Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) delivering lessons

Last reviewed on 19 October 2021
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 3522

Understand the legal requirements for HLTAs delivering lessons and covering absence, and read advice on when and for how long your HLTAs should be used in this way.

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Contents

  1. HLTAs are legally allowed to deliver lessons
  2. Timetable teachers for every class
  3. Aim to only use HLTAs to cover absence on a short-term basis
  4. HLTAs can deliver lessons alone
  5. HLTAs can run specialist SEN provision

HLTAs are legally allowed to deliver lessons

However, the following conditions need to be met in maintained schools, according to the Education (Specified Work) (England) Regulations 2012 and the Education (Specified Work and Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010:

  • They are assisting or supporting the work of a qualified teacher in the school
  • They are receiving supervision from a qualified teacher in line with arrangements made by the headteacher
  • The headteacher is satisfied they have the skills, experience and expertise required

Academies are free to decide how they wish to deploy HLTAs.

TAs without HLTA status

Another article from The Key on the role of teaching assistants explains how these regulations apply to normal TAs.

Timetable teachers for every class

Make sure, if you’re using HLTAs

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