what to do next?

Hiya,
Please can anyone point me in the right direction? I don't know what to do next...

I've worked as a TA for 5 ½ years in ks2. I deliver literacy interventions and language support to children on the SEN register, mostly working 1:1 or in very small groups. I've had extensive phonics and SpLD training . My school has amalgamated and we are due to move into our newly built school in sept. In order for me to work in the new school I was asked to get the official TA qualification so I have just finished the level 3 diploma specialist teaching assistant course. The course has given me the necessary qualification but I would like to continue with studying and specialise more with special needs as the course wasn't specialised enough.

So, my tutor suggested level 4 or foundation degree but I don't want to be a hlta (no disrespect intended as I know I couldn't do it, as I find it hard to stand up in front of a whole class). And I'm not certain if a foundation degree is the right path :-\

I've been googling and haven't found anything that seems like a pathway to what I want to do without doing teacher training. Can anyone help with ideas for my next step?

Many thanks in advance
Lisa

Maybe a SpLD/dyslexia course ? then you are building on your exsisting knowledge and adding to your skills - more of a specialism .
I did hlta and FD and it was very `general` .
I have just finished an hons degree which consisted of 5 different modules which I had to choose from loads.
One of my modules was` The dyslexia Friendly Classroom` This was very good and has broadened my whole understanding in SpLD/Dyslexia, part of the assessment process was to run a training programme for Tas which i loved . I will have a look around to see if I can find anything else .What area do you live in ?

Now you have finished your level 3 are there any additional units that you would like to do as a specialism? You can just get unit accreditation. Not many colleges do this and you may have to pay per unit.

click here for details on tes  hope it helps

Thanks for your replies 

Wow mrsp, you're doing some serious studying. Hope its going well for you. The dyslexia friendly classroom sounds fab. I'd love to see that sort of information passed to all schools!

I've previously looked at the LEA list of courses but there isn't usually anything relevant to my role in my school. I go on any relevant training I can but its few and far between.

I'm just settling down with my lappy again to search for spld courses.

I think that may be more what I need rather than hlta or foundation degree as I can't study full time as I'm a single parent with 3 children (1 is epileptic with learning difficulties)  and need to work. 

Thanks for the link Cindy but its says only admins can see it.

I actually feel excited about about doing more studying!

Oo I think I might've found something.....

OCR Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties

I just need to find a local centre or a decent distance learning centre  Feel like I might be getting somewhere

Boo not sure why you can't???? Happy you have found something though.