Can teaching assistants cover PPA?

In many schools, PPA time is covered by an HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant), who is qualified to both cover lessons, and plan and teach their own lessons.

Who should plan for PPA cover?

There is no requirement for teachers to plan the lessons that will cover their PPA time. Where there are lots of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and specific individual needs, or where the pupils are in the middle of a project, it may be reasonable to ask class teachers to plan cover lessons.

Can teaching assistants cover lessons?

Can HLTAs teach whole classes? Yes, they can, but only on a short-term basis. Cover supervisors and high level teaching assistants are for short-term absences only ….. they should not be used as the remedy for the medium or long term absence of a qualified teacher.”

Can HLTAs cover PPA?

UNISON, the union that represents the majority of teaching assistants, has clear guidance around TAs, HLTAs and PPA. For HLTAs, they state: 'Where HLTAs are deployed during the PPA time of teachers they should be provided with sufficient time, within their contracted hours, in which to plan and prepare'.

Do teaching assistants do lesson plans?

Higher-level assistants have the same responsibilities as those at Level 2, but with more responsibility. For example, Level 3 assistants learn to teach classes on their own when teachers are off or sick and learn to plan their own lessons.

Teachers TV: A Day in the Life of a Cover Supervisor

What not to do as a teaching assistant?

Interrupting the teacher or questioning their work in front of the class is going to undermine their authority and be unhelpful to the class's learning. If you have an issue with the teacher it's best to talk it over outside of lessons so that you can resolve it without disrupting the class.

What are the rules of teaching assistant?

Teaching Assistants are also responsible for being timely and reliable and showing up to class at the correct time and without unexcused absences. Programs and even individual instructors usually have procedures for emergency absences, which Teaching Assistants should understand at the beginning of the semester.

Who can cover PPA in a reception class?

In main school, including reception, as I understand it PPA is planned cover and so must be done by a HLTA or someone qualified to that level. Other TAs can cover for unplanned absences in an emergency.

How much PPA should a 0.4 teacher get?

PPA time must be provided in units of not less than half an hour during the school's timetabled teaching week and must amount to not less than 10% of the teacher's timetabled teaching time. A teacher must not be required to carry out any other duties during the teacher's PPA time.

How much do PPA teachers get paid UK?

How much does a Ppa teacher make in United Kingdom? The average ppa teacher salary in the United Kingdom is £37,050 per year or £19 per hour. Entry level positions start at £32,500 per year while most experienced workers make up to £47,464 per year.

What can you bring as a teaching assistant?

What is the role of a TA in secondary school?

helping children who need extra support to complete tasks. helping teachers to plan learning activities and complete records. supporting teachers in managing class behaviour. supervising group activities.

Do Hltas get observed?

There are four main circumstances in which classroom-based support staff may find themselves being observed at work: working in support of the teacher (HLTA and TA/LSA) working with small groups or individual pupils (HLTA and TA/LSA) delivering lessons to whole classes and small groups (HLTA)

Should a teaching assistant be in charge of a class?

All other Teaching Assistants are employed to support the classroom function and help the Teacher where required. Should a Teacher be sick or unavailable, TAs can be called upon to supervise a class, though any extended period of absence should be covered by a Supply Teacher.

How many periods a week should a teacher teach?

Teachers shall have a maximum teaching load of 25 periods per week except where they are programmed for an average of 25 periods.

What is the role of a cover supervisor?

Sometimes there are occasions when a Teacher is unable to teach their regular classes and there is a need for another member of staff to take over. This is the job of the Cover Supervisor. They are there to support permanent teaching staff by using pre-prepared materials to cover classes in their absence.

How much PPA should a 3 day a week teacher get?

PPA time amounts to at least 10% of their timetabled teaching time (although many schools now offer staff more time than this) and teachers cannot be directed to do any particular tasks by management. Teachers may choose to plan, mark, prepare lessons or to catch-up on other tasks.

Can PPA be used for meetings?

PPA Time should NOT be for any directed activity : Remember that how you use your PPA time is at your discretion. You cannot be directed to use PPA time for any particular purpose. It should be used exclusively for the planning, preparation and assessment that you, as a professional, deem necessary for your work.

How many PPAS should an NQT have?

PPA time should be calculated as 10 per cent of your timetabled teaching time. For example, if you have 20 hours of classroom teaching, you should receive a guaranteed two hours of PPA time. This is really important as you need time to develop the best lessons you can for your pupils.

Can unqualified staff be counted in ratios?

The statutory framework for the EYFS has been updated

Applying from 4 January 2024: All newly appointed EYFS setting managers must hold a level 2 maths qualification (or achieve one within 2 years) All level 2 and 3 staff members must hold a valid paediatric first aid (PDA) certificate to be included in ratios.

What is the difference between a cover supervisor and a teaching assistant?

A cover supervisor oversees students as they complete pre-set tasks, while a teaching assistant assists the class teacher with preparing learning materials.

What is the minimum legal ratio of school staff to students UK?

The minimum ratio (one member of staff for every 13 children) must be maintained, but teachers are not necessarily required to be present during breaks and lunchtimes. Headteachers should exercise their professional judgement in determining what cover is required.

Can teaching assistants be friends with students?

Teaching Assistants are advised to consider carefully where they draw the boundaries of their professional relationships with students, and when in doubt to err on the side of purely professional relations.

Is being a TA a leadership position?

Yes of course! I have been a TA for different classes at different schools and each one of them has taught me a new thing about leadership, teamwork and group management in general.

Is a teaching assistant a professional?

By demonstrating values and behaviours consistent with their professional role, teaching assistants work with other education professionals within a common framework of expectations.