Presentation Recognises Support Skills

Teaching Assistants from schools across Derbyshire have completed their Level 4 Award as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.

They studied from November 2018 to June 2019 at the Derby College Group (DCG) in the Academy of Professional Education, Training and Development. In September their achievement was recognised at an awards ceremony at the Roundhouse.

The group were the third cohort to complete the HLTA qualification with DCG’s Teacher Training Academy to support their career plans at primary, secondary, SEND settings and colleges in the city and county. A class of 20 students, all qualified at Level 4 and many have been appointed into an HLTA role post-qualification.

DCG’s Director of Teaching, Learning and Academic Research, Melanie Lanser, presented the group with their certificates, with their Teacher Liz Gibson making the opening speech.

Melanie said: “Teaching Assistants have a vital role in the classroom and this HLTA certificate recognises this specific skill set and paves the way for future career progression. The study programme is unique in the county and effectively provides these professionals with the qualifications to match their experience.”

Mike Thompson, Team Manager of the Academy of Professional Education, Training and Development was also invited as a Guest Speaker.

He closed the evening with a short speech of congratulations and reminded the students of the further progression they could access in the Academy including pathways to Foundation Degrees and Teaching.