Preparation for HLTA Assessment: Courses
Course Providers: Yorkshire and North/North-East Lincolnshire
Course Providers: North West England and Staffordshire
Course Providers: North East England
Our role at HLTA North is to manage assessments on behalf of HNAP rather than offer Preparation for Assessment courses. These are offered and managed by a number of organisations or training providers, across our geographical area, (PoPs). As part of their course, they will advise candidate how their work can be assessed in order to gain the National Status through HLTA North on behalf of HNAP..
At HLTA North we work closely with all the PoPs in our region to maintain the integrity of the national status. All the courses listed on our site ensure candidates are fully prepared to be assessed for the award of HLTA Status, following the national guidance as outlined in the National Partnership’s Code of Practice.
Some PoPs offer online courses through a virtual classroom approach; others offer face-to-face sessions or a blended learning approach; they will take applications throughout the year. HLTA North are happy to advise support staff on what is expected in terms of a preparation course.
If you need help to find a course then please contact us.
Preparation for HLTA Assessment: basic course information
Preparation courses are designed for suitably experienced support staff who are already working, or are able to work, at a higher level in their educational setting and are looking to gain a professional status. HLTA status recognises their contribution to teaching and learning; their knowledge and understanding of learners; their use of legislation and frameworks in their everyday practice; and their professional attributes such as their communication skills. The preparation and assessment can normally be completed within two school terms; the tutor led element of a course is the equivalent of three full days and can be delivered through face to face or a series of online sessions. Please contact individual PoPs for information about how their course is organised and managed and the costs involved.
Further information about HLTA status can be found here
Longer Route training
Some training organisations offer additional days alongside the three day prep to help candidates develop and improve their practice. If you are interested in this option, contact the PoPs in your area to enquire about any additional training they provide.
An example of a longer route programme, is the one developed by Judith Robson, MBE, Senior Assessor at HLTA North. This programme offers:
an opportunity for teaching assistants to develop their knowledge and understanding and improve pedagogical skills- a sound platform for those wanting to progress onto a preparation route to achieve HLTA status
- flexibility in that it can be tailored to meet the needs of individual schools, TSAs or Academy Trusts.
Throughout the programme candidates are asked to keep a learning journal and are supported by an experienced trainer/ tutor. At the end of the programme candidates are given appropriate support and advice to progress onto the next step.
To discuss this option with Judith, please email her at: judith.robson@northumbria.ac.uk
