FAQ for Teaching Assistents

What qualifications do I need to be a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)?

To achieve HLTA status, a teaching assistant must hold a level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent) in Mathematics/Numeracy and English/Literacy. Evidence of this, in the form of the original certificate will be required during Day one of Preparation for Assessment and may be required at the point of application to the Local Authority for funding. Teaching assistants can confirm that their qualification is appropriate by checking on the http://www.tda.gov.uk/support/hlta website. Alternatively, those without qualifications in these subjects can achieve these through contacting http://www.learndirect.co.uk/ or http://www.move-on.co.uk/. In situations where the original certificate is lost, replacements can be obtained through http://www.openquals.org.uk/.

How much does the assessment cost?

The training and assessment for HLTA status is fully funded by the Local Authority who provide grant funding to enable teaching assistants to undertake training, preparation and assessment.

Who will assess me?

Four S employ fully trained and experienced assessors, who all have extensive experience in education and many have carried out assessments in other fields, including Advanced Skills Teachers and Newly Qualified Teachers. All our assessors follow a code of conduct regarding their work in schools. The process of assessment and assessor practice is quality assured to guarantee a fair and consistent process.

Where will I be assessed?

Teaching assistants receive guidance and support in completing their assessment tasks during preparation. Normally these are 3-day events and take place out of school working alongside other teaching assistants. The final written assessment tasks are written independently by the teaching assistant at home or in school, if they prefer. These are then sent to an assessor who begins the assessment prior to the school visit. Assessors visit the school where the teaching assistant is employed for either a morning or an afternoon.

How long will assessment take?

Following the submission of assessment tasks (normally 3-4 weeks after the final day of preparation) candidates must be visited by an assessor within 12 weeks, although this is more than likely to be within 6-8 weeks. This allows time for the assessor to scrutinize a candidate’s assessment tasks prior to the school visit. The length of time between the school visit and hearing the final outcomes would normally be within 6-8 weeks. This allows time for the assessment documents to be moderated which is an essential part of the process ensuring consistency. Outcomes for a particular cohort of candidates will only be released once moderation has taken place and all assessments are considered to be secure.

What happens if I my assessment is unsuccessful?

If the assessor cannot find sufficient evidence of a standard in an assessment task then further evidence will be sought during the assessment visit either by looking at the evidence file or through questioning the teaching assistant, teacher or headteacher. If, following the school visit, a teaching assistant has fully demonstrated all but a very small number of standards (normally up to 3) they may be suitable for a partial reassessment (PR). This provides an opportunity for the candidate to provide further evidence through resubmitting a task or engaging in a conversation with an assessor. This may be over the telephone. If more than three standards, following moderation, have insufficient evidence then the teaching assistant is informed. It may mean that the teaching assistant requires further experience and support in their role before undergoing assessment at a later date.

Where can I go for further information?

Initially, the decision to apply for funding for HLTA status should be made following a discussion with the Headteacher or line manager and whether both parties believe that this is a suitable path to take. This is important particularly with reference to the HLTA professional standards. It ensures that the teaching assistant is clear about whether they are ready for this and whether before assessment, they require training or just preparation. Needs Analysis tools are available to support a potential candidate in making this decision.

The Training and Development Agency (TDA) website http://www.tda.gov.uk/support/hlta contains extensive information on HLTA Status, training and preparation, including useful documents such as The Guidance to the Standards.

To obtain funding for training, preparation and assessment the Teaching assistant should contact their Local Authority.

Further information is available on the Four S Website: http://www.fours.co.uk/ or by telephoning the HLTA team on 0800 0734444 ext 835035.