The report on the deployment and impact of HLTAs is the most comprehensive to date and involved a survey of more than 2,600 HLTAs and senior leaders in schools. The research was carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER).

Key findings from those who answered questions on the impact of HLTAs include:

• 91 per cent of senior leaders (including headteachers, deputy and assistant headteachers) and 80 per cent of HLTAs believe they have made a positive contribution to pupil performance
• 90 per cent of senior leaders and 80 per cent of HLTAs believe they have a positive effect within the school, and 
• 83 per cent of HLTAs believe they have a positive impact on the work of teachers.

The NFER report concluded: “It is clear that the HLTA role has the potential to change the way in which education is delivered and to make a positive difference to school life. It offers greater flexibility to school leaders as well as greater job satisfaction for staff.”

Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA, said:

“This is compelling evidence which shows that valuing and utilising HLTAs has a positive impact on pupil performance. The HLTA programme is helping headteachers achieve real gains for their school, their teachers and their pupils; and for support staff involved with teaching and learning, HLTA status is providing valuable development opportunities and recognition for the work they do.

“HLTA roles can differ considerably between primary and secondary schools. But getting the approach to HLTA deployment right is key to achieving the best results for all schools. That’s why the TDA’s role in supporting the development of the whole school workforce is so important. Part of this involves encouraging all schools to make the most of the unique mix of talents and skills their staff offer.”

HLTAs are deployed in a range of ways. Their work includes planning and preparing lessons, supporting pupils with special needs and working with pupils on a one-to-one basis, in small groups and with a whole class.

The research confirmed that HLTA status has been successful in providing opportunities for support staff to reinforce and improve their skills, has given them additional roles and responsibilities and is helping to reduce teachers’ workload.

The TDA also announced today it is delighted to begin sponsorship of the Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year (run by the Teaching Awards Trust), in recognition of the high impact and record number of support staff. The award reflects the growing awareness that well-trained and committed support staff are key to raising standards and giving children a better start in life.

To find out more about HLTA status, please visit: http://www.tda.gov.uk/hlta

Notes to editors

This news release applies to England only.

More than 18,500 support staff have achieved HLTA status so far. The TDA has invested more than £38 million on the HLTA programme since 2003 and will invest a further £20 million in 2007-8.

The NFER research data was gathered from 1,560 HLTAs in primary, secondary and special schools in England between November and December 2006. This represented approximately 14 per cent of the entire HLTA population. More than 1,100 senior leaders in maintained schools in England were also surveyed.

Statistics quoted in this news release relate only to those who responded to the questions posed.

The Teaching Assistant of the Year award is organised by the Teaching Awards Trust.  Further details can be found at  http://www.teachingawards.com

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) was established under the Education Act 2005. Its responsibilities relate to England only.
 
The TDA’s principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that raises educational standards, provides every child with the opportunity to develop their potential and thereby improve children’s life chances.

The TDA continues to develop innovative ways to bring fresh talent into schools, particularly to support teaching and learning in mathematics, science and modern languages.

Research report

Wilson, R., Sharp, C., Shuayb, M., Kendall, L., Wade, P and Easton, C. (2007). Research into the deployment and impact of support staff who have achieved HLTA status. Slough: NFER

Media enquiries

Emma Koubayssi, Geronimo Communications tel: 020 7299 8783
E-mail: emma.koubayssi@geronimocommunications.com  

Support staff enquiries

People interested in finding out more about the roles and further training for support staff should visit http://www.tda.gov.uk/support.aspx or contact the Support Staff Enquiry Line (0845 600 2944).

General TDA enquiries

Tel: 0870 4960 123