Target audience: This Aspiring HLTA Programme is to support the most experienced Teaching Assistants who wish to further develop their skills and identify their readiness for HLTA Assessment. 

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

This development programme will consist of 4 modules:

• Module 1   Professional Learning, National Context and Collaboration  

• Module 2   Influencing Learning, Refining Teaching and Collaboration 

• Module 3   Advancing Learning and Collaboration 

• Module 4   Leadership, Innovation and Collaboration 

Candidates will be asked to complete short written tasks, providing a rounded illustration of their work as they demonstrate elements of the Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching. 

These tasks called Professional Learning Reflections (PLRs) are recorded throughout the programme and are submitted after the final session to support the HLTA assessment.  

In order to be eligible for the Aspiring HLTA programme applicants must:

• Have sufficient experience and specialised skills to evidence sustained highly effective practice against the Professional Standards for Assisting Teaching.  

• Have or be willing to attain required level 2 qualifications*. (Applicants without Level 2 qualifications can apply for this programme but must attain Level 2 prior to assessment). 

• Have some experience of leading the learning for whole classes. Teaching Assistants who have limited experience of this may find that sufficient opportunities to teach classes can be arranged within the timescale of the programme. Headteachers will be asked to confirm that candidates have been or will be given these opportunities. 

• Have the full support of their Headteacher who will be required to endorse the application.  

Event details:

The programme will run from January 2024 to the autumn term 2024, with specific dates to be confirmed.  Delivery of the programme will be a combination of self-directed study, online support, and virtual facilitated sessions. These sessions are designed to address core aspects of the programme and to deal with questions. Each session will last no longer than two hours and will take place during the school day. If necessary, schools will need to release candidates from their responsibilities for these times, just as they would if a candidate were attending a face-to-face course.

Register here

Heulwen Lloyd   Project Lead - Teaching Assistant Professional Learning    heulwen.lloyd@partneriaeth.cymru