How to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant

How important are Higher Level Teaching Assistants?

The role of support staff has dramatically changed over the last few years, with Teachers becoming more dependent on teaching assistants to ensure that quality learning and teaching is delivered to all students.

In 2003, the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role was introduced. This was following workforce reforms to help tackle workload in the classroom and raise standards.  In order to receive HLTA status, you should meet the national HLTA standards.

Unfortunately, the Government has now axed all funding for support staff training and schools that wish to continue training will have to provide funding themselves.

The role of a HLTA

As an HLTA, you will carry out all the roles of a teaching assistant but the main difference is the increased level of responsibility, such as teaching a class on your own, covering absences and allowing teachers more time to plan and mark.

How to become an HLTA

In order to become an HLTA, it is essential that you have the following in place:

·      You should currently be in a teaching assistant role

·      Have the support of your school and head teacher

·      Funding should be available

·  You should have received the necessary training including Level 2 in literacy and numeracy

At Learn Now, we also have a passion for learning, so much so, we are willing to contribute funding towards the training of HLTAs to ensure that all support staff have the opportunity to meet the professional standards required for HLTA status.

For each member of staff enrolled on the Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 4 course, Learn Now will contribute £20 towards their studies. (Please note, this is only available if course is booked by employer).

We will also provide staff members with discounts on other selected courses, such as SEN Teaching Assistant, Maths/English Level 2 and e-learning courses.

In the first instance, you should speak to your school and enquire about what support they are able to offer to help you fulfil this role.

If they are happy to contribute towards your Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 4 course, they should contact the enrolments department in order to complete the necessary paper work and start the enrolment process.

For more information about the HLTA Level 4 course or other courses we provide, please click here.

As part of a Teaching Assistant's continued professional development, we are also able to provide Functional Skills English and Maths or GCSE. For more information, click on the link below:

IGCSE Online