HLTA is not a qualification it is a status introduced for support staff working at a high level to support teaching and learning. The status is recognition of a person's ability to achieve the pre-requisite standards required by the TTA and it will enable the role of the Teaching Assistant to be enhanced.
Funding for progression towards HLTA is available via the Local Authority. The LA has a set of criteria which TAs must fulfil to access funding.
There are two routes to HLTA:
- The preparation only route for those who feel they can already meet all of the standards.
- The Training and Development route for those who feel they need training and development in some areas of the standards before they are assessed. A range of training options are available depending on your needs.
Stockton provides a Skills Needs Analysis tool for TAs to complete before application to help them decide the route that would be best for them. Jane Reynolds, HLTA Co-ordinator, can advise you with this.
Candidates for HLTA must have Literacy and Numeracy GCSE grade A-C or its equivalent.
Jane Reynolds
HLTA Co-ordinator
The Education Centre
Junction Road
Norton
Stockton-on-Tees
TS20 1PR
Tel. 527157
jane.reynolds@stockton.gov.uk
How to Apply?
Look at the standards (downloadable from HLTA website: http://www.tda.gov.uk/support/hlta ) and the Stockton criteria
If you feel you may be able to meet the standards agree with your head teacher that he/ she will support your application.
Attend a LA briefing session and/ or talk to Jane Reynolds
Download the LA application form, skills needs analysis and Stockton Guidance
Fill in the Skills needs analysis and discuss it with your head teacher/ mentor in school to decide on your route - speak to Jane Reynolds if necessary.
Fill in the application
Level 2 Qualifications
If you do not have Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy it is possible to gain these locally.
You can access a practice test on www.move-on.org.uk
If after doing this you feel you are ready to take the test you can contact: Learning Links Tel 353449 in Stockton and do the test on line. OR
Particularly if you feel you would like more support Stockton Adult Education Service offer individual assessment and support to enable candidates to achieve the qualification in as short a time as possible.
Contact: Angela Featherstone tel 01642 528818 or e.mail Angela.Featherstone@stockton.gov.uk
REMEMBER BOTH ROUTES ARE FREE
