Established 10 years and with over 30 years of teaching expertise, Literacy Matters provides quality consultancy support to schools and continuing professional development opportunities across the whole school workforce.

We currently offer the following courses for Teaching assistants:

QCF Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

QCF Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools

We are currently able to offer full funding of this programme to eligible Teaching Assistants. To be eligible for funding,
generally speaking you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be currently working in a suitable support role in school
• Be employed at a school in Manchester or surrounding areas (including Bury, High Peak, Stockport, Cheshire East)
• Hold a paid employment contract for 16 hours or more per week
• Not already possess a Level 3 NVQ qualification
• Not possess a Foundation Degree or Degree

The qualification consists of 11 mandatory units and additional specialist optional units, all of which have been developed by TDA in line with occupational standards.

Assessment is by a combination of attendance at taught workshops, written work, and individual assessor visits to school.

Click here to apply

Higher Level Teaching Assistants

The DfES and the Training and Development Agency (TDA) have developed and published standards for higher level teaching assistants. You can find these here

How do I get HLTA status?
Through accessing a preparation programme from a provider of preparation. These programmes will help teaching assistants demonstrate that they meet the HLTA Standards and will lead to assessment against the Standards.

What are the training programmes?
1. a preparation route of three days preparation leading to assessment for 'HLTA status'. This route is designed for those candidates who have been judged ready to be assessed against the Standards;

2. a ' training programme' route which will be offered to candidates not yet ready for assessment by training providers. These programmes are likely to be varied. Literacy Matters Ltd offer a modular programme tailored to individual needs.

When do the training programmes start?
Contact us for more info

Who will pay for the training?
Support staff and teaching assistants working in maintained schools seeking 'HLTA status' under each of the routes identified above will be able to apply to their Local Authority for approval to take up a TTA funded training place. In addition, schools may choose to use part of the School Development Grant for this purpose.