Ready to take the next step in your career as a Teaching Assistant? The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants is the nationally recognised qualification designed to help you advance to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status. It is regulated by Ofqual and provides the expertise you need to take on greater responsibility in a school setting.
You will develop advanced skills in seven key areas, including how to support children with special educational needs (SEN), how to promote positive behaviour, and understanding child development. An important component of the course will be how to plan lessons, develop resources, and assess the progress of your learners.
As this is a practical, work-based qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning in real classroom situations. The assessment is designed to be supportive – you’ll build a portfolio showcasing your skills with guidance from our experienced tutors, and have friendly workplace observations that demonstrate your competency in your familiar work environment. The course is open to anyone aged 16 or older who is ready to advance their career.
Upon completion, you will be equipped to teach classes on your own, provide cover during planned teacher absences, and take on more accountability for student outcomes. This qualification can lead to roles as an SEN specialist or be used as a stepping stone towards gaining a full teaching qualification.
Our highly qualified tutors will guide and support you throughout your learning journey, ensuring you are assisted to complete this HLTA qualification and become a teaching assistant.
Complete the HLTA Level 4 with South London College
Affordable Prices
We offer competitive pricing on our courses, backed by a Price Match guarantee.
Expertly Crafted E-Learning Content
Our course materials are designed by qualified experts.
Dedicated Personal Tutor
Have access to a personal tutor and key account manager assigned for support.
Flexible Learning
We offer complete flexibility to suit your schedule.
12 Months Access
Receive 12 months of access to our online learning portal.
Boost Your Skills and Employability
Develop skills and increase employability in the UK and beyond.
Friendly Customer Support
Our professional customer support team is available to answer your questions.
Instructor-led Virtual Discussions
We provide instructor-led virtual group discussions (blended learning experience).
Interest-free instalment plan
Check out our interest-free instalment plans.
What Will I Learn?
Learn how children develop and how to support their well-being.
Get to know different special educational needs and how to help students with them.
Explore ways to encourage positive behaviour in children and young people.
Build skills to support individual students and small groups.
Flexible Study Options to Suit Your Schedule
Choose from our Standard or Fast-Track pathways, both designed to deliver the same high-quality education and nationally recognised qualifications. Our experienced tutors provide comprehensive support throughout your studies.
Send us a quick message — we'll guide you every step of the way.
Student Success Stories
Discover how our expert guidance and personalized support empowered students to achieve their dreams and excel in their chosen fields.
Key Features
High quality e-learning study materials.
Tutorials/materials from the industry leading experts.
24/7 Access to the Learning Portal.
Benefit of applying TOTUM Discount Card.
Recognised Accredited Qualification.
Excellent customer service and administrative support.
Flexible Payment Plans to Suit Your Budget
Are you worried about the cost? Do not be! Select the payment plan that best fits your needs and begin your online learning journey now.
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Support
Once you enrol with us, we offer complete learner support. We want to see you succeed. You will have access to a personal tutor who is a qualified expert with relevant experience.Â
Your tutor will assess your work, give you the required feedback, and help you improve throughout the course.Â
Our professional support team is available to answer any of your questions. You can contact us at any time; we are only a click away.Â
Course Highlights
Access Duration: 12 Months
Awarded by: Focus Awards
Credit Value: 36
Guided Learning Hours: 108
Total Qualification Time: 360
Qualification Level: 4
Qualification Number: 601/8533/8
National Availability: England & Northern IrelandÂ
Understand what a higher-level teaching assistant is responsible for and how they influence the classroom.Â
Learn how children develop and how to support their well-being.Â
Get to know different special educational needs and how to help students with them.Â
Explore ways to encourage positive behaviour in children and young people.Â
Build skills to support individual students and small groups.Â
Develop the ability to plan lessons, deliver learning activities, and assess student progress.Â
Who is This Certification For?
The Level 4 teaching assistant course is suitable for teaching assistants ready to take on more responsibility in the classroom. Â
Teaching assistants Â
Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants Â
Learning support assistants  Â
Behaviour support workersÂ
Certification Â
Once you complete this course, you will be awarded the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual.Â
Career Path Â
Your Pathway to a Rewarding Teaching Career Â
The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants will give you the opportunity to take your career in teaching to the next level. You will have the relevant skills and experience to excel as an HLTA and take on more responsibilities in the classroom. This qualification allows you to work more independently, supporting teachers and students. The role of HLTA often comes with higher pay and better benefits. Given below are some career prospects you can achieve with the annual salary range. (Source: UK Glassdoor)Â
Teacher - £41,000 (approximately)Â
Educational Support Specialist – £33,000 (approximately)Â
Learners are required to be on practical placement within a school as a teaching assistant. This is for a minimum of 12 hours per week or 50 hours for the duration of the course. This can include voluntary or unpaid work.Â
Have an expert witness complete theobservationand provide expert witness testimony.Â
Not sure if this course is for you? Speak to an advisor today!
This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
Standard Course Plan (8 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
Fast Track Option (4 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time.
We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 4 Certificate requires approximately 108 guided learning hours.
T&C apply
Method of Assessment
To earn the Level 4 HLTA Certificate, you will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, a portfolio of evidence, and direct observation. Importantly, this course does not have an exam. This is how you will be assessed throughout the course.Â
Written Assignments: You will be assessed through written assignments which will be marked internally by your tutor. Your personal tutor will provide you with constructive feedback and guidance to help you improve and succeed.   Â
Portfolio of Evidence:You must submit a portfolio to showcase your practical skills. This portfolio can be presented as evidence of your understanding of all learning outcomes associated with each unit. You will be internally assessed by a tutor at South London College.Â
Direct Observations:You are required to complete a work placement of up to 50 hours. The placement can be in a school setting, either primary, secondary, or a special needs school. It is ideal if the pupils in your practical placement are aged 5+ and are studying at Key Stage 1 or above.Â
Witness Testimony:A colleague must give an expert witness statement confirming how you carried out the assessments.Â
Assessor Support: We provide complete assessor support. You can get in touch by telephone, WhatsApp, online discussion forums, email, and web chat.Â
For further questions about the assessment process, we are only a click away. Use the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to contact us.Â
Academic Progression
Once you complete theLevel 4 teaching assistant course, you can progress to the following. Â
A possible next step of Academic Progression Pathway:Â Â
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF)Â
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF)Â
Foundation degree in EducationÂ
Regulated by
OFQUAL
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet national standards, so you can trust that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high quality and widely recognised by employers and universities.
OFSTED
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills is an independent, non-ministerial government department responsible for inspecting a range of educational institutions, including state schools and some independent schools. It also inspects initial teacher training and regulates early years’ childcare facilities.   Â
RQF
The RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to compare different qualifications. It helps learners and employers understand the level and size of the course, beginning from the basic level to the advanced level. Â Â
The Best Future is at Hand with South London CollegeÂ
South London College is a trusted and leading online provider in the UK. We believe in providing our learners with transformative educational opportunities. Our key goal is to help our learners grow and develop personally and professionally through academic and vocational achievement. We equip our learners with the necessary skills and expertise to excel in their chosen field. We offer the best opportunity to obtain theLevel 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF). Â
Awarding Organisation
Focus AwardsÂ
Focus Awards is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland, and Qualifications Wales. It is based in the UK andspecialises in developing and awarding a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications across a wide spectrum. Focus Awards was established in 2011 anddelivers high-quality and accessible qualifications to ensure learners receive industry-standard training and assessment.Â
Professional Knowledge and Development for Higher Level Teaching Assistants
Understand what a Higher Level Teaching Assistant is and what is required of one
Understand the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Higher Level  Teaching Assistants
Understand how to work as a team member and identify opportunities for working with colleagues, managing their work where appropriate, and sharing the development of effective practice with them
Unit 02Â
Child Development and Wellbeing
Understand the different stages of child development
Understand the factors that can affect children and young people’s development and how these impact on practice
Understand how to recognise and respect the contribution that parents and carers can make to the development and wellbeing of children and young people
Understand how frameworks that support the development and wellbeing of children and young people impact upon their practice
Understand how to safeguard the wellbeing of children and young people Understand health and safety procedures
Unit 03Â
Supporting Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs
Understand how to support learners in accessing the curriculum in accordance with the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice and Disabilities Legislation
Understand how to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion when working with children and young people
Understand how to support children and young people with learning difficulties
Know and understand the Special Educational Needs (SEN) of learners with sensory and/or physical needs
Understand how to support children and young people with English as an additional language
Unit 04Â
Promoting Children and Young People’s Positive Behaviour
Understand the policies andprocedures for promoting positive behaviour
Be able to promote positive values,attitudes, and behaviour expected from children and young people
Be able to respond to inappropriate and challenging behaviour from children and young people
Be able to contribute to reviews of behaviour and behaviour policies
Unit 05Â
Working with an Individual Learner and Groups of Learners
Understand ways of working with individuals and small groups
Unit 06Â
Positive Working Relationships
Be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with children, youngpeople, colleagues, parents, and carers
Unit 07Â
Curriculum Planning, Monitoring, Delivery, and Assessment
Be able to teach challenging, well- organised lessons across the age and ability range
Be able to use ICT skills to advance learning
Be able to use an appropriate range of strategies for setting learning objectives and monitoring progress and attainment
Be able to maintain and analyse records of learners’ progress
Still have more questions about this course? Give our team a call on
The Level 4 teaching assistant course is suited for teaching assistants employed or volunteering in schools and wish to develop their skills and knowledge to advance to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles.
South London College offers a high-quality, supportive learning environment with experienced tutors, industry-recognised qualifications, and flexible learning options suited to individual needs.
HLTAs support teaching more independently. They may lead the class, cover planned absences, and contribute to planning and assessment, while a standard teaching assistant usually assists under direct supervision.
HLTAs work more independently and do not have full teaching responsibilities. However, this qualification is a great foundation if you wish to pursue QTS later.
Visit the South London College official website and register for this HLTA Level 4 Certificate. You will receive your login details to access our online learning portal.
The content was practical and relevant, and my tutor was supportive throughout. It wasn’t always easy juggling work and study, but the convenience of the course helped me stay on top.
I had been working as a teaching assistant for years but wanted a formal qualification. This is highly recommended to anyone who wants to progress in their teaching career.
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Ideal for aspiring HLTAs
As a SEN teacher, I found this course very helpful in taking the next step in my career.
Great training
The content was practical and relevant, and my tutor was supportive throughout. It wasn’t always easy juggling work and study, but the convenience of the course helped me stay on top.
Good course material
I had been working as a teaching assistant for years but wanted a formal qualification. This is highly recommended to anyone who wants to progress in their teaching career.