre is only for those Newham TAs who are already in their post.

How do I become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant?

To become an HLTA find out all the details from the TDA website (by clicking on 'more details'). The process to gain the status includes training and preparation, presenting a portfolio of evidence and being assessed by an assessor from the regional body. Click on gaining HLTA Status to get step by step information.

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How does gaining HLTA status benefit teaching assistants?

HLTA Status makes the difference. By gaining HLTA status through HLTA Assessment and Training Programmes, teaching assistants will be able to offer proven skills to support teachers even more effectively in schools.