Discuss the training requirements for HLTA.

1. Discuss the training requirements for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA’s).

All Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA’s) must ensure they possess the appropriate knowledge, enabling them to adhere to a range of training requirements in order to perform their duties within their role in the learning environment. This knowledge should be gained through training and previous experience of working within the learning environment, with the children whom they are being assigned to work with.

The training requirements are varied, stating that all HLTA’s should meet with the HLTA standards and qualifications, a set of 33 professional standards which assert good practice for support staff. Other requirements include HLTA’s to possess numerical and literacy skills, achieved to an acceptable level 2 qualification, such as NVQ, GCSE or O Level pass in English and Maths. This will establish their ability in core curriculum subjects enabling them to perform varied tasks with a good knowledge and understanding.. HLTA’s must also possess a proficiency in learning strategies, whether they be collaborative learning in group work, independent learning, VAK learning, KAGAN learning or other learning styles. This proficiency should be gained through training, either in-house or externally and will enable lessons to be delivered in such a way, so as to support and benefit pupils to progress and develop within all aspects of the curriculum. Information on pupils’ levels within the developmental stages of FS, KS1 and KS2, through all subjects, must be known, in order for an HLTA to teach to the standards expected to assure progression, and a solid foundation of cross-curricular knowledge is essential for an HLTA to advance pupils’ development in all subjects.