Training for Teaching Assistants/HLTAs/LSAs

We are able to offer a continuum of training opportunities for Teaching Assistants/HLTAs and Learning Support Assistants that are appropriate for colleagues who are new to EAL/EMA issues as well as those who are more experienced.

BiNAC – Bilingual New Arrival Conferencing

A workshop type session focussing on support strategies for pupils who are new to English. This can either be arranged as a whole staff session or can be tailored particularly to TAs and LSAs who may be supporting pupils in a variety of ways. BiNAC training usually lasts an hour and can be arranged at a mutually convenient time at your school or at one of the Hampshire EMAS bases (Basingstoke / Havant). See our page on supporting New Arrivals training.

SEAL – Supporting English as an Additional Language

In the Summer of 2004, Hampshire EMAS, in partnership with Portsmouth EMAS and the University of Portsmouth, submitted a successful bid to deliver a national training pilot in EAL for Teaching Assistants. During this academic year various Teaching Assistants from Hampshire schools have been taking part in the course and will gain a specialist qualification in EAL in the Summer of 2009.

There are 6 units, which are accredited by the University of Portsmouth and can also be used as part of the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) award. They are, Working Together, ICT, Bilingualism, Assessment, The Assistant’s Role in Schools and Parental Involvement.

If you would like any further information about this course please contact Judith Howard or Lizzie Jenner.

EAL - Induction training for Teaching Assistants in primary and secondary schools

This module (produced by the DFES) provides a comprehensive introduction to supporting pupils who have English as an Additional Language. There are two units (Language acquisition, identity and inclusion, and Language and curriculum access) which are usually delivered as a morning session of training. The module is appropriate for colleagues at all phases.

EAL – Follow up training for Teaching Assistants in primary and secondary schools.

This module follows on from the induction training and focuses on assessing the language skills of pupils with EAL. It provides TAs with guidance for their own observations, introduces assessment tools such as ‘A Language in Common’ and identifies good practice in relation to assessing pupils with EAL.

Other training

We are also able to offer a range of training to meet your school’s specific needs, for example training for admin staff on ethnic minority requirements for PLASC data and the rationale behind this. We can also provide race equality training for different groups of staff and school governors.