Teaching Assistant Learning Pathway (TALP)

National Programme for New Teaching Assistants

Target Audience:
This induction programme is designed for individuals newly appointed as Teaching Assistants who are developing their understanding of the role and responsibilities within the Welsh education system.

This is a national, distance-learning programme delivered via a digital platform, supported by interactive learning activities. The flexible format allows Teaching Assistants to complete the training at times that suit both them and their setting.

The programme aims to support new Teaching Assistants in gaining a deeper understanding of their professional role within the Welsh education context. Participants will build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in their setting and contribute effectively to learner development.
All activities will be available in Welsh, English, or bilingually.

A blend of self-directed study, online support, and live webinars will cover the following key areas:

• The Welsh Education Context – Understanding your role and responsibilities.

• Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching – Embedding professionalism in practice.

• The Curriculum for Wales and Supporting Frameworks – Aligning support with national priorities.

• Pedagogy – Developing effective strategies to support learner progress

Register here

https://forms.office.com/r/4Z7a3nNT6u

For further information contact:

Heulwen Lloyd   Project Lead - Teaching Assistant Professional Learning             

heulwen.lloyd@partneriaeth.cymru

National Programme for Practising Teaching Assistants

Target Audience:
Teaching Assistants who have been in post for two years or more.

Programme Overview:
This national programme is designed for experienced Teaching Assistants who would benefit from an update on the evolving context of their profession. Open to all schools and settings, the programme is delivered in Welsh, English, or bilingually.

Participants will engage in a blend of activities including independent study, professional support, reflective practice, and networking opportunities:

• To raise awareness of the Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching, current strategies that support effective practice, and a range of ideas to inspire professionalism in school settings.

• To encourage the development and strengthening of professional networks and collaboration among Teaching Assistants within and across schools.

Delivery Format:
This national programme is delivered regionally by Partneriaeth and can be completed over two days, either online or in person.

Programme Modules:

• • The Welsh Education Context – Understanding your responsibilities as a professional in Welsh education

  • Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching

  • The Curriculum for Wales and Supporting Frameworks

  • Pedagogy – Developing your craft to support learners

Registration Link to follow

For further Information please contact:

Heulwen Lloyd, Project Lead - Teaching Assistant Professional Learning      

heulwen.lloyd@partneriaeth.cymru 

Cylch 12 of the National Development Program for Aspiring Higher Level Teaching Assistants

Target Audience:
This programme is designed for the most experienced Teaching Assistants who are ready to take the next step in their career and explore their readiness for HLTA assessment.

Entry to the programme is through a national application process. Delivery is co-ordinated by Regional Consortia in collaboration with Local Authorities, using a range of delivery partners.

The development programme consists of four modules:

1. Professional Learning, National Context and Collaboration

2. Influencing Learning, Refining Teaching and Collaboration

3. Advancing Learning and Collaboration

4. Leadership, Innovation and Collaboration

Participants will complete short written tasks known as Professional Learning Reflections (PLRs) throughout the programme. These tasks provide a well-rounded picture of their practice and demonstrate alignment with the Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching. PLRs are submitted after the final session to support the HLTA assessment.

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate sustained, highly effective practice aligned with the Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching.

• Hold, or be willing to achieve, the required Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy. (Applicants without Level 2 qualifications may still apply but must attain them before assessment.)

• Have experience leading whole-class learning. (If this experience is limited, schools may arrange opportunities during the programme. Head teachers must confirm this support.)

• Have the full endorsement of their Head teacher, who will be required to support the application.

Programme Details

Duration: January 2026 – Autumn Term 2026

Format: A blend of independent study, online support, face to face and virtual facilitated sessions

Session Length: The programme includes full-day, face-to-face sessions, alongside virtual sessions lasting no more than two hours. All virtual sessions will take place during the school day. Schools are expected to release participants as needed, as they would for in-person training.

Register your interest here

https://forms.office.com/e/MUQpp9Pidm

For further information, please contact:
Heulwen Lloyd, Project Lead – Teaching Assistant Professional Learning

heulwen.lloyd@partneriaeth.cymru

National Programme to Train Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Assessors

Target Audience:
This programme is aimed at individuals with proven experience of working effectively with Teaching Assistants. This may include:

• Senior leaders or teachers

• Experienced Teaching Assistants who have achieved HLTA status

• Practitioners working within Regional Consortia

Skilled professionals are being invited to join the team delivering the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Assessment Programme on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Role of the HLTA Assessor

As an assessor, you will carry out assessments of candidates who have completed the Aspiring HLTA Programme and are progressing to formal assessment.

To be considered for the role, applicants must:

• Have a clear understanding of the HLTA role

• Be familiar with the Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching

and be one of the following:

• A senior leader or teacher with experience working with Teaching Assistants

• An experienced HLTA

• A practitioner working within a Regional Consortia

• Possess strong oral and written communication skills, including digital competence for completing assessments

• Have the endorsement of their Headteacher or Line Manager, and the Governing Body where applicable

• The ability to assess through the medium of Welsh is desirable, but not essential

To fulfil the role of HLTA Assessor, participants must commit to:

• National Training for new assessors (3 half-day online sessions)

• Regional Update Training (1 half-day online session)

• Conducting a minimum of two assessments

• Attending regional moderation (1 half-day session)

• Participating in the HLTA Assessment Programme during 2025–26 and 2026–27

For further Information please contact:

Heulwen Lloyd, Project Lead - Teaching Assistant Professional Learning            

heulwen.lloyd@partneriaeth.cymru