The county now has 738 teaching assistants who have gained the Higher Level Teaching Assistant status (HLTA)

MORE than 80 staff from schools across Devon have been honoured for gaining additional qualifications to boost their teaching.

The county now has 738 teaching assistants who have gained the Higher Level Teaching Assistant status (HLTA), writes Claudia Hall.

Staff were presented with certificates by education authority Devon County Council’s (DCC) cabinet member for schools and learning, Christine Channon and Geoff Tew, workforce training and development lead at Devon learning and development partnership.

Mr Tew said, “Support staff played a crucial role in responding to changes and taking on new roles and responsibilities.”

Mrs Channon added: “These well-qualified staff can help teachers in ensuring our children make the most of their one chance at education.”