The pilot courses aim to provide schools with higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) who have the subject knowledge and skills to support maths and science learning and provide extra help to pupils in class.

There are 400 places in total on courses starting from September 2005. Training takes place over three school terms and is tailored to the needs of individuals, including on-the-job learning as well as formal tuition.

Participants will be required to meet the professional standards for higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status – which include classroom management, teaching and learning, and assessment – as well as gaining the equivalent of A-level subject knowledge in either maths or science. Credits from the course may also be used towards gaining a foundation degree.

Richard Cole, head of training delivery for support staff, at the TDA said:

"Training for maths or science higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status is a great career opportunity for people interested in working in a support role in the classroom. Participants will develop their knowledge through the course so they can take on a range of tasks to assist pupils' learning - such as helping them understand maths concepts, observing and recording experiments or working with groups."

"Better skilled support staff working in the classroom will mean additional support for teachers as well as more individual help for pupils. Find out how you or your staff can begin training this autumn by visiting www.tda.gov.uk."

For more information on courses starting this autumn contact:

Raynor Sumner at APU (mPowerNet) on 01245 607565
Regions covered are: London, Essex, York & Humber, and Cumbria.

Karen Jameson at Edge Hill Consortium on 01695584138
Regions covered are: The North West, West Midlands, Lancashire, and parts of the East Midlands.

Gemma Seymour at Four S on 01372834444
Regions covered are: Surrey, Sutton, Richmond, Kingston, Croydon, Kent (with exception of Medway), West and East Sussex, Brighton, Hove, Berkshire, and North Hampshire.

Notes for editors

Case studies of people undertaking training are available for interview on request. People who have already signed up to begin training come from a range of backgrounds – including those with occupational maths and science backgrounds and those with previous classroom experience.

In Making Mathematics Count (DfES, 2004) and the Science and Innovation Investment Framework (HM Treasury, DTI and DfES 2004), the government pledged to recruit, train and support, through ongoing continuing professional development, a new cadre of mathematics and science specialist HLTAs to enable every secondary school in England to recruit at least one by 2007/8.

The number of support staff working in schools has almost doubled in the past eight years. In 1997 there were 136,500 full time equivalent (FTE) support staff working in schools in England (excluding catering and facilities staff). This figure has risen to 266,100 FTE support staff in 2005.

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) was established under the Education Act 2005. Its purpose is to raise children's standards of achievement and promote their well-being by improving the training and development of the whole school workforce.

Media enquiries

TDA media relations office
Tel: 020 7023 8080
Out of hours: 0777 1934629
E-mail: mediarelations@tda.gov.uk

Teaching enquiries

People interested in becoming a teacher should visit www.tda.gov.uk/recruit, or contact the Teaching Information Line:
Tel: 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers
Minicom: 01245 454343

General TDA enquiries

0870 4960 123