Education Personnel Services

School Remodelling

Higher Level Teaching Assistants

Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status shows that the member of support staff has the ability to undertake complex tasks and can work independently. Under the direction of a teacher the sorts of tasks they can be involved in are working with individual pupils and whole classes; planning and supporting learning activities; and guiding the work of other support staff. The exact nature of HLTA duties will depend on the needs of the school. Hampshire has two role profiles for HLTA which outline the kind of work that might be undertaken.

 Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status enables support staff to receive formal recognition for the skills, knowledge and experience they have gained. It provides assurance to Headteachers, teachers and parents that support staff can work to HLTA professional standards, which are the standards all teaching assistants working towards HLTA status must meet.

Teaching Assistants wishing to participate in the programme must have a level 2 qualification (O Level, CSE 1, GCSE at C or above or national tests at level 2) in Maths and English (Language or Literature) and be able to produce the original certificates. Teaching Assistants wishing to find out about obtaining replacement certificates, free training to enable them to gain level 2 qualifications or who have overseas qualifications should contact Sarah Quantick  - 01962 874810

Candidates wishing to undertake Preparation for HLTA Assessment will need to be able to write about work they have done in the last 12 months with an individual child, a small group and a whole class without the assigned teacher present. Candidates undergo preparation for assessment and assessment all of which is fully funded via the Local Authority by a grant from the TDA. There are a number of routes to HLTA status which vary in length and content.. The HLTA programme for Hampshire is published annually and sent to schools via the school communication system . For details of how to apply for funding to undertake the programme and current availability/deadlines please see the attached information/application pack or contact Patricia Langley - 01962 874828

School communication SC00262 - 1 June 2007 - explains the planned programme for HLTA for 2007 / 08.  It says:

HLTA Programme in Hampshire 2007 / 08

Teaching Assistants wishing to participate in the programme must have a level 2 qualification (A Level, O Level, CSE 1, GCSE at C or above or national tests at level 2) in Maths and English (Language or Literature) and be able to produce the original certificates.  Teaching Assistants wishing to find out about obtaining replacement certificates, free training to enable them to gain level 2 qualifications or who have overseas qualifications should contact Patricia Langley.

Candidates wishing to undertake Preparation for HLTA Assessment will need to be able to write about work they have done in the last 12 months with an individual child, a small group and a whole class without the assigned teacher present.

Further information about these requirements will be given at the briefings for school leaders and information days for potential candidates as below.

Changes to the financial arrangements including new money for bursaries to enable release and NVQ 3

Bursary for three day preparation for assessment  This year we are able to offer a bursary of £500 per candidate to schools to contribute to the cost of supporting a candidate through HLTA, payable when the candidate achieves HLTA status.  There are no restrictions on what this bursary can be used for but suggestions might include cover for the Teaching Assistant whilst on the three day preparation for assessment, cover for time to allow the TA to write their tasks, travel, childcare.  Use of this funding will be entirely at the discretion of the Headteacher.#

Bursary for NVQ The Local Authority has identified that there are a number of Teaching Assistants in the county who would like to consider HLTA status but have identified gaps in their underpinning knowledge as part of their performance management.  As part of the Training and Development Agency's strategy for the whole school workforce the Local Authority  is able to offer to fund a limited number of places within the HLTA programme for Teaching Assistants to undertake NVQ 3 at their local Further Education College.  Schools will be reimbursed for NVQ 3 Teaching Assistants course fees on receipt of a copy of the invoice from the FE College and subject to an HLTA application being submitted at the time of the application.  This will be on the understanding and agreement that individuals receiving  funding under the scheme will undertake Higher Level Teaching Assistant training/preparation within a year of the NVQ being completed.

The following courses are currently funded by the TDA grant for HLTA.  Cover and travel costs are not included.  We will advise schools if this situation changes.

Information Days for potential HLTA Candidates, Understanding Standards and Assessment Process for Teaching Assistants (Course code CL801)
(Priority for funding will be given to Teaching who have attended an information day)

Spring term:    23 January 2008 - Fareham

Book places for the course online via the Learning Zone or be telephone on 01962 844288

Deadline for funding applications
NVQ 3 financial support 5 October 2007
3-day route

Spring term:    15 February 2008

Dates for Preparation for Assessment for successful applicants

Spring term, 19 March, 26 March and 30 April in Winchester
Assessor's visit to school for this cohort (half day am or pm) within 12 weeks of 30 April

Links to Foundation Degrees at Portsmouth and Winchester Universities

Following a successful pilot we are able to offer students who are already studying on foundation degrees at Portsmouth and Winchester Universities an opportunity to undertake three day preparation for assessment as part of their degree course.  This Preparation and the cost of the assessment will be fully funded by the TDA grant.  In addition because of the close links of certain modules of the foundation degrees to the HLTA standards the Local Authority would be able to reimburse fees to a maximum of £1250 once HLTA status has been achieved.  This reimbursement would come via the relevant University to the party that paid the fees initially be it the Teaching assistant themselves or the school.  Priority for this funding will be given to TAs who have attended an information day.

At the time of writing (May 2007) the dates for these sessions have yet to be fixed and application packs prepared.  Once dates have been finalised, students will be advised by the Universities and the Local Authority will alert Heads to the opportunity via a school communication.

Plans for a 7 day training route

A Pilot of a 7-day training route is currently being undertaken, will be evaluated during the summer term and further news will be sent early autumn term.

Plans for HLTA Maths and Science specialism in Secondary

Funding has been made available for Teaching Assistants in secondary to undertake maths and science specialist HLTA.  At the time of writing discussions about delivery of this programme are currently taking place and secondary Heads will be advised of the arrangements as soon as they are finalised.

For further information or advice:

Contact name: Patricia Langley patricia.langley@hants.gov.uk  

Contact tel: 01962 874828 / 07983 987220