Yvonne Mills – Heathfield Community College, East Sussex
As a result of her involvement with the learning support staff, Yvonne has gained in confidence and feels that her status and profile within the school have risen.

Jan Allen – Whitchurch Primary, Tavistock
Having completed an Open University specialist TA certificate in 1996 Jan feels that the journey to becoming a fully qualified HLTA has been a challenging but satisfying one.

Judith Howes – Hardwick Primary, Stockton-on-Tees
Judith began working in schools as a ‘helping mum’, before becoming more involved in projects that supported educational initiatives. Becoming an HLTA was the logical next step.

Roger Crisp – Oulton Broad Primary, Lowestoft
Roger, one of the first teaching assistants to be awarded the new higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status, drew on his background as an industrial chemist to help achieve success in his role.

Marie Walker  – Bursley Primary School, Newcastle under Lyme
From being responsible for the school library on a part-time basis, Marie Walker decided to train as an HLTA. Becoming an HLTA gave Marie Walker the opportunity to develop herself professionally.

Peggy Phillips  – Marychurch Primary, Torquay
Peggy Phillips feels that reaching HLTA status has ensured that she has more recognition within Marychurch. And, after having completed the HLTA, Peggy has greater respect for the work that teachers do.

Deirde Stains  – Maple Tree Lower School, Sandy, Bedfordshire
Deidre had the chance to try the pilot HLTA scheme. With the ambition of becoming a teacher, the HLTA scheme was the perfect way of helping her to achieve her goal.

Barbara Ainsworth  – Brookfield School, Poulton, Lancashire
Barbara was already doing much of the work an HLTA should be doing and so achieving HLTA status seemed a natural progression for her.

Joanne Henderson  – Blakeston Community School, Stockton on Tees
Joanne was very enthusiastic when she was given the chance to acquire HLTA status. She felt it was important to further develop her career, and now feels that she can really make a difference to the kids she teaches.

Maggie Brown  – Wetherby High School, Shrewsbury
Maggie Brown, aged 45, was one of the first teaching assistants in the country to be awarded the new HLTA status, after successfully completing the four-month pilot assessment programme.

Patricia Sankey  – Ludlow Church of England School, Shrewsbury
Her experiences of working with children who have emotional and behavioural difficulties are what encouraged Patricia Sankey into training as an HLTA.