Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA): qualification requirements
Learn what qualification requirements you should use when hiring an HLTA, and how you can support a TA to step up.
Contents
What qualifications are needed?
No statutory criteria for HLTAs
The government no longer requires teaching assistants (TA) to take an external assessment to become higher level teaching assistants (HLTA). Instead, employers and schools can decide whether a candidate is competent and qualified enough to be an HLTA.
Their requirements may include:
- Level 2 and level 3 qualifications
- Externally assessed HLTA status
- That a candidate is judged to be meeting the HLTA professional standards
See more on these in the sections below.
EYFS
If the HLTA is to be the manager of the setting, they will require an approved level 3 qualification or above. This is in
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- Can unqualified teachers and support staff lead PE lessons?
- Employing unqualified teachers: requirements
- Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) delivering lessons
- Intimate care: responsibility of school staff
- Leading practitioner: responsibilities and pay