Higher level teaching assistant programme
Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status was introduced in 2003, following workforce reform to raise standards and tackle workload in the classroom.
HLTA status is awarded to support staff who meet the national
HLTA standards.
HLTAs work closely with teachers, complementing their role and freeing them up to have more time to develop each pupil to his or her potential.
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What is an HLTA?
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Higher level teaching assistants work closely with the teacher, complementing their role and freeing them up to have more time to develop each child to his or her potential. Find out more about HLTA status and read case studies of HLTAs.
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Becoming an HLTA
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To achieve HLTA status you will need the support of your school and headteacher, be able to get funding, and have to pass the assessment for fulfilling the HLTA standards. Find out all you need to know about the process and any additional training needs.
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Maths and science HLTAs
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The TDA has built capacity to enable every secondary school to recruit an HLTA specialising in mathematics or science.
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Food technology HLTAs
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Food technology becomes a compulsory subject at key stage 3 from September 2011. You can now attain HLTA status whilst specialising in this area. If you already have HLTA status you can acquire additional food technology subject knowledge.
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School support for those pursuing HLTA status
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Local authorities (LAs) will usually require evidence – eg, a signed application form – that a candidate's headteacher supports their pursuit of HLTA status. As a first step, candidates should either approach their headteacher directly, or ask their line manager to do so or their behalf.
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Identifying training needs to meet the HLTA standards
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During the assessment process, you need to provide evidence that you meet each of the standards for higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status. In order to establish whether you need to extend your skills or experience to meet the HLTA standards, you will need to complete a training needs analysis.
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The HLTA assessment process and next steps
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Assessment involves a half-day visit to your school by an assessor approved by your regional provider of assessment (RPA).
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Preparing for HLTA assessment
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Before undergoing assessment you must complete the process of 'preparation for assessment'. If you're at this stage or want to register for your assessment, find out what you need to do.
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Receiving the outcome of HLTA assessment and next steps
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Your regional provider of assessment must carry out quality assurance procedures before issuing the final outcome as to whether or not you have achieved HLTA status. Whether you achieve HLTA status or not, you will want to consider your next steps with your school.
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Professional standards for HLTA status
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The professional standards for higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) set out exactly what is expected of teaching assistants who are working towards HLTA status.
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LA and RPA contacts
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Local authorities (LAs) can provide information on the higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) programme, for those working in state-maintained schools.
Candidates that are not funded by an LA should contact their regional provider of assessment (RPA) directly for information.