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Focus Awards is an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation. This guarantees that all of their qualifications conform to a high standard.
Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants is a competency-based teaching assistant qualification designed especially for those working as teaching assistants and wish to enhance their expertise and progress towards the role of Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. This course will be beneficial for those who already have teaching and learning experience.
With the help of this Level 4 HLTA, you will be better equipped to handle support job issues at work by polishing both your knowledge and your understanding abilities.
On top of that, you will also become aware of the skills needed to support individuals and small groups of people with a variety of additional needs.
This Level 4 HLTA qualification is for those who work as:
In order to become a qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you can either complete the course in 5 weeks or 9 months, completing the course at your own desired pace. We offer this OfQual regulated level 4 HLTA course via our Virtual Learning Environment.
At BTC, the level 4 HLTA qualification is internally assessed by our professional assessors while external verification is carried out by the awarding body. The evaluation may consist of several written assignments along with witness evidence which both will be verified by a supervise at work.
Once enrolled, you will be provided with an online tutor to assist with your desired goals and objectives.
With the level 4 HLTA, you can further opt for the following qualifications:
In order to enrol yourself in this Level 4 HLTA course:
• you must be working as a teaching assistant in a school.
• you must be 16 years old or above.
• Your assignments of the course will be assessed at the workplace via a series of tutors.
• You will also be asked to deliver competence by working with children or adults to successfully reflect on your practice.
• You will be required to submit your assignments to the assigned tutor,
• These written assignments will then be assessed and graded by your course tutor.
• On the other hand, some assignments may require attachments and witness testimonies to meet the requirements of this course.
You will be able to:
All prices include course fee, awarding body charges, OfQual approved certification, postage of certificate. The final certification you get is exactly the same, regardless of what route you pick. There are no strict deadlines for submission of individual coursework, allowing you room and flexibility to pace your studies; the only deadline is the overall course duration based on the option that you have selected above.
This qualification is suitable for anyone working in a Teaching Assistant role and wish to progress to the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
The Certificate requires 36 credits.
Our courses are OFQUAL approved as we work with an approved awarding organisation called “Focus Awards”. This is a well-respected awarding organisation for education and training courses. This is the confirmation of their status-https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Detail/Index/1391?category=organisations&query=focus%20awards.
HLTA stands for Higher Level Teaching Assistant. So, L4 HLTA course is just an abbreviation for Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistants course.
This course will open doors to your new career as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant working with children and young people in a school environment.
Yes, you need to work in a school environment where you are required to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
What we are offering is the HLTA qualification that is designed in line with the HLTA Standards. You can get HLTA position in your school after achieving this qualification. The HLTA (Higher Learning Teaching Assistant) certificate does not give you HLTA status. You will need to pass an HLTA assessment to achieve this. However, the knowledge gained on our HLTA qualification will be invaluable in preparing you for this assessment, as the units are specifically based around the professional HLTA standards required for HLTA status.
To achieve HLTA status, you will also need to already be a teaching assistant with documented classroom hours and a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. Visit the HLTA National Assessment Partnership for full details on the HLTA assessment process.
You will receive your course materials right after you are enrolled on this course at our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
There is no time frame to complete the course. Learners can complete it within 5 weeks (fast track) or up to 9 months.
Have a quick look at the following chart for TA courses to know which course suits you the best:
Witness testimonies are classed as “supporting” evidence and provide additional information in the form of a statement of authentication from an occupationally competent individual who verifies all relevant details of a learner’s workplace activities and validates that the learner can conduct a skill or task. In some instances, the course requires the learner to demonstrate certain skills such as “Positive working relationships” or “motivate and support children and young people’s positive behaviour”, all of which are very difficult to prove using documentary evidence alone. Hence, an expert witness is tasked with providing a written record of learner’s performance at the workplace, precisely describing the activity undertaken against targeted assessment criteria confirming if these have been followed in the work setting. Witness testimonies are compulsory in certain units and this will be clearly stated in the relevant Assignment Guide. Moreover, it is to be noted that you will need to write a reflective account as well along with providing the witness testimony.
A reflective account is the supporting written evidence/ learner’s statement that indicates how the learner performed/performs the activity testified by the workplace supervisor, what went well and what did not, what you learnt and what you should have done. You also mention what strategies you will adapt for improvement. Please note that there is no separate document for writing a reflective account. Reflective account/learner’s statement is given in the same Assessment Brief document.
An occupationally competent individual i.e. a workplace supervisor, preferably the head teacher, or even a teacher you are directly working with as a teaching assistant is requested to complete the Witness Statement form. Without this independent verification, it is impossible for us to approve your tasks.
There is only one witness statement form to be filled by your workplace supervisor only. This form will cover all practical tasks across relevant units of the accredited course.
Firstly, a witness statement is a source of evidence and does not confirm the achievement of assessment criteria or confer an assessment decision. For that purpose, the assessor needs to:
Moreover, if the supervisor has not witnessed you performing some of the targeted assessment criteria in your undertaken activities, the assessor will have to conduct an observation directly observing your activity to confirm the fulfillment of the remaining assessment criteria.
As teachers, we are bound to follow professional ethics. There is an element of trust that our trainee teaching assistants and the expert witness won’t present an inaccurate account of the activity undertaken. However, we will be vigilant and investigate where we are concerned that the sessions have not taken place as claimed.
The good news is that you supervisor may provide testimony based on the activities you had performed in the past, or usually perform at your workplace on daily/weekly basis. All we need is the confirmation that you practise the skills at your workplace that we are teaching you on the course.
The answer is yes – This can be in either a primary, secondary or a special school setting. However, you must ensure that the pupils you work with are aged 5+ and are studying at Key Stage 1 or above. You will also need the support of a mentor from within the school who will confirm your competence and prepare and sign a testimony of your abilities against the qualification standards.
The HLTA professional standards set out exactly what is expected of teaching assistants working towards the HLTA status. There are 33 standards, grouped under three main headings:
These set out the attitudes, values and commitment expected of HLTAs.
Standards 8-16 – Professional knowledge and understanding
These set out the knowledge and skills needed by HLTAs to be able to work effectively with teachers as part of the professional team supporting learning.
Standards 17-33 – Professional skills
These set out the expectations for planning, monitoring, managing and evaluating learning within the framework of guidance and supervision agreed with the assigned teacher and in accordance with arrangements made by the Head Teacher of the school.
The short answer is No – Our HLTA Level 4 course is a competence-based qualification that requires you to demonstrate your workplace competence and reflect on your practice when working with children and/or young people.
Please refer to our main FAQs section or Contact Us; we have experienced course advisers who will be happy to assist you!
£1,200 £399
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Awarding Body: Focus Awards
Qualification Number: 601/8533/8
Focus Awards is an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation. This guarantees that all of their qualifications conform to a high standard.
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Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants is a competency-based teaching assistant qualification designed especially for those working as teaching assistants and wish to enhance their expertise and progress towards the role of Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. This course will be beneficial for those who already have teaching and learning experience.
With the help of this Level 4 HLTA, you will be better equipped to handle support job issues at work by polishing both your knowledge and your understanding abilities.
On top of that, you will also become aware of the skills needed to support individuals and small groups of people with a variety of additional needs.
This Level 4 HLTA qualification is for those who work as:
In order to become a qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you can either complete the course in 5 weeks or 9 months, completing the course at your own desired pace. We offer this OfQual regulated level 4 HLTA course via our Virtual Learning Environment.
At BTC, the level 4 HLTA qualification is internally assessed by our professional assessors while external verification is carried out by the awarding body. The evaluation may consist of several written assignments along with witness evidence which both will be verified by a supervise at work.
Once enrolled, you will be provided with an online tutor to assist with your desired goals and objectives.
With the level 4 HLTA, you can further opt for the following qualifications:
In order to enrol yourself in this Level 4 HLTA course:
• you must be working as a teaching assistant in a school.
• you must be 16 years old or above.
• Your assignments of the course will be assessed at the workplace via a series of tutors.
• You will also be asked to deliver competence by working with children or adults to successfully reflect on your practice.
• You will be required to submit your assignments to the assigned tutor,
• These written assignments will then be assessed and graded by your course tutor.
• On the other hand, some assignments may require attachments and witness testimonies to meet the requirements of this course.
You will be able to:
Full Payment
Monthly Instalment
£399
£440
£480
£459
£505
£551
All prices include course fee, awarding body charges, OfQual approved certification, postage of certificate. The final certification you get is exactly the same, regardless of what route you pick. There are no strict deadlines for submission of individual coursework, allowing you room and flexibility to pace your studies; the only deadline is the overall course duration based on the option that you have selected above.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is suitable for anyone working in a Teaching Assistant role and wish to progress to the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
How many credits are required to complete this course?
The Certificate requires 36 credits.
Is this course approved by any recognised awarding organisation?
Our courses are OFQUAL approved as we work with an approved awarding organisation called “Focus Awards”. This is a well-respected awarding organisation for education and training courses. This is the confirmation of their status-https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Detail/Index/1391?category=organisations&query=focus%20awards.
Why is this course named L4 HLTA?
HLTA stands for Higher Level Teaching Assistant. So, L4 HLTA course is just an abbreviation for Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistants course.
What type of job roles can you apply for on completion?
This course will open doors to your new career as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant working with children and young people in a school environment.
Does my course involve a work placement?
Yes, you need to work in a school environment where you are required to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
Will I get HLTA Status after the course completion?
What we are offering is the HLTA qualification that is designed in line with the HLTA Standards. You can get HLTA position in your school after achieving this qualification. The HLTA (Higher Learning Teaching Assistant) certificate does not give you HLTA status. You will need to pass an HLTA assessment to achieve this. However, the knowledge gained on our HLTA qualification will be invaluable in preparing you for this assessment, as the units are specifically based around the professional HLTA standards required for HLTA status.
To achieve HLTA status, you will also need to already be a teaching assistant with documented classroom hours and a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. Visit the HLTA National Assessment Partnership for full details on the HLTA assessment process.
How quickly will I receive my course material?
You will receive your course materials right after you are enrolled on this course at our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
What is the time frame for completing this course?
There is no time frame to complete the course. Learners can complete it within 5 weeks (fast track) or up to 9 months.
Which TA (Teaching Assistants) course is best for me?
Have a quick look at the following chart for TA courses to know which course suits you the best:
What is a Witness Testimony?
Witness testimonies are classed as “supporting” evidence and provide additional information in the form of a statement of authentication from an occupationally competent individual who verifies all relevant details of a learner’s workplace activities and validates that the learner can conduct a skill or task. In some instances, the course requires the learner to demonstrate certain skills such as “Positive working relationships” or “motivate and support children and young people’s positive behaviour”, all of which are very difficult to prove using documentary evidence alone. Hence, an expert witness is tasked with providing a written record of learner’s performance at the workplace, precisely describing the activity undertaken against targeted assessment criteria confirming if these have been followed in the work setting. Witness testimonies are compulsory in certain units and this will be clearly stated in the relevant Assignment Guide. Moreover, it is to be noted that you will need to write a reflective account as well along with providing the witness testimony.
What is a reflective account?
A reflective account is the supporting written evidence/ learner’s statement that indicates how the learner performed/performs the activity testified by the workplace supervisor, what went well and what did not, what you learnt and what you should have done. You also mention what strategies you will adapt for improvement. Please note that there is no separate document for writing a reflective account. Reflective account/learner’s statement is given in the same Assessment Brief document.
Who will provide witness statement/testimony on my workplace activities?
An occupationally competent individual i.e. a workplace supervisor, preferably the head teacher, or even a teacher you are directly working with as a teaching assistant is requested to complete the Witness Statement form. Without this independent verification, it is impossible for us to approve your tasks.
How many witness statements are required?
There is only one witness statement form to be filled by your workplace supervisor only. This form will cover all practical tasks across relevant units of the accredited course.
Could there be any reasons why my course is not a “Pass” even after submitting the Witness Statement form?
Firstly, a witness statement is a source of evidence and does not confirm the achievement of assessment criteria or confer an assessment decision. For that purpose, the assessor needs to:
Moreover, if the supervisor has not witnessed you performing some of the targeted assessment criteria in your undertaken activities, the assessor will have to conduct an observation directly observing your activity to confirm the fulfillment of the remaining assessment criteria.
How would the tutor/ assessor know that the activity undertaken by me and the information given in the form by the Witness is valid and authentic?
As teachers, we are bound to follow professional ethics. There is an element of trust that our trainee teaching assistants and the expert witness won’t present an inaccurate account of the activity undertaken. However, we will be vigilant and investigate where we are concerned that the sessions have not taken place as claimed.
Am I to undertake all the activities as enlisted in the HLTA course all over again for my supervisor to observe?
The good news is that you supervisor may provide testimony based on the activities you had performed in the past, or usually perform at your workplace on daily/weekly basis. All we need is the confirmation that you practise the skills at your workplace that we are teaching you on the course.
I am a primary school teacher. Am I eligible to take on this HLTA qualification?
The answer is yes – This can be in either a primary, secondary or a special school setting. However, you must ensure that the pupils you work with are aged 5+ and are studying at Key Stage 1 or above. You will also need the support of a mentor from within the school who will confirm your competence and prepare and sign a testimony of your abilities against the qualification standards.
What are HLTA Standards?
The HLTA professional standards set out exactly what is expected of teaching assistants working towards the HLTA status. There are 33 standards, grouped under three main headings:
These set out the attitudes, values and commitment expected of HLTAs.
Standards 8-16 – Professional knowledge and understanding
These set out the knowledge and skills needed by HLTAs to be able to work effectively with teachers as part of the professional team supporting learning.
Standards 17-33 – Professional skills
These set out the expectations for planning, monitoring, managing and evaluating learning within the framework of guidance and supervision agreed with the assigned teacher and in accordance with arrangements made by the Head Teacher of the school.
Is simulation allowed on this course?
The short answer is No – Our HLTA Level 4 course is a competence-based qualification that requires you to demonstrate your workplace competence and reflect on your practice when working with children and/or young people.
What if I still have any questions?
Please refer to our main FAQs section or Contact Us; we have experienced course advisers who will be happy to assist you!
Teachers training up to postgraduate level, assessment and quality assurance, management and leadership training
Accounting and Finance
Management and Leadership
Humanities
Education and Training
A keen learner myself, I am actively involved in a range of teachers training courses for the past few years all the way up to postgraduate level. I have extensive experience of dealing with the awarding organisation compliance because of a strong background in assessment and quality assurance. I have trained a wide range of teaching professionals working in a range of schools, sixth form colleges and in the higher education sector.
Assessment and quality assurance in academia, business, accounting and finance lecturing, and teacher training.
Accounting and Finance
Management and Leadership
Education and Training
I have over 15 years’ experience in teaching and training. During this time, I have undertaken teacher training, been a lecturer and course supervisor for ICM, and cohort leader and lecturer for HND (BTEC-Pearson). I have taught business management units/modules at various levels (and awarding bodies) including Certificate, Diploma, Advance Diploma, and Foundation degree levels. I enjoy learning through continuous professional development and have achieved my Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy. I enjoy utlising my experience in training, assessment, and quality assurance to train the education professionals of the future.
Teachers training, assessment and quality assurance, quality assurance in academia, management and leadership training and research.
Education and Training
Marketing
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I am a PhD candidate (passed viva) at the University of Essex. My specialisation in PhD is Entrepreneurship. I am an active researcher with specific interest in Entrepreneurship, SME, Marketing and UK Higher Education (UKHE). I have over 14 years work experience in UKHE, which includes extensive experience of quality assurance in the sector. Furthermore, providing academic training to teaching professionals in the higher education sector is my passion.
Assessment and quality assurance for levels 2 to 5 in Teacher Training, Leadership and Management, Health and Social Care, Customer Service and Childcare.
Education and Training
Customer Service
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Childcare
I have worked in education for 34 years, in various guises. I managed a busy nursery for 12 years before branching out into Assessment and Quality Assurance, more than 20 years ago. My practice has developed alongside the ever-evolving training and apprenticeship sector, and I have worked in many different settings, including colleges, private training agencies and a foster care agency. I also work part time as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant for a local charity that supports higher level education for young people with Special Educational and/or behavioural needs and as a tutor for a bespoke programme for one-to-one support. I really enjoy supporting learners of varying abilities and experience to achieve their best and to become qualified in their chosen field.
Teacher training, assessment and quality assurance practice, and business administration lecturing and research.
Business Administration
Accounting and Finance
Education and Training
I am an enthusiastic educationist who is a fellow of the higher education academy and I have completed my Doctorate of Business Administration. I worked as an accountant and business consultant up until 2017, where I started exploring my capabilities in academia and teaching. From that point, I haven’t looked back, and have gone from strength to strength. I am engaged in lecturing, assessment, and quality assurance in the areas of business administration, accountancy, marketing, and teacher training, where I can impart my teaching skillset onto my students.
Assessment and quality assurance, management, and leadership training.
Education and Training
Accounting and Finance
I am an experienced assessor, adept at developing fair assessments and reporting all findings in the proper format. I have been actively involved in a range of teachers training courses for the past years all the way up to postgraduate. I am interested in developing a career which combines teaching and research, while maintaining my interest in public engagement.
Accountancy and assessor training, as well as assessment and quality assurance.
Accounting and Finance
Education and Training
I have experience in the finance and accounting sector and utilise these skills to approach education in a methodical and logical manner. I am passionate about the advancement and implementation of efficient teaching and learning practices. I am responsible for centre liaison with awarding bodies to ensure compliance, and am advancing my skills in assessment and quality assurance through learning and on the job training.
Nathan –
Ayaz really explains everything well and so helpful by given me time to make my decision, no rush or pressure. He did well.