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.
Leading up to and during their assessment, candidates need the continuing support of their school to ensure they have sufficient opportunities to meet the HLTA standards.
It is important that a candidate's line manager is aware of what the standards require, and the experience and opportunities candidates will need to have in order to provide evidence of meeting them. Crucially, this must include the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to take responsibility for whole classes without a teacher being present. As part of the assessment process, a candidate's school has to confirm that they have been able to do this.
To ensure candidates receive the right support and guidance leading up to their assessment, we recommend schools appoint a mentor for each of their HLTA status candidates. Ideally, a mentor should be someone who has a professional relationship with the candidate and is available to offer advice and support during the training and assessment process. A mentor should have knowledge of the standards and of the HLTA process.
Assessment for HLTA includes a half-day visit to the school during which the assessor will meet with the candidate, a teacher (in some cases, two teachers) and the headteacher (or delegated representative). Both the headteacher (or their representative) and teacher must be familiar with the HLTA standards and be able to answer questions relating to the breadth and depth of the candidate's knowledge, skills and experience.
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