The training needs analysis (TNA)

A training needs analysis encourages candidates to think about the HLTA standards in depth and relate them to the work they carry out in school. The TNA will indicate whether a candidate can go straight to preparation for assessment or whether they need some training and development.

It is up to local authorities and regional providers of assessment (RPAs) to make the TNA available and for the local authority to use it to inform the choice of group or individual training routes for candidates, in association with schools.

Training providers should also be familiar with a candidate’s TNA. Providers are advised to use needs analysis throughout the training process to evaluate progress towards meeting the HLTA standards.

When training or further development is necessary, it can be provided by a variety of training providers. These might include:

• schools or clusters of schools,
• local authorities or groups of local authorities,
• further or higher educational institutions,
• providers of preparation, and
• regional providers of assessment.

Preparation for assessment

During preparation candidates receive up to three days' briefing and guidance to ensure that they fully understand the HLTA professional standards and how to complete assessment tasks.

Preparation for assessment involves:

• making sure the candidate understands the professional standards and how they relate to work in school,
• preparing for the four assessment tasks (which are used to record  achievement against the standards),
• receiving formative feedback on the assessment tasks, and
• preparing for the visit to your school by an assessor.

Before preparation can begin the candidate must provide evidence of an appropriate level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy. Refer to the literacy and numeracy requirements section for further details.

More information on preparation for assessment can be found in the handbook for candidates. You may also like to download the assessment forms for candidates - F1-F9, which contains assessment response sheets and an assessment grid to help candidates structure responses and record progress.

By the end of the second day of the preparation course candidates must register for assessment. They do this by filling in an online registration for assessment form or by phoning 0845 880 0929.

Assessment

Preparation for assessment is governed by standards set by the TDA so that all candidates receive similar instruction. It can be delivered by a variety of providers of preparation, either as a separate programme or as an integral part of training and development programmes. Assessment can only be carried out by one of the regional providers of assessment (RPAs).

There is an RPA in each of the nine regions in England. Assessment and moderation is uniform in each region to ensure that the award of HLTA status means the same across the country. Which RPA is used depends on location of the school in which the candidate works. RPA details are from the 'LA and RPA contacts' link on this page.