School Support Staff

Introduction

The Workforce Development and Governance Service assists school support staff to access continuing professional development and career progression routes. The Service is a registered provider of the NVQ level 3 for Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and currently offers levels 3 and 4 for Learning Mentors. In addition the Service helps school support staff gain accreditation at level 2 for numeracy and literacy; prepares and assesses candidates for the Support Work in School Qualification at Level 2/3 (VQ2/3); prepares teaching assistants for assessment for Higher Level Teacher Assistant status; delivers structured induction programmes for school support staff and teaching assistants

What do we do for NVQ Candidates?

The Service provides NVQ candidates with:

A structured programme of study leading to the achievement of the NVQ qualifications in 12 to 18 months;
Regular tutorials and some taught sessions on the programme of study for NVQ levels 3 and 4;
Set assignments, assessment and feedback on portfolio evidence;
Observation and feedback on practice in schools to add to portfolio evidence; and
Support to mentors who contribute to the assessment of candidates in school.

Am I eligible to apply for the NVQ?

The NVQ Level 3 is equivalent to an A Level qualification and is intended for anyone supporting teaching and learning in schools. Level 4 for Learning Mentors is at an equivalent level to undergraduate courses of study and is for experienced Learning Mentors with a wide range of duties, experience and responsiblility. Candidates must:

Be supporting teaching and learning in an Oldham school;
Gain the support of your school to provide a mentor to contribute to your assessment;
Have a level of English that is adequate for completing written assignments; and
Have the ability to manage time to study and work at the same time.

What are the benefits?

Benefits of embarking on any qualification programme include:

Increased job satisfaction;
Skill development and access to progression routes;
Potential to progress to the Higher Level Teaching Assistant status for teaching assistants;
Opportunity to move into teaching through studying for a Foundation Degree;
Better equipped to train to teach on the Graduate Teacher Programme.

What will it cost?

Please contact Workforce Development and Governance service administration to check current costs on 0161 770 4274

Contact details:

The Workforce Development and Governance Service

The Centre for Professional Development

Rosary Road

Fitton Hill

Oldham

OL8 2QE

Telephone:

The Service Administrator 0161 770 4274

Fax: 0161 770 3664

E-mail: WDGS@oldham.gov.uk

We look forward to working with you.