Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Programme

Course level

Undergraduate

Modes of study

Part time

Location

Park Campus

Entry requirements

To achieve HLTA status, evidence of separately certified literacy and numeracy qualifications equivalent to level 2 is required.

The following tables contain a broad range of acceptable qualifications equivalent to level 2 is required.

The following tables contain a broad range of acceptable qualifications in line with the National Qualifications Framework.

Award	English/Literacy	Mathematics/Numeracy
GCSE	English A*- C English Literature A*- C	Mathematics A*- C
Basic Skills	Certificate in Adult Literacy - level 2	Certificate in Adult Numeracy - level 2
Key Skills	Communication - level 2	Application of number - level 2
CSE	English grade 1	Mathematics grade 1
GCE O Level	English Language pass or grade C if taken from 1975 English Literature pass or grade C if taken from 1975	Mathematics pass or grade C if taken from 1975

Evidence of qualifications at a higher level are also acceptable, level 3 qualifications include:

Award	English/Literacy	Mathematics/Numeracy
GCE A Level	English Language English Literature English Language and Literature	Mathematics Use of Mathematics Further Mathematics Statistics
GCE AS Level	English Language English Literature English Language and Literature	Use of Mathematics Further Mathematics Statistics Pure Mathematics Mechanics Applied Mathematics
Key Skills	Communication level 3	Application of Number - level 3

Applicants are required to already hold the appropriate original certificate(s) at the time of application, and copies of certificates should be submitted with the application form. Where a certificate is not available, a replacement copy should be obtained from the relevant examination board. Information about how to obtain replacement certificates can be found on the TDA website.  In addition, candidates will normally need agreement with their headteacher.

Length of study

The length of the course varies according to the HLTA route chosen.

School

School of Education

Attendance

Course content

The HLTA Professional Status can offer opportunities to work at a higher level within schools and educational settings. Working towards HLTA Professional Status can be regarded as a natural progression for experienced Teaching Assistants. Experienced teaching assistants who require no additional training to meet the HLTA professional standards attend the three day preparation route. The modular training route is designed for teaching assistants who require training and support to develop the HLTA professional standards or gain expertise in a specific area (see below). HLTA Status is suitable for a range of practitioners who support pupil learning. This includes science, art and ICT technicians, SEN specialists or staff working in a PRU.

The core preparation days support candidates in preparing for assessment: Completion of tasks; production of supporting evidence and the assessor visit to setting. The generic modular training route includes core and optional modules designed to address all the HLTA standards in relation to candidates. work in their own educational settings.

The modules provides campus-based training, schoolbased tasks and e-learning. Additional modules in secondary science, secondary mathematics, art and SEN are also available to supplement the 3 core days.

Special course features

• The University of Northampton is recognised as one of the leading national providers of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) programmes and is the lead partner in the East Midlands HLTA Consortium - the sole Regional Provider of Assessment of HLTA Candidates in the East Midlands region
• Two routes depending on candidates' prior experience
• Choice of optional modules within the training route (from one group only)
• Attendance and location is designed to meet the training needs of employed teaching assistants
• Successful candidates will achieve HLTA Professional Status

Typical modules

Generic modules include:

• Compulsory core modules
• Behaviour management
• Advancing learning with a whole class
• Effective contribution to planning and preparation
• Working with adults

Art modules include:

• Drawing /painting
• Using local/national galleries
• Sculpture/3D
• Printmaking
• Display

Secondary Maths modules include:

• Number/calculation/problem solving
• Geometric/algebraic reasoning
• Handling data/ratio and proportion
• Measures/construction/co-ordinates
Planning/assessment and inclusion

Secondary Science modules include:

• Processes and skills at KS3 and 4
• Assessment and progression
• Managing practical science safely
• Science specific knowledge according to candidates' needs

SEN modules include:

• Understanding SEN/effective teaching and learning
• Dyslexia/SEBD/autistic spectrum disorders/physical disability
• Responsibilities under the code of practice
• Effective classrooms
• Working in effective groups

There are a number of different routes to achieve Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. The routes offered by The University of Northampton are outlined below:

Three day Preparation for Assessment

This three day programme is designed for students that already meet the 33 standards for HLTA standards, and prepares students for assessment. 

General Modular Programme

This is a 12 day modular programme that includes the three day Preparation for Assessment. The additional training modules are designed to address all of the HLTA standards in relation to the candidates work in their own educational setting.

HLTA Art and Design

This is an 11 day modular programme that equips candidates with the skills and knowledge to achieve HLTA status and gain expertise in the area of art and design.

HLTA Secondary Mathematics

This is an 11 day modular programme that equips candidates with the skills and knowledge to achieve HLTA status and gain expertise in the area of secondary mathematics.

HLTA Secondary Science

This is an 11day modular programme that equips candidates with the skills and knowledge to achieve HLTA status and gain expertise in the area of secondary science.

HLTA Food Technology

This is an 11 day modular programme that equips candidates with the skills and knowledge to achieve HLTA status and gain expertise in the area of food technology. 

For further information see Routes to HLTA.

To find out more about previous Higher Level Teaching Assistants candidates see Case Studies and Films.

Assessment

There is a national assessment system required by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). This includes submission of work-related tasks and an assessment visit to the candidate's place of work.

Career opportunities

HLTA is equivalent to 40 CATS points as accreditation towards the Foundation Degree/BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching, which can be a natural progression for those wishing to become teachers via an employment based route or PGCE course.

Application notes

Training Needs Analysis

In order to prepare for the programme we suggest that you will find it useful to work through the Training Needs Analysis. This web-based tool will ask you questions relating to your practice and experience in relation to the 33 HLTA Standards. Based on your responses the tool will make suggestions for personal and professional development relating to any Standards identified as requiring additional support.

On the final page of the tool you will be given opportunity to print out your responses and any suggestions made in order that you can retain the results. This tool can be revisited as many times as necessary. The results are only available to you at the time of completion and will not be accessed by anyone else. 

Previous experience has shown that some candidates have found it useful to work through the Training Needs Analysis whilst sitting with their mentor and/or line manager or headteacher in order to enhance their understanding of both the Standards and their development needs. Some candidates also find it useful to revisit the tool whilst undertaking the programme in order to judge progress made or re-evaluate their needs.  

To be accepted onto the HLTA training you will need:

• to have the endorsement of your headteacher who knows that you must have opportunities to take whole classes and that they and a teacher in the school will be interviewed by an assessor about how you meet the HLTA standards in the normal course of your work.  
• to be able to prove that you have advanced the learning of pupils when working with whole classes without the presence of an assigned teacher.
  
• to be able to provide the original certificates to prove that you have achieved at least a level 2 in both Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Mathematics) (Standard 11).

If you are unsure if your qualifications meet the requirements for Standard 11 please refer to the Qualifications Guidance Notes from the TDA.  

Applying

Once you have completed the Training Needs Analysis and feel confident that you are meeting all 33 of the Standards, please download and complete the application form and self review and return to: HLTA, School of Education, The University of Northampton, Boughton Green Road,Northampton, NN2 7AL.

Applications will be reviewed by the HLTA Project Manager. We will then contact you with a view to you proceeding onto the programme. If successful you will be invited to the first available cohort. Please also enclose copies of your Level 2 Maths and English certificates with your application.  

Further information

For undergraduate application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students for the academic year 2010/2011. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Fee notes

The training cost is £315 for the 3 days of preparation training and the assessment fee is £687. Please be aware that payment of the above does not guarantee achievement of the HLTA status.

For further information please contact the School of Education on 01604 893420.