Assessment for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status in Wales 2007 - 8

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status provides a new and very welcome opportunity to recognise the levels of knowledge, skills and understanding that many school support staff have and the valuable contribution that they make in schools. It gives a wide range of support staff – for example, librarians, technicians, nursery nurses and other teaching assistants(TAs) – a further career progression.

The Assessment Process

The Welsh Assembly Government will be awarding HLTA status via the assessment only route. The assessment programme will be carried out by the five consortiums on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

The South West and Mid Wales Consortium is carrying out the assessment process on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. Places are available to applicants from each of the Consortium authorities, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea.

How to apply

The application period for the current round is now closed, but you may use this information as reference.

There are two steps to getting on the assessment programme. First you need to ensure that you meet the essential criteria, you will need to do this with your headteacher. Second you will need to complete the application form and submit it to the consortium coordinator.

Step 1

To be considered you must be able to meet the essential criteria

1. You are able to meet and are in a position to provide evidence that you meet the WAG published standards for HLTA status. (WAG Circular No: 42/2004, December 2004)
2. You have achieved a qualification in Welsh or English/literacy and mathematics/numeracy at level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), equivalent to GCSE A - C, or above and you have proof and the details of the qualifications.
3. You have your headteachers endorsement and support as a candidate for HLTA status
4. You are available for 3 days of briefings and the half day assessment between January 2008 and June 2008

A further criteria that will contribute to the selection process is

1. A post as an HLTA has been identified in your school from September 2008.

Step 2

If you are satisfied that you meet the essential criteria you should log on to the consortium website and download an application pack.

If you require further information you can contact Pauline Lewis, Consortium Coordinator on 01267 676840 or the HLTA assessment programme leader in your authority:

Application Pack2007/2008

Application form

HLTA Standards

Literacy and Numeracy Requirements

Literacy and Numeracy Requirements - FAQ

School Briefing Note

Headteacher Post Visit Evaluation Form

Candidate Post Visit Evaluation Form