Training and Preparation
There are two different routes for candidates to choose in order for them to achieve HLTA Status. These routes are accessible by all Teaching Assistants and Support staff working in schools. Full details about eligibility criteria can be seen on the TDA web site at www.tda.gov.uk/support/hlta.aspx
The two routes are:
a) Preparation
b) Modular Training
EM Direct provides both training routes in the following East Midlands local authorities: Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, Leicestershire and Rutland.
a) Preparation
Is a 3 Day Preparation course for candidates who already feel that they are achieving all or most of the 33 HLTA Standards in the work they do in school. It involves candidates attending 3 days over a period of 3 months. At the end of the process candidates are assessed in their school.
The programme includes:
- Making sure that you understand the professional standards and how they relate to your work in school;
- Preparing you for the four assesment tasks which are used to record your achievement against the standards;
- Receiving formative feedabck in the assessment tasks; and
- Preparing you for the visit to your school by an assessor.
b) Modular training
Is for Teaching Assistants requiring further knowledge and training in order for them to meet the HLTA Standards. The Modular Training has been designed to cover the areas of Preparation in the 3 day programme, but also offers a number of different Modules to fill gaps in individuals’ knowledge and skills.
This involves candidates attending the 2 Intorductory Days and then choosing up to 3 different modules. The Modules cover:
INTRODUCTORY DAYS (2 days - compulsory): During the 2 days candidates are given an overview of the modular training programme. Mentors are invited to take part during the morning of the first day while individual tutorials are held with candidates during the afternoon of the 2nd day.
OPTION MODULE 1 (2 days): Classroom and Behaviour Management. This module has been designed to support Teaching Assistants in meeting the Standards appropriate to classroom and behaviour management.
OPTION MODULE 2 (3 days): Advancing Learning with Whole Classes, Working with Adults in a Classroom Setting. This module has been designed to support and give guidelines to Teaching Assistants with taking whole classes in their school context.
OPTION MODULE 3 (3 days): Effective Contribution to Planning, Assessment and Record Keeping. This module has been designed to enable the Teaching Assistant to work confidently on planning, assessment and record keeping.
An Individual Needs Assessment will be undertaken to ascertain which Option Modules are required by the Teaching Assistant.
The complete Programme of Modular training is 10 days undertaken over approx 14 weeks. In addition to the Centre Based Training, there will be School Based Tasks and some E-Learning Activities.
At the end of their Modular training candidates undertake a 3 day Preparation course before being assessed in their school.
