Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Level 4 Certificate (RQF)

About This Course

If you already work or volunteer as a teaching assistant and want to take on more responsibility, the TQUK Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants is a regulated qualification built for the next step.

Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) work closely with teachers: planning and delivering learning activities, supporting individuals and small groups, and leading whole classes under a teacher’s direction. This course develops the knowledge and practical skills that sit behind the role, from child development and special educational needs to curriculum planning and behaviour management.

You study the theory at home, at your own pace, and put it into practice in your school. Your practical skills are assessed where you work, through observation and witness testimony, so the qualification reflects what you can actually do in the classroom.

Please note: you must be working or volunteering in a school to take this course. It includes at least 50 hours in a teaching assistant role, and three units are assessed through observation in your school.

Course Benefits

• Gain a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated Level 4 qualification worth 36 credits.
• Build the knowledge behind the HLTA role: planning and delivering learning, supporting individuals and groups, and working with pupils with special educational needs.
• Have your classroom practice recognised through observation in your own school.
• Study the theory from home, fitting it around your job.
• Prepare for applying for HLTA status and for Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles.

Course Units

Qualification Number: 603/1432/1

Unit 1 (M/615/7083): Understand the Higher Level Teaching Assistant role

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 12 hours; Credits: 4)

• The function, roles and responsibilities of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• Why continuing professional development matters, and how to act on feedback
• Working as a team and sharing effective practice with colleagues

Unit 2 (T/615/7084): Child development and welfare

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 12 hours; Credits: 4)

• The physical, social and intellectual development of children aged 5 to 16
• External and personal factors that affect development, and the theories and frameworks that support it
• The impact parents and carers have on a child’s development and welfare
• How support frameworks influence the development and welfare of children and young people

Unit 3 (A/615/7085): Awareness of special educational needs

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 13 hours; Credits: 4)

• The SEND code of practice (0 to 25 years), disability legislation and the role of the SENCo
• Equality, diversity and inclusion legislation, and the impact of prejudice and discrimination
• Common special educational needs and the support available
• Supporting learners with sensory or physical impairments, including specialist equipment
• Supporting children and young people with English as an additional language

Unit 4 (F/615/7086): Promoting positive behaviour in children and young people

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 12 hours; Credits: 4)

• Policies and procedures that promote positive behaviour, and why fairness and consistency matter
• Strategies that promote positive values, attitudes and behaviour
• Recognising triggers and managing challenging behaviour, including bullying and harassment
• Contributing to reviews of behaviour management policies

Unit 5 (J/615/7087): Providing support for individual learners and small groups

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 13 hours; Credits: 8)

• Selecting, preparing and adapting resources for individuals and groups
• Using learning support strategies that meet learners’ needs
• Assessing participation and progress, and giving feedback to learners and teachers
• Reflecting on how your own literacy, numeracy and ICT skills affect the support you give

Unit 6 (L/615/7088): Developing skills to promote positive working relationships

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 13 hours; Credits: 4)

• Communicating effectively with children, young people, colleagues, parents and carers
• Sharing information about attainment, progress and wellbeing with parents and carers
• Working collaboratively with colleagues towards agreed objectives

Unit 7 (R/615/7089): Curriculum planning, delivery and assessment

(Unit Level: 4; GLH: 12 hours; Credits: 8)

• Planning and delivering lessons for individuals, groups and whole classes
• Using ICT to support teaching and learning
• Setting learning objectives, giving feedback and helping learners set targets
• Maintaining and analysing records of learners’ progress

Work Placement and Assessment

This qualification must include confirmation of your competence in the workplace, so you cannot complete it without working in a school.

• Placement: you must complete a minimum of 50 hours working or on placement as a teaching assistant.
• Practical units: units 5, 6 and 7 are assessed through a portfolio of evidence from real classroom situations, including observation and witness testimony from your school.
• Knowledge units: assessed through written assignments and tasks, which you submit through your online learning portal.

Your work is marked by our qualified assessors and quality assured by TQUK. There are no exams, and all learning outcomes must be met to pass; the qualification is not graded.

Required Knowledge

To enrol on this course you must be:

• aged 16 or over
• working or volunteering in a school as a teaching assistant

We recommend that you have English and maths skills at Level 2 or equivalent.

HLTA Status Explained

Completing this qualification does not automatically give you HLTA status. HLTA status is a separate recognition, awarded only through the HLTA National Assessment Partnership (HNAP) after a preparation and assessment process that includes a school visit. You are assessed against the 33 HLTA professional standards, using evidence from your current role.

To apply for HLTA status you must be employed in a school (volunteers are not eligible), work with children from age 3 under the guidance of a qualified teacher, and hold Level 2 English and maths qualifications or equivalent. This certificate is a strong way to build the knowledge and evidence the standards ask for, and schools also appoint HLTAs based on their own criteria.

Awarding Body

On successful completion, you will be awarded the TQUK Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF), qualification number 603/1432/1, worth 36 credits.

Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) is an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual. All regulated TQUK qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Progression

After this course you could apply for HLTA status or Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles, or continue your studies with our Higher Level Teaching Assistant Advanced Level 5, or a teaching qualification.

Support

While you study from home, you are never on your own. You will receive 12 months of personal tutor support, with feedback on your written work to help you improve, and our student support team is on hand whenever you need help.

Frequently Asked Questions