Higher Level Teaching Assistant Maths/Science Specialist Training

This is a reminder following my recent letter, to make you aware of a new initiative to support a new programme for training secondary support staff as HLTAs with a specialism in mathematics or science. The Local Authority would like to promote this new initiative and work closely with schools to develop a model to deliver this training. The programme follows a successful pilot building on the current HLTA training to explore the most effective ways of recruiting, training, employing and deploying specialist staff to support teachers in the classroom.

We have been given significant funding to develop a model to deliver this training locally and to tailor the training to support local needs. Having considered options and discussed various models with colleagues nationally, regionally and locally it was felt the best way forward would be to work very closely with schools on a training model that would be flexible enough to meet both individual and school needs.

At this stage I am looking for schools to volunteer to take part in a trial with priority places allocated to those schools with a mathematics, science or training specialism. All costs incurred will be fully funded including release time, supply costs, training costs, and mentor costs.

For additional information please click here.

This is an opportunity to take an active part in the development of a training programme that can be tailored to meet local needs, with the successful model of delivery being rolled out to all schools in Norfolk.

A meeting will be held to discuss full details of how the training should be rolled out, establish roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you might have. The date for this is Tuesday 16th October 2007, 4.30pm at UEA Sportspark, John Jarrold Room. The meeting is expected to last no longer than a couple of hours. If you are able to attend please email the names of those who will be attending to Sue Catchpole by Friday 5 October 2007.

I look forward to working with you on this exciting new opportunity to develop the school workforce and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me 01603 222743 or via email to Denise Beckett.