Higher Level Teaching Assistant Course

This Higher Level Teaching Assistant programme of study has been developed to assist those working, or applying for work, in the field of teaching assistance or child care to acquire and develop a level of understanding and appropriate skills that will help them to work effectively in the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA).

Higher level teaching assistants are employed in a variety of education settings, including:

schools
academies
early years child care centres
educational services

Higher Level Teaching Assistants undertake rewarding and varied work. An HTLA is expected to work closely alongside, and provide support for, fully qualified teachers. HLTAs can act in specialist roles for specific areas of the curriculum, develop support materials and lesson plans, or simply provide curriculum support across a range of subjects.

The Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma course study modules cover all 33 HLTA Standards for HLTA status. These standards set out for teachers, employers and parents the contribution to pupils’ learning that HLTAs will be required to make. Although this course does not provide you with HLTA status, the course is written alongside the HLTA Standards and will provide you with the underpinning knowledge to progress further in this field.

Communication and Positive Relationships

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Establish fair, respectful, trusting, supportive and constructive with children and young people.
Demonstrate the positive values, attitudes and behaviour they expect from children and young people.
Communicate effectively and sensitively with children, young, colleagues, parents and carers.

Maintaining Communication with Children, Young People and Adults

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and cooperative working with colleagues.
Directing the work, where relevant, of other adults in supporting learning

Curriculum, Planning and Assessment

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Know how statutory and non-statutory frameworks for the school curriculum relate to the age and ability ranges of the learners they support.
Understand the objectives, content and intended outcomes for the learning activities in which they are involved.
Know how to support learners in accessing the curriculum in accordance with the Special Educational Needs (SEN) code of practice and disabilities legislation.
Know how other frameworks that support the development and well-being of children and young people impact upon their practice.

Assessment, Monitoring, Feedback and Recording

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Use their area(s) of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities.
Use their area(s) of expertise to plan their role in learning activities.
Devise clearly structured activities that interest and motivate learners and advance their learning.
Plan how they will support the inclusion of the children and young people in the learning activities.
Contribute to the selection and preparation of resources suitable for children and young people’s interests and abilities.
Monitor learners’ responses to activities and modify the approach accordingly.
Monitor learners’ progress in order to provide focused support and feedback.
Support the evaluation of learners’ progress using a range of assessment techniques.
Contribute to maintaining and analysing records of learners’ progress
Use their ICT skills to advance learning.
Organise and manage learning activities in ways which keep learners safe

Child Development

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Recognise and respect the contribution that parents and carers can make to the development and well-being of children and young people.
Understand the key factors that affect children and young people’s learning and progress.
Have sufficient understanding of their area(s) of expertise to support the development, learning and progress of children and young people.

Motivating Children and Young People

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Advance learning when working with individuals
Advance learning when working with small groups
Advance learning when working with whole classes without the presence of the assigned teacher

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Have high expectations of children and young people with a commitment to helping them fulfil their potential
Demonstrate the positive values, attitudes and behaviour they expect from children and young people
Know how to contribute to effective personalized provision by taking practical account of diversity

Special Educational Needs

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Know how to support learners in accessing the curriculum in accordance with the special educational needs (SEN) code of practice and disabilities legislation
Plan how they will support the inclusion of the children and young people in the learning activities
Use effective strategies to promote positive behaviour
Recognise and respond appropriately to situations that challenge equality of opportunity

Personal Professional Development

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Evidence that you know how to use ICT to support professional activities
Identify that you hold the required professional qualifications

Developing Your Own Area of Expertise

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

Ensure that you are accessing and evaluating emerging theory and practice to develop professionally and update your knowledge and practice including responding to advice and feedback

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

What Could I Do After Taking This HLTA Course?
Become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. After successfully completing our HLTA course, you could apply for assessment to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, earning up to £34,000+*/year.