HLTA Book

I have found an HLTA book on Amazon you can see it here

Examples of HLTA assessor questions

There have been many posts on the forum about questions that the assessors might ask. Here are a few that I have picked out:

How do you feed back to the teacher and how do you assess whether children
have progressed in learning .
Give me an eg. of an actvitiy that you had planned ,that you had to change
when you carried out the actvity to meet the needs of the children . eg . of
spur of the moment thinking...
If a child said a racist comment what would you do ?
Talk me through the process of the schools SEN policy.
How do i progress learning . Give egs.
Give me an example of how i have dealt with bad behaviour . What methods
did I use?
Have you had the opportunity to observe others. What did you learn?
How has going on a particlular course improved your proffessional
development? How do you make sure you differentiate the work that you plan ?
My involvement in assessment and recording .
How and why I analysis the information
What is your overall contribution to the school? (Chlo)

How do you get on with other TAs - do they see you as a leader?
What would you do if a teacher had planned work which was inappropriate for
child you're working with?
What do you know about the SEN Code of Practice? (don't think "very little"
would be the right answer, but didn't expect quotes from documents or anything)
How do you manage behaviour in the classroom?
How often do you teach whole class alone?
How do you contribute to the ethos of the school?
How would you deal with a racist remark from a child?
Do you do your own planning or does teacher?
How are your ICT skills?
How do you contribute to record-keeping?
Do you have much contact with parents and what sort of relationships do you
have with them? Have you been involved in a risk assessment for a trip?
How confident are you about Child Protection issues?
How do the ethnic minority children know that you personally respect their
background? (Miranda)

Advice for newbies starting out on HLTA

What advice would our members give to people who are just starting out on the HLTA Process?

Listen to your HLTA provider and take it one step at a time (Jac)

Don't panic! (Miranda)

Don't feel you have to write all the tasks before day one. Your provider is there to guide you through this process (Debbie)

Keep notes in a little book, of lessons you have done (Blueliz)

Keep the lesson plans that you have been given (Jac)

Any evidence of learning outcomes, from children's work (Blueliz)

Take photographs of any displays you have done Take photocopies of any worksheets you have marked. Keep minutes to any meetings you attend Make a point of giving written feedback to teacher, eg have a little shared book which you can both use to jot things down (Debbie)

Photograph children's work in case you need it. My Yr 4's made chairs and I photographed each one. They can go in their Art books and I can use some if I decide to use their class for Task 3. (Squirrel)

Quote the relevant polices and acts to prove you know them and are following them, especially "Every Child Matters"

Keep all IEP's and your own planning (Jac)

F 9 Evidence grid for HLTA process

Whilst searching for an answer to a query on the forum I found my F9 grid so thought I would post it for anyone else who is a little concerned about how to fill it in. I have only posted the first page and taken out any identifying information

Do you work as an HLTA and if so how are you used?

This question was asked on the forum and these are the replies

I deliver intervention programmes with small groups in the mornings and PPA/management cover in the afternoons (Charlie)

I am used for intervention work, PPA cover and inclass support (Debbie)

I have been a hlta for three years, never been paid as one but was expected to cover classes. Would only do that with another ta in support.Why should a teacher paid 30,000 a year have a ta but hlta not even paid half of that cover on her own? All tas in my school take small groups and deliver intervetion programmes. (Tiggersmum)

I am employed as a HLTA - for this I have to plan and deliver for PPA cover every afternoon. This also includes marking, setting up equipment - I cover lots of Art/ D& T lessons, making displays - my school view the role of HLTA to be unqualified teacher. My other HLTA hours are for running and managing the schools website. I also plan and deliver booster classes for Year 6 and support an NVQ for Numeray and Literacy lessons but I am emplyed as a TA for that - Level 3. (Little miss sunshine)

In my last post I covered PPA time planning, delivering and observing for an afternoon the rest of the time I was an TA in a reception class. In my present post I now take the class for 2 days working with the class teacher on the medium term and short terms plans for the class along with setting targets/goals for each child. (Jac)

I teach whole classes for two days, paid as HLTA, rest paid as a TA supporting children on SA and SA+ out of classroom (Vee)

I get about 19 hours as a Ta and 7 as a HLTA but not at full HLTA pay about £2 an hour more than my TA wage. For this I am supposed to attend all staff meetings, and training days, and cover PPA for my CT. other TAs get cover supervisor pay for doing this. Rubbish really...(Suem)

I cover two PPA a week, and any other sickness/courses that come up which is quite frequently and when I do these I'm not usually supported by another TA - as has been said above, makes a mockery of it all really.(Smilingmoose)

I get paid as and when HLTA hours - it changes each week but I cover PPA, management time and courses so I usually do about 12-15 hours w week on HLTA pay and the rest is TA rate! (Nick)

Hi ,I am employed seventeen hours as a TA and twelve as a HLTA a week I cover PPA afternoons and the odd times for parents cofee mornings. Also odd cover for the coordinators to observe lessons. etc. I have to claim for overtime for the difference between TA and Hlta about 90p. We still employ supply teachers for absences etc.(Rosy Jan)

I think it is interesting thast nearly everyone is used as an HLTA for PPA/ Supply cover work with whole classes and paid as a TA for the rest of the time. My HLTA assessment also included working with groups and individuals; taking the whole class was only one of 30 odd standards. This does seem to me to be a form of exploitation and against the ideals set out by the WAMG.
Time, I feel, to remind folk of this: www.tda.gov.uk/upload/resources/pdf/w/wamg_effective_deployment_june06.pdf (Emma)

I am employed as and paid as an HLTA for 36.5 hours per week. I currently cover some PPA time (head discussed with me whether I wanted to do it or not!) but it was not part of my original job description. I do realise that I am the exception but let it give hope to some others - there are proper HLTA jobs out there - and properly paid too! (Miranda)

I work full time as a HLTA, have my own classroom, doing intervention (Literacy, numeracy, reading, science, art, etc) and SEAL work with pupils who are underachieving. Do my own planning assessments, marking, etc, etc. I still have my old contract and pay as before with no hope of it changing. Good job I enjoy what I do and get a lot of satisfaction from it. (Blueliz)


Because of my skills in art - I have two days teaching art during PPA. All planning and assesment is done by me for whole school art. No TA present during lessons. I take year six sessions of half a class all day monday. I also teach maths and literacy year six lower groups Wed morning. I only have Wed afternoons -during this I take individual children for Catch-up literacy programme and friday mornings I work in my year six class. Fri afternoon is my own preparation time. Oh forgot I'm also the school art co-ordinator and am expected to do all the public displays in the school. I'm also asked by other year teachers to help with any art work they might not be able to manage. Oh and I cover any teacher courses /time out etc. I do get paid across the board HLTA rate. As you can imagine - Am meeting the head after half term to tell her what I haven't got time to do anymore- like taking photo's . (Roshol)

I am currently working towards HLTA and have been doing PPA.I too do Art and D&T. KS2 this year and have done Literacy, Geography/History and RE for KS1 in the past.I agreed to doing it because I wanted to do my HLTA but my old HT wouldn't agree to it. It was a shame because I had a large file from STAC to transfer and a tutor who spoke up for me.I don't think he agreed with it at all. (Squirrel)

I am employed as and paid as an Hlta for 26 hours a week, my week consists of booster groups for the first part of the morning, two after break sessions I cover the class for smt/senco time, the other three after break sessions I am supporting the class teacher in the classroom. My afternoons are mainly covering ppa time, because I have done the P.E course also I tend to teach P.E during these session. Most of the time I am on my own in the class, unless there is a child with 1-2-1 support, But I do get a lot of support in other ways from the other T.A`s and Teachers. (Jingle)

hi there !! i have been an hlta since july 07 ,i am the only one in my school so you would think id be used alot WRONG!!! knowone even refers to me as an hlta !! i was given a VERY SMALL pay increase 25p per wk anyway then told i would be paid extra if did hlta duties THEN they realised that i was being piad less than a new part time ta so gave me another pay rise (25p) As for my work i teach the yr 2s in my class all the time (my teacher doesnt know what to do with them as she was used to yr 5s !!!!) i do a before school club ,do assesments mark work,take small S.E.N grps ,take swimming lessons run a computor lesson each week the list is endless much the same as most TAs but i still love the job (i must be mad !!) (mrsp)

I get paid HLTA rate for all my hours. My extra responsibility is to be line manager for the TAs and to cover PPA time for 4 classes.(xjdx)

Hi I am paid throughout the week HLTA rate. For this I teach art for all PPA classes, thats eight a week All day tues and Thurs. I do planning and assessing for this. I take half of both the year 6 classes for class activity while other half in ICT suite all day monday.Then literacy and numeracy large lower year 6 groups Wed mornings. Wed afternoon individuals from year 6. Friday morning I'm supposed to be in class but am very often asked to cover for teachers abscence. this also happens on a wednesday too. Also do all the public displays in school.My own PPA time goes out the window. Oh and I am also the art co-ordinator in the school. Got a meeting with the head next week, as you can imagine. just arn't enough hours in the day to cover all this and planning. Oh and I also work three days as an MDSA. think that's probably got to go as all the extra teaching messes up the mid day supervisor. (Roshol)

I get HLTA pay for all my hours. I cover a full day with a group of children plus 3 TAs at a local agricultural college, I cover for Annual Reviews two mornings a week, cover PPA for one morning and 3 afternoons a week (for which I do all the planning and preparation) and I have an afternoon for my own PPA. If teachers are away I occasionally lose my PPA but get it back another week planned in advance so they can get a supply teacher in to cover me!!!! Have always had all my hours paid at HLTA rate since getting the Status even before ll my hours were used as HLTA. The difference is a lot more than 90p an hour!!!!!!!!!! (Becks)

I am employed as an HLTA in a secondary school - all hours at full HLTA pay. I plan for, teach and assess bottom set year 9 and 10 in Maths, one lesson a week each. I could have TA support but chose not to as we are stretched enough as it is. I cover for absent teachers, but only ones who I would be supporting anyway so I know the students and the subject in detail. I am a full second in faculty to the SENCo - line management responsibility for other eight TAs, write reviews/IEPs etc, run review meetings where necessary and do all the other TA jobs I always used to, supporting, extracting for basic skills etc etc. When I was awarded the status, I asked the deputy head when she was going to amend my contract and pay me as an HLTA instead of a level 4. She had the foresight to see that by playing fair, the school would reap the rewards so she agreed. By doing this, other TAs were then able to be promoted where applicable. We now have a new level 4 TA, two new level 3s (one currently going for HLTA) and the rest are 2s. A really happy and willing team as we feel we are appreciated and have a well structured department and career structure. (Amy0611)

I'm employed full time as a HLTA at hlta rate. I cover all PPA / courses/sickness as well as deputy head time and NQT time. I follow the teachers plans but am expected to mark books and help with an assembly once a fortnight. (Abbeyoaks)

update- things have changed slightly since my last post, i am now a support staff champion and will be paid at HLTA rate for all `champ` meetings and visits AND after 1 yr i have actually been given the class to myself for the afternoon when i will get £9.70 perhr (thats compared to my usual TA rate of £7.20 per hr!) (MrsP)



Thank you to everyone who replied to the thread. It makes interesting reading especially for people thinking about going for HLTA assessment

If you want to add your story to this thread then post on the main forum in this link

HLTA New standards

Charlie very kindly had a go at matching up the old standards with the new standards and this is her interpretation. The standards in brackets are the old standards.

1. (1.1.1) have high expectations of children and young people with a commitment to helping them fulfil their potential
2. (1.2)establish fair, respectful, trusting, supportive and constructive relationships with children and young people
3. (1.3) demonstrate the positive values, attitudes and behaviour they expect from children and young people
4. (1.5 ) communicate effectively and sensitively with children, young people, colleagues, parents and carers
5. (1.5) recognise and respect the contribution that parents and carers can make to the development and well-being of children and young people
6. (1.4) demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and cooperative working with colleagues
7. (1.6) improve their own knowledge and practice including responding to advice and feedback Professional knowledge and understanding Those awarded HLTA status must demonstrate, through their practice, that they:
8. (2.5) understand the key factors that affect children and young people’s learning and progress 9. (3.1.3)know how to contribute to effective personalised provision by taking practical account of diversity
10. (2.1) have sufficient understanding of their area(s) of expertise to support the development, learning and progress of children and young people
11. (2.6)have achieved a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 or above in English/literacy and Mathematics/numeracy
12. (2.4) know how to use ICT to support their professional activities
13. (2.2)know how statutory and non-statutory frameworks for the school curriculum relate to the age and ability ranges of the learners they support
14. (2.3) understand the objectives, content and intended outcomes for the learning activities in which they are involved
15. (2.8 ) know how to support learners in accessing the curriculum in accordance with the special educational needs (SEN) code of practice and disabilities legislation
16. (2.7)know how other frameworks, that support the development and well-being of children and young people, impact upon their practice 3 Professional Skills Teaching and learning activities must take place under the direction of a teacher and in accordance with arrangements made by the headteacher of the school. Planning and expectations Those awarded HLTA status must demonstrate, through their practice, that they:
17. (3.1.1)use their area(s) of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities
18. (3.1.2)use their area(s) of expertise to plan their role in learning activities
19. (3.3.1)devise clearly structured activities that interest and motivate learners and advance their learning
20. (3.3.3) plan how they will support the inclusion of the children and young people in the learning activities
21. (3.1.3) contribute to the selection and preparation of resources suitable for children and young people’s interests and abilities Monitoring and assessment Those awarded HLTA status must demonstrate, through their practice, that they:
22. (3.2.2) monitor learners’ responses to activities and modify the approach accordingly
23. (3.2.3) monitor learners’ progress in order to provide focussed support and feedback
24. (3.2.1) support the evaluation of learners’ progress using a range of assessment techniques 25. (3.2.4) contribute to maintaining and analysing records of learners’ progress Teaching and learning activities Those awarded HLTA status must demonstrate, through their practice, that they:
26. (2.9 / 3.3.4)use effective strategies to promote positive behaviour
27. (3.3.7) recognise and respond appropriately to situations that challenge equality of opportunity
28. (2.4) use their ICT skills to advance learning
29. (3.3.5) advance learning when working with individuals
30. (3.3.5)advance learning when working with small groups
31. (3.3.5) advance learning when working with whole classes without the presence of the assigned teacher
32. (3.3.8 ) organise and manage learning activities in ways which keep learners safe
33. (3.3.6) direct the work, where relevant, of other adults in supporting learning

Thankyou Charlie!

Preparing for Assessment checklist

This post was started by Robby64 as a checklist for people who are preparing for their assessment day.

Before the date
Date checked on school calendar
Confirmed with provider
Head informed
Teacher informed
Study room for assessor
Make ‘Do not disturb’ sign
Arrange for table & chairs in room
Arrange refreshments
Ensure Reception/Office staff know assessor will be arriving

On the day
Check room is set up (table/chair/heating etc.)
Coffee/tea/biscuits/kettle if necessary
Teacher informed of interview time
Senior leader informed of interview time
Put up ‘do not disturb’ sign
Arrange refreshments
Show assessor where the toilets are
Inform assessor procedure for evaculation should fire alarm go off
Ask assessor if he/she would like a tour of the school

HLTA - Types of evidence to use

On the forum we compiled a list of evidence that WE had used in our assessment process. Here it is:

• Types of evidence include:
• Lesson plans
• IEP's
• Assessment records
• Memos
• Copies of emails
• Copies of annotated policies
• Thank you cards from parents
• Photographs copies of webpages
• Extracts from books
• Reading records
• Any letters sent to parents
• Accident book entries
• Certificates given to children
• Any old bits of notes from training courses you have been on.
• SATs results
• Resources you have made
• Photographs of resources you have made
• Photographs of displays
• Examples of differentiated work
• Photocopies of children's work, where you have marked and commented.
• Risk assessment,
• Minutes from a meeting,
• Copy of a SAT paper you scribed on,
• An ict resource that you made...ie huge thermometer,
• Signs and symbols on a certificate so all can read