Category: Important

Non partnership ‘HLTA’ Distance Learning programmes advertised online

We are aware that there are increasing number of online adverts that offer ‘HLTA.’ It is our collective view that these distance learning HLTA programmes may be valid as a form of qualification, but some we have seen appear to misrepresent HLTA status, which is a school assessed recognition of an individual’s ability to demonstrate, through their practice, their ability to meet the 33 HLTA standards. There are many aspects that give rise to concern about the promotion of online HLTA courses that do not fully reflect the status, particularly the suggestion that it has no entry requirements, that an individual’s salary might rise to £25k+ and that candidates can do it without being employed in a school.

Any such suggestions are either inaccurate or incomplete and should be read with caution. We encourage individuals and schools to fully consider the benefits of gaining HLTA status with the HLTA national assessment partnership as the route that best ensures the rigour, consistency and credibility of HLTA status.

Strictly Education, HLTA North of England and the University of Northampton have been the HLTA assessment providers since 2004, initially as part of a national contract, but more recently within the HLTA National Assessment Partnership. The Partnership delivers HLTA assessment through a clear programme of application (supported by the school), a preparation course with follow up assignments that is informed by a Code of Practice, and finally a school based assessment visit where evidence is scrutinised and interviews take place with key members of staff.

Apprenticeship levy and HLTA status – what you need to know.

Preparation and assessment for HLTA status in association with the HLTA National Assessment Partnership (HNAP) is not eligible for funding using the apprentice levy scheme.

Department for Education (DfE) Apprenticeship funding: rules and guidance for employers (July 2018) states: the minimum duration of an apprenticeship is one year unless the framework or standard specification or assessment plan requires it to be longer. For apprenticeship standards, the end-point assessment can only be taken after the minimum duration has been met.
The minimum duration of each apprenticeship is based on the apprentice working 30 hours a week or more, including any off-the-job training they undertake. At least 20% of the apprentice’s paid hours, over the planned duration of the apprenticeship, must be spent on off-the-job training.
Gaining HLTA status with HNAP is a process of preparation for assessment, which includes a school-based assessment related to the skills and knowledge that teaching assistants and support staff working at a higher level are already demonstrating and, as such, does not provide a programme of development and training for the equivalent of a day a week for a year. For levy funding to be applicable for training and development the programme and end point assessment must have followed a ‘trailblazer’ pathway and have approval by the government.