Assessment for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status in Wales 2008 - 2009

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

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 revised HLTA standards published by 30th September 2008 from your role as a Teaching Assistant over the preceding two years.
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 and June 2009

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 2009.

You should download the revised HLTA standards 657kb and consider them with your headteacher in respect of your role as a teaching assistant.

Revised HLTA standards overview 88kb

Step 2

If you are satisfied that you meet the essential criteria you should download an application pack.

Application Pack 2008/2009

A1 Literacy and numeracy requirements faq

A2 Headteachers Brief

A5 HLTA Candidate Application Form 08-09

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