Yorkshire and North/North-East Lincolnshire

North West England and Staffordshire

North East England

Providers of Preparation (PoPs)

Preparation courses for the award of HLTA status are run and managed by a number of organisations, known (PoPs), across our geographical area. Click on the links above for more details.

As part of HNAP, (HLTA National Assessment Partnership), we at HLTA North work closely with all the PoPs in our region to maintain the national integrity and consistency of the status. All the courses listed on our site ensure candidates are fully prepared to be assessed for the award of HLTA Status, following the national guidance as outlined in HNAP’s Code of Practice. Many of the organisations we work with offer online preparation courses via virtual classrooms; some offer a mixture of online and face to face sessions; and a few offer face to face preparation for all sessions.

Our role at HLTA North  is to manage assessments rather than offer preparation courses and as part of the preparation each Provider is required to register candidates with us for assessment. However, two of our HLTA North partners, Northumbria University and Leeds Trinity University  have been involved with HLTA preparation since 2003/4 and do offer courses on a regular basis.

If you need help to find a course then please contact us.

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Preparation for HLTA Assessment: basic course information

Preparation courses are designed  for suitably experienced support staff who are already working, or are able to work, at a higher level in their educational setting and are looking to gain a professional status. HLTA status recognises their contribution to teaching and learning; their knowledge and understanding of learners; their use of legislation and frameworks in their everyday practice; and their professional attributes such as their communication skills.  The preparation plus assessment can normally be completed within two or two and half school terms; the tutor led element of a course is the equivalent of three full days,  online, face to face or through a blended learning option. There is also the expectation that candidates will work independently with guided support from a tutor. Each PoP will advice how their course is organised and managed.

Further information about HLTA status and what a course involves can be found here

Longer Route training

Some Training organisations offer additional days alongside the three day prep to help candidates develop and improve their practice. If you are interested in this option, contact the PoPs in your area to enquire about any additional training they provide.

An example of a longer route programme, is the one developed by Judith Robson, MBE, Senior Assessor at HLTA North, and one of the country’s first HLTAs.  The programme runs over two school terms (six half day sessions) and offers:

• an opportunity for teaching assistants to develop their knowledge and understanding and improve pedagogical skills
• a sound platform for those wanting to progress onto a preparation route to achieve HLTA status
• flexibility in that it can be tailored to meet the needs of a school, TSA or Academy Trust

Throughout the programme candidates are asked to keep a learning journal and are supported by an experienced trainer/ tutor. At the end of the programme candidates are given the appropriate support and advice to progress onto a 3-day route.

To discuss this option with Judith,  please email her at: judith.robson@northumbria.ac.uk