-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 1 of 27
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
Quality Assurance Handbook
QTS + PGCE (with 60 Credits at Masters Level)
Effective Date: September 2019 Review Date: September 2020
Sherwood Rise Nottingham
NG7 7AR
t. 0115 9007230 [email protected]
www.bluecoatscittalliance.uk.com
mailto:[email protected]
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 2 of 27
CONTENTS
Quality Assurance Process
...................................................................................................
3
Ongoing Programme Assessment and Review
............................................................................
3
Assessment and
Moderation.................................................................................................
4
Creation and termination of Partnership
.................................................................................
7
Medical Fitness to Teach
....................................................................................................
9
Recruitment and Admission to the Programme
..........................................................................
9
Regulations Relating to Assessment
......................................................................................
11
Trainee Misconduct in Assessment
........................................................................................
12
Assessment Appeals
.........................................................................................................
13
Trainee Discipline
............................................................................................................
15
Trainee Withdrawal
..........................................................................................................
18
Assessment by FILE and Reassessment Opportunities
.................................................................
18
Assessment for Students with Special Requirements
..................................................................
19
Valid Reasons for Poor Performance
......................................................................................
19
Complaints
....................................................................................................................
20
Conditions for the award of QTS
..........................................................................................
22
Circumstances for Suspension or Termination of Training
............................................................ 22
Financial and Support Procedures 2019/20:
............................................................................
25
ITT Review
....................................................................................................................
27
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 3 of 27
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESS Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
(and also referred to as BSAN within this document) monitors and
assesses the quality of its provision and procedures throughout the
year to ensure that its training is of the highest quality.
Monitoring is undertaken by the Principal and Board of Governors of
the Archway Learning Trust, assisted by the Vice Principal for
Teaching and Learning and SCITT Strategic Partnership. Bluecoat
SCITT Alliance Nottingham is responsible for the creation of the
regulatory frameworks governing its activities, which will comply
with current legislation and the requirements of the Department for
Education (DfE). Particular note is drawn to the specifics outlined
below.
ONGOING PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW In order to ensure that
training of the highest quality can be offered, Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham will monitor its activites principally through
the following means: Improvement Plan Document (IPD) The templates
and guidance documents provided by DfE & TRA will be followed
in order to assess our capacity to improve in the following
areas:
1. Outcomes for trainees.
2. The rate of progress for trainees during their training.
3. The quality of partnership, leadership and management of the
SCITT.
4. The proportion going on to secure employment (within the
partners of Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham, and
nationally).
Archway Learning Trust ITT Review The Trust will undertake at
least one review per academic year. This will include a review of
all procedures followed in the pursuit of ITT. The review will be
undertaken by either the Executive Principal, their delegate or
someone that BSAN employ to undertake the review. Outcomes will be
fed back to the Governors of Archway Learning Trust and Bluecoat
SCITT Strategic Partnership Board. Matters to be reviewed include,
but are not limited to:
The compliance of the SCITT against the ITT Compliance
Guidelines
Benchmarking of the SCITT against the Ofsted handbook.
Quality and consistency of observation of trainee teaching,
feedback and target setting against the Teachers' Standards.
Quality and consistency of monitoring and assessment of trainee
progress against the Teachers' Standards.
Quality and consistency of trainee experiences across different
department areas and different partner schools.
Communication by departments with partner institutions and other
appropriate outside agencies.
Relevance and quality of the SCITT development plans (IPD)
Quality of SCITT documentation.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 4 of 27
The key areas which will be internally monitored as:
1. Quality of selection and recruitment procedures
2. Programme documentation and processes
3. Monitoring progress against QTS standards
4. Early detection of under-performance and intervention
5. Quality of mentoring and coaching
6. Quality of partnership provision
7. Tracking of trainee folders (including Extended Learning
Tasks)
8. Progress in relation to previous targets
9. Outstanding practice and areas for further development
10. Employment figures for trainees completing the programme
A quality assurance visit will occur twice each year to
ascertain the quality of sessions. The SCITT Team shall quality
assure subject study sessions through a learning walk each term.
Review outcomes will be available for all stakeholders, including
OFSTED, DfE & TRA, partner institutions and the Trainee Voice
Committee. This will form a central part of Bluecoat SCITT's
constant programme of improvement and completion of the IPD.
ASSESSMENT AND MODERATION Assessment and moderation procedures
will be undertaken as follows: Assessment – Subject Mentors,
Subject Leads, Head of SCITT. Moderation – Internal Moderation and
External Moderator
Assessment Process The following timetable outlines the
assessment process:
Event Week No.
Induction and Introduction 1 and 2
Trainee Observation by the SCITT Team and audit of trainee files
(Joint observation with mentors)
ongoing
External Moderation Days Week 14 (Interim) Week 42 & 44
External Moderator BSAN will engage an External Moderator who
has skills and experience in delivering ITT provision for both
Primary and Secondary. Suitable external moderators would include a
ITT Course Director from a HEI, an experienced ITT Co-ordinator
dealing with School Based Trainees with over three years experience
in ITT or a Head of SCITT with experience of assessing trainees
from another SCITT.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 5 of 27
The External Moderator will assess our provision in terms of
looking at the trainee evidence, grading lessons, group interviews
with trainees, quality of mentoring and coaching, effectiveness of
professional standards course and subject provision. The External
Moderator will also observe teaching of trainees and conduct group
interviews with a sample of additional trainees over the course of
the interim and final external moderation visits. The informal
feedback and formal reports address standards of record keeping and
assessment, standards of teaching and programme management as well
as trainees' views on the effectiveness of the QTS programme. All
reports from the External Moderator will be available to the Board
of Governors, the Executive Principal and the BSAN Strategic
Partnership. Findings will feed into the completion of the SCITT
IPD. Internal Assessment and Moderation The Subject Mentor and
Subject Trainer will be principally responsible for the regular
assessment of trainee progress and shall raise any exceptional
performance or cause for concern with the SCITT Team. SCITT Team to
undertake weekly audit of mentor target setting, to ensure
consistency and effective criteria is set. A selection of trainee
targets will be audited each week, with the whole cohort audited
each half term. To support quality assurance the Vice Principal for
SCITT will report regularly on the quality of trainees’ evidence.
Internal moderation will normally include visits to all trainees
each term with100% of trainees being jointly observed over the
year. This will include paired assessment across partnership
schools and could include work scrutiny, analysis of progress data
as well as observation of classroom practice. Following paired
observation, feedback will occur on the accuracy of the assessment
and issues will be forwarded to the SCITT Team. Matters considered
by the SCITT Team will include the quality of trainee folders
including Extended Learning Tasks, reflections, the organisation
and maintenance of lesson plans, evaluations and feedback forms,
mentor meeting forms and other documentation, and the body of
evidence which is collected as evidence of meeting the Teachers'
Standards. This report will be undertaken at least once per term in
the autumn and spring terms. Any causes for concern will be taken
up by the SCITT Team and reported to the Vice Principal for SCITT,
so that a plan of action can be drawn up for the trainee concerned.
Where necessary, the SCITT Team may call upon the assistance of
suitably trained support staff to assist with internal moderation.
The findings of all internal moderation procedures will form part
of the self-evaluation procedures undertaken by Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham and shall feed into the IPD. To ensure an
effective partnership, the SCITT Team and/or the Subject Leads will
undertake visits to partner institutions to assess trainee’s
performance, moderate the findings of the partner institution on
trainee performance, and report on progress. They will also discuss
with relevant staff in the partner institution any matters arising
from trainees' progress. All formal reports from internal assessors
and Subject Leads will be considered by the Board of Governors, the
Principal and the SCITT Strategic Partnership, as well as being
available to all stakeholders, including OFSTED, DfE & TRA, the
External Moderator, partner institutions and the Trainee Voice
Committee as necessary. As previously noted, such findings will be
taken into account on completion of the IPD.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 6 of 27
Data Analysis Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham is committed to
the appropriate use of data to support the continued improvement of
the QTS programme, which will include the following. NASBTT
Benchmark Data These allow the Principal, the Board of Governors
and the Leadership Group to compare the SCITT’s efficacy in
relation to a baseline and also in relation to a benchmark group of
similar providers, with the whole ITT sector both nationally and
locally. Analysis of Trainees’ Outcomes After each progress report,
trainees' progress data will be analysed. Analysis may be by
subject, groups of trainees and groups of Teachers' Standards
(where appropriate) and individuals, dependent on the size of each
cohort and the confidence interval of each data set. Each trainee's
progress is reviewed and appropriate action taken such as the
distribution of informal early warnings and “Cause for Concern”
letters for under-performance, target-setting and additional
support, or action planning for additional challenge and incentive.
These findings are used to review the SCITT Development Plan.
Feedback by Trainees and Partners
Formal and Informal Feedback As well as receiving formal
feedback by DfE & TRA and OFSTED on our performance, BSAN shall
also receive and consider informal feedback, including the sharing
of good practice and through discussions at OFSTED or DfE &
TRA.
Trainee Evaluations and Trainee Voice Committee All trainees are
given the opportunity to feedback on their experience through the
completion of SCITT surveys. These are distributed at least four
times per year. In addition to these an exit survey shall be
distributed to all trainees to enable them to assess how well the
programme has prepared them for the teaching profession throughout
the year. We will seek the views of past trainees in line with the
NQT surveys undertaken by DfE & TRA and OFSTED. Such past
trainees will be approached at the end of each academic year, and
their feedback sought as to their preparedness for the profession.
All trainees will complete evaluations of their experiences on the
focused placement at its completion in the spring term. These
include questions about the organisation of the placements, the
training environment and the level of support from institutions.
The Trainee Voice Committee will meet at least three times per year
and will consist of representatives from the SCITT Team and
nominated Trainee Representatives. The Principal, represented by
members of the Leadership Group as necessary, and Subject Leads and
mentors, may attend meetings on a co-opt basis. This list is not
exhaustive and members may be co-opted on a permanent or temporary
basis where required. Trainee Voice representatives will be offered
guidance and training by relevant staff and outside bodies on their
role.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 7 of 27
Feedback by Partner Institutions All partner institutions will
be invited to feedback, both formally at set periods in the year,
and informally as desired. During formal feedback, questions will
be asked about the quality of communication and assistance by the
SCITT, the level of administrative support provided and the
efficiency of organisation of placements. Evaluations will be
available to the Principal, assisted by the SCITT Strategic
Partnership and matters arising will be fed back to the Board of
Governors. Information collated via such evaluations will also be
available for all stakeholders, including OFSTED, DfE & TRA
partner institutions and the Trainee Voice Committee, and will feed
into the IPD. Partnership Schools will be visited by the SCITT Team
each year to review the quality of Partnership.
CREATION AND TERMINATION OF PARTNERSHIP These commitments are
embodied in the Partnership Agreements that Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham uses as its agreed basis for partnership. This is to be
read in conjunction with the Partnership Agreement in place with a
particular partner institution. Choice of Partner Institutions
Selecting the right partner institutions is of the utmost
importance to Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham in order to ensure
that trainees receive high quality training and value for money.
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham therefore requires that all
partner schools commit to all elements of the programme, including
the details in all handbooks, and that they ensure that trainees
receive experiences in the way the whole school is run. The
following points should also be noted, but are not an exhaustive
list of criteria:
Institutions should provide “whole-school” as well as
subject-based training via mentors. These should be experienced
practitioners who are able to model good and outstanding practice,
and who are able to raise the standard of teaching by trainees to
good or outstanding.
Institutions should provide support in ensuring that all aspects
of placements are effective, efficient and coherent.
Resources should be managed appropriately by institutions to
ensure that training is high-quality.
Institutions should ensure that all trainees of all abilities
are catered for and supported to meet the Teachers’ Standards.
Particular regard is to be had to teaching and pedagogy, planning,
assessment, behaviour management, phonics (primary only),
differentiation and appropriate professional conduct.
Institutions should ensure that all activity undertaken by
trainees is “training activity”. This means that trainees are
entitled to be observed, to receive support and to receive feedback
on their performance. Institutions should also adhere to BSAN
policy on the early detection of underperformance and the
procedures in place to manage this. These are outlined in the
Partnership Agreement.
Institutions should provide an effective induction programme for
new trainees.
Institutions should ensure that staff are released for meetings
and training as specified in advance by Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham.
Institutions should ensure that assessment undertaken is both
valid and reliable and complies
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 8 of 27
with SCITT assessment procedures. They should also ensure that
documentation is completed and returned to the SCITT on time.
Institutions should be prepared to undertake relevant and
regular self-evaluation in order to ensure the continual
improvement of the partnership.
Institutions should offer all trainees opportunities to fully
immerse themselves in the life of the school.
Institutions should support trainees in meeting the Teachers’
Standards.
Institutions should provide opportunities for trainees to learn
from outside agencies and/or specialists such as the SENCO,
educational psychologists etc.
Institutions should ensure that current legislation on equal
opportunities is adhered to. Termination of Partnership Bluecoat
SCITT Alliance Nottingham works to maintain an open relationship of
trust with all stakeholders in its ITT provision. All partners have
a role to play in ensuring that the quality of training is of the
highest quality. Judgements on the coherence and effectiveness of
the partnership are made based on various sources of evidence and
these are evaluated for discussion with individual schools and all
stakeholders at least once per year. There is an opportunity for
discussion with the Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham Strategic
Partnership. There will be a professional discussion of any areas
where partner schools may require support and guidance. Should such
support and advice not result in improvements in the quality of
training such that selection criteria fail to be met consistently,
the SCITT’s relationship with that institution may be terminated,
following discussion with the institution and confirmation by the
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham Strategic Partnership. Whilst
the list below is not exhaustive, it should be noted that
termination of the partnership may occur as a result of:
A change in OFSTED judgement may lead to a review of the
standard of support which could lead to termination. The
partnership schools are obliged to inform the SCITT of any changes
in OFSTED rating.
The service of a “Notice to Improve” by OFSTED. Should the
institution be making good progress and where the institution is in
a position to offer trainees experience of school improvement, the
SCITT Strategic Partnership may defer termination of the
partnership pending an evaluation.
An inability to support trainees due to poor pupil discipline at
that institution or poor management of behaviour by staff.
Failure to undertake effective mentoring, monitoring and support
of trainees.
Failure to allocate resources provided for ITT in the
appropriate fashion.
The provision of training which does not expose trainees to all
of the professional values and practice to be found in the
Teachers' Standards and other appropriate statements of
professional practice as may become applicable from time to
time.
Failure to provide sufficient levels of guidance and
support.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 9 of 27
Failure to promote equality in all elements of their
delivery.
Failure to adhere to criteria and commitments laid out elsewhere
in the Partnership Agreement.
MEDICAL FITNESS TO TEACH Trainees will be required to complete a
health questionnaire. This will be assessed confidentially by an
independent Occupational Health provider. If this highlights
concerns then advice will be recommended. The health questionnaire
will be fully checked to ensure that it complies with the Equality
Act 2010. The health questionnaire has been cleared through the
Archway Learning Trust recruitment procedures to check fair access
and that it contains relevant and targeted questions. BSAN will put
in place any relevant support as advised by the Occupational Health
provider and Trust HR Department as necessary.
RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME
Entry Requirements The QTS + 60 Master Credits (PGCE) Programme
requires all trainees to work at M Level throughout its duration.
In line with this, admission to the programme normally requires all
applicants to hold at least a degree at 2:2 or above, showing
sufficient study in the curriculum subject forming the basis of the
trainee’s teaching specialism. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
may, at its discretion, admit to the programme applicants with less
than a 2:2 Honours degree, including those with equivalent
qualifications. Applicants with overseas qualifications are
required to demonstrate equivalence of the above conditions through
the possession of a statement by UK NARIC to this effect.
Applicants are also required to demonstrate the possession of GCSE
passes (Grades A*-C) in Maths and English or the equivalence of the
same. Applicants may demonstrate equivalence through the completion
of equivalency testing. Primary applicants will also require a GCSE
pass (Grades A*-C) in Science. Overseas Applicants Overseas
applicants from outside the EU must have
Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, or
Permanent residency in the UK, or
Hold UK or EU Nationality
Proof of the same by the Home Office will be required before an
offer can be made of a place on the programme. Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham is unable to admit to the programme any
applicant requiring a visa in order to remain in the UK.
Non-Offer of a Place Students who are not invited to join the
programme after the interview may be given verbal feedback on that
decision at their request within four weeks. The feedback will
include why they have not been offered a place and the grounds
under which any appeals or complaints against decisions on
admission may be made. Qualifications Resulting from Successful
Assessment and Exam Procedures Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
has coupled the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Post
Graduate Certificate of Education with the acquisition of up to 60
Masters Level Credits. The PGCE is accredited and awarded by
Sheffield Hallam University. Matters relating to the award of these
credits are subject to the Quality Assurance procedures of
Sheffield Hallam University a copy of which is provided to all
trainees upon enrolment with Sheffield Hallam University. The award
of M
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 10 of 27
Level credits is a matter for the Board of Examiners of
Sheffield Hallam University and all appeals against decisions of
the aforementioned body are subject to the procedures of the
university. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham is not responsible
for any such decisions by the University and shall not enter into
representations with Sheffield Hallam University on issues of
examiners' decisions or academic appeals in relation the award of M
Level credits. Trainees are advised to pay attention to the
regulations and quality assurance procedures of Sheffield Hallam
University in this regard. The award of M Level Credits shall not
imply fitness to teach, as per the Teachers' Standards, and no
right shall accrue to a trainee in respect of the acquisition of
QTS as a result of the award of M Level Credits by Sheffield Hallam
University
Nature of Assessment Continual and consistent assessment lies at
the heart of teaching and learning on the QTS programme. Bluecoat
SCITT Alliance Nottingham uses clearly defined assessment criteria
to determine a trainee’s fitness for the award of Qualified Teacher
Status. Such criteria are transparent and are determined to measure
trainee progress against the Teachers’ Standards, which form the
learning outcomes of the QTS programme. All trainees shall maintain
a file including the Extended Learning Tasks, demonstrating
progress against the Teachers’ Standards, which shall be
continually assessed throughout the programme. Assessment outcomes
and information shall be used to determine fitness for the award of
QTS, to provide feedback to trainees on their progress and how best
this may be maximised, as well as determining specific trainee
development needs. The purpose of assessment is to enable trainees
to demonstrate that they have fulfilled the learning outcomes of
the programme of study, and achieved the standard required for the
award of QTS, as well as the appropriate number of Masters Credits,
the latter to be determined by Sheffield Hallam University. All
learning outcomes and assessment procedures are designed to reflect
trainee progress at M Level. Assessment is carried out by competent
mentors and moderated by impartial moderators who work to ensure
that trainees are assessed fairly and consistently, and that the
academic and professional rigour of the programme is maintained.
The Exam Board The Exam Board will include at least three
experienced members and shall meet at least once per year. No
trainee may be recommended to the Secretary of State for the award
of QTS without the approval of the Exam Board, meeting in plenary.
The exam board will consist of Vice Principal for Teaching and
Learning, Head of SCITT, Lead of Primary, Subject Lead, and the
External Moderator. The PGCE will hold a separate exam board
covered by Sheffield Hallam University’s exam board regulations.
Without prejudice to any of the constraints laid down elsewhere in
these procedures, the Exam Board has discretion in reaching
decisions on the recommendation of individual candidates for the
award of QTS. The Board is responsible for interpreting these
assessment regulations in line with the requirements for validated
awards and good practice. The judgements of the Exam Board are not,
in themselves, susceptible to reversal and may not be questioned or
overturned. Methods of Assessment Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham makes use of the following types of assessment:
Diagnostic assessment identifies learner aptitude and needs.
Formative assessment delivers feedback on progress and assists with
the design of future learning
activities. Summative assessment determines a learner’s fitness
for the award for which they are training.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 11 of 27
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham’s assessment procedures aim
to:
Be consistent with the learning outcomes and assessment
strategies of the QTS programme.
Support optimum learning and ensure maximum achievement by
trainees.
Provide timely, and meaningful feedback to trainees, which
allows them to make outstanding progress.
Eliminate all forms of unfair practice and plagiarism by
trainees and assessors.
If an individual trainee’s performance demonstrates that the
trainee is making less than the expected level of progress, the
Head of SCITT will provide an informal statement of the areas in
which the trainee is deficient (Action Plan). This will outline
targets set, and a period of time within which progress must be
made against those targets. This period will be followed by a
review and, where necessary, a lesson observation. If an individual
trainee’s performance is likely to be judged unsatisfactory, early
warning will have been given following focused mentoring sessions
and the setting of targets to be achieved. These shall be
accompanied by a “Cause for Concern” letter. Should there be no, or
little progress made against the aforementioned targets, reference
will then be made to the Vice Principal for SCITT who will decide
what action is to be taken or whether to recommend termination of
training to the SCITT Strategic Partnership. Other reasons for the
termination of training are described in the trainee’s Learning
Contract. The SCITT Strategic Partnership and Board of Governors
will meet to endorse the decision. Regular reviews of progress are
undertaken throughout the programme. Details of the frequency of
these reviews are contained in information about the schedule for
assessment. The SCITT’s procedures for failing a trainee will be
applied if an unsatisfactory judgement is made at any such review.
These procedures are (Appendix 1):
1. A monitored support package detailing concerns and linked to
the Teacher Standards. This will be reviewed over a six week
period.
2. If satisfactory progress is not made, a formal monitoring
package will be provided which will include three formal lesson
observations by the SCITT Team, supported by regular observations
by mentors. This is to be carried out over a six week period.
3. The Principal will be notified of any decision to fail a
trainee. The trainee will be informed in writing of this decision,
and of the grounds for its having been taken. The trainee will be
given two working weeks within which to lodge an appeal in writing
with the Principal. An Assessment Appeals Committee within the next
two working weeks will consider the appeal. Its membership will
comprise:
o Appeals Officer – A Member of the Bluecoat SCITT Board of
Governors. o Principal, or his/her Delegate from the Academy
Leadership Group (Chair) o Independent Subject Lead
The result of the appeal and any consequent arrangements will be
communicated to the trainee as soon as possible.
REGULATIONS RELATING TO ASSESSMENT It is the responsibility of
the SCITT Strategic Partnership and the Vice Principal for Teaching
and Learning to consider regulations relating to assessment. The
SCITT Strategic Partnership will consider the feedback of the
external moderator in relation to the consistency of assessment,
and undertake to specify changes that are required to the
assessment regulations that may be required as a result of
deficiencies discovered by the external moderator. Information
resulting from any such deliberations will constitute part of the
annual ITT review and will feed into IPD and SCITT Improvement
Plan.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 12 of 27
The trainees will need to have successfully achieved the
requirements for QTS in order to pass. In addition the award (PGCE)
of up to 60 Masters Level Credits may be awarded by Sheffield
Hallam University, in compliance with the assessments procedures of
the university, where its examiners deem the work completed by the
trainee in pursuance of this qualification to be sufficient. The
assessment regulations apply equally to all considerations about
trainee progress, irrespective of when during the programme such
considerations take place, and by whom. Assessment Procedures,
Progression and Support Mentors will set targets weekly, to be
reviewed at the subsequent weekly meeting. Regular review meetings
following formal observation by the Subject Lead, assisted by the
mentor, will also include targeting areas for development, further
practice and further learning. Where appropriate, early warning of
under-performance, followed by a Cause for Concern letter may be
issued following these reviews. All ITT staff involved in
assessment are reminded of the paramount importance of early
detection of under-performance. At each review, matters which may
lead to failure to meet the Teachers' Standards must be recorded,
and where appropriate, an informal warning or a Cause for Concern
letter issued, upon consultation with the Head of SCITT and the
Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning. As noted above, all forms
of assessment will be implemented to facilitate progression, to
ensure consistency and to judge trainee progression against the
Teachers’ Standards.
The informal warning is given to a trainee who is considered to
be making less than the expected progress at that particular point
in their school-based professional training. The Cause for Concern
letter is issued by the Head of SCITT upon the advice of the
mentor, Subject Lead and/or Head of SCITT where a trainee is at
risk of failing to meet the Teachers’ Standards. It may be issued
at any point in the programme. Risk of failure, therefore, is
judged against the normal expectations of a trainee at the point in
their training at which performance is being assessed. Neither
document above is a notification of failure but is intended to
focus the trainee on action points that need to be met if
sufficient progress for a later pass is to be made.
TRAINEE MISCONDUCT IN ASSESSMENT Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham defines misconduct in assessment as any action or
behaviour likely to confer an unfair advantage on a trainee, or
impose and unfair disadvantage on another, such as plagiarism,
disruption of the progress of another, collusion, falsification, or
any failure to adhere to commonly recognised standards of academic
and professional behaviour. This list is not, however, exhaustive.
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham specifies: • Conditions relating
to working in groups and the appropriate presentation of group
work. • The consequences of breaching regulations on misconduct in
relation to assessment. Group work that is presented for assessment
must be a fair and equal representation of the input of all members
of the group. Where this is not the case, this must be explicitly
stated in the work presented for assessment and all members of the
group retain joint and several responsibility for the honesty of
their submission in this regard, as in all others. Where work has
been presented on behalf of a group, and where a trainee has not
made an equal and fair contribution to the work presented, failure
to provide acknowledgement of the same will result in misconduct in
assessment being attributed to all members of the group. To this
end, trainees are hereby admonished:
1. To present group work only where it is appropriate. 2. To
include in any such work a statement of contributions to the piece
presented for
assessment.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 13 of 27
Where group work acknowledges a disproportionate contribution by
its members, credit (recognition of progress towards the Teachers’
Standards) shall be awarded in direct proportion to the
contribution of each member. Where this is impossible, the Exam
Board may, at its discretion, decline to accept work submitted as
evidence towards the meeting of the Teachers’ Standards. Initial
investigations in relation to misconduct in assessment will be led
by the Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning and the outcome of
such investigations reported to the Exam Board. The Vice Principal
for Teaching and Learning, upon approval by the Principal and the
SCITT Strategic Partnership, shall have the authority to suspend a
trainee suspected of misconduct for the duration of the
investigation, and thereafter until the meeting of the Exam Board,
where necessary. Suspension shall be communicated in writing,
stating the reasons for the suspension and its expected duration.
All results of an investigation, whatever the outcome, will be
reported to the Exam Board, which has the discretion to overturn
the initial findings of the Vice Principal for Teaching and
Learning if it so chooses. The Exam Board is responsible for
decisions in relation to suspected cases of misconduct in
assessment and operates within the following general guidelines:
Where a case of misconduct is suspected the Exam Board will suspend
its judgment until the facts surrounding such suspicion have been
established, using such precedent as is available to assist with
the establishment of the facts where required. Where a case of
misconduct has been established the Exam Board has absolute
discretion to dispose of the case as it sees fit, having regard to
the seriousness of the misconduct, its effect on the trainees’
outcomes and the impact on academic and professional standards
maintained by Bluecoat Academy SCITT. Any finding of misconduct, as
well of the consequent decision by the Exam Board, will be
communicated to the SCITT Strategic Partnership. Where evidence
becomes available subsequent to the recommendation of the Exam
Board it will be possible for the matter to be re-opened.
Suspension of training shall not result in a liability by
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham to refund or repay tuition fees
under any circumstances. Fees shall remain payable in line with the
schedule dictated by the Learning Contract and shall still be
incumbent upon the trainee personally, irrespective of their source
of finance. In light of this, and to avoid unnecessary financial
distress wherever possible, suspension will be implemented only
where absolutely necessary, and will be expedited as early and as
rapidly as possible. Trainees returning from a period of
suspension, where no misconduct has been found, shall receive
support to catch up on work and assessments that may have been
missed, but shall not be entitled to financial compensation in the
absence of malice; such malice being presented with empirical
evidence to the Principal for his or her sole consideration.
ASSESSMENT APPEALS The aim of this procedure is to enable
trainees to appeal against a decision in respect of an assessment
event that may result in failure to meet the Teachers’ Standards.
An assessment event includes formal or informal progress reviews
(including review of progress following a “Cause for Concern”), and
the completion of assessment forms that contribute towards the
trainee’s folio of evidence, where the finding is that the trainee
is likely to fail the programme. Appeals based solely on a
disagreement with the professional judgement of the mentor, Subject
Lead, Head of SCITT, Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning or
External Moderator in assessing the merit of an individual piece of
work or trainee’s performance, and judgements about the grading of
a trainee, other than a grading of “Unsatisfactory”, will not be
considered.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 14 of 27
Grounds for Appeal An Assessment Appeals Committee with
authority delegated by the Board of Governors and SCITT Strategic
Partnership, shall have the authority to deal with appeals against
assessment decisions based upon one of the following grounds:
That the trainee’s assessment performance had been adversely
affected by circumstances which the trainee could not have
reasonably divulged at the time of the original assessment.
Submissions made on these grounds will only be considered where
accompanied by documentary evidence.
Administrative error materially affecting the relevant
assessment event.
Procedural irregularities with regards to the assessment of
trainee evidence, or the conduct of reviews.
Prerequisites to an Appeal Before a formal commencement of an
appeal, it is expected that the trainee discuss the grievance with
an appropriate mentor, Subject Lead, Head of SCITT or Vice
Principal for Teaching and Learning. An independent representative
will be made available on request.
Preliminary Appeal 1. An appeal must be made in writing within
14 days of the assessment event or review meeting, to
the Appeals Officer of Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham. 3.
The Appeals Officer shall have 10 days to investigate the appeal
with relevant individuals and
communicate the outcome of the appeal to the trainee. 4. If the
Appeals Officer is of the opinion that there are justifiable
grounds for appeal, then the Vice
Principal for Teaching and Learning and Head of SCITT will be
consulted with a view to amending the original assessment. This
finding shall also be communicated to the External Moderator and
SCITT Strategic Partnership.
5. Where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the original
assessment was fair, the trainee will be informed of the reasons
for the decision.
6. If the trainee does not accept the outcome of the appeal,
they may move to Full Appeal.
Full Appeal
1. Continuation of an appeal by the trainee must be communicated
by the trainee to the Appeals
Officer in writing within 10 days of the Preliminary Appeal
decision. 2. On receipt of such notice, the Appeals Officer will
convene a meeting of the Assessment Appeals
Committee within 14 days. 3. The Academic Appeals Committee
shall be composed of five members. This will include: Appeals
Officer – A Member of the SCITT Board of Governors. Principal, or
his/her Delegate from the Academy Leadership Group (Chair)
Independent Subject Lead A quorum of three shall be required to
constitute the Committee and must include the Appeals Officer, the
Chair and an independent Subject Lead. 4. Members of departments
directly involved in the appeal shall be ineligible for membership
of the
Committee.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 15 of 27
5. Both the trainee and original assessor will be informed of
the date of the appeal meeting at least seven days in advance and
will be invited to attend. Any written statements or documentary
evidence must be provided to the Appeals Officer five days in
advance of the meeting to allow time for distribution to the other
members of the Committee.
The Academic Appeals Committee Meeting
1. A quorum of three is required to constitute the
Committee.
2. The trainee may be accompanied by a representative, but the
meeting shall not be open to any other individuals.
3. The Committee shall have the authority to require any other
person to appear before it,
should it be considered necessary for the proper consideration
of the appeal.
4. The Committee will adjourn after the hearing to consider the
evidence and arguments presented to it. Only its members may be
present at this time.
5. The only options open to the Committee shall be to:
Dismiss the appeal and restore the original assessment
decision.
Uphold the appeal, in which case it shall request those
responsible for the initial decision to reconsider that decision in
the light of new evidence.
6. The trainee will be notified of the Appeals Committee
decision without delay.
7. The Appeals Officer and Chair of the Assessment Appeals
Committee shall agree the
confidential minutes of the meeting.
8. If the Committee decides in favour of the trainee, the
assessors responsible for the original decision shall meet within
14 days and their new assessment decision communicated to the
Appeals Officer and Chair of the Assessment Appeals Committee,
before informing the trainee of the final decision.
All trainees who are dissatisfied with the findings of the
Assessment Appeals Committee are entitled to refer their case to
the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, details of which can be
found at http://www.oiahe.org.uk/ .
TRAINEE DISCIPLINE All work undertaken in a school or other
environment that brings an individual into contact with children
carries a fiduciary duty in respect of conduct and behaviour and
all trainees are expected to conduct themselves in line with their
legal responsibilities as adults in light of this. Due respect must
be paid to the good name and reputation of the institutions
involved. Provisional registration with DfE & TRA on entry to
the programme brings trainee teachers into the same regulatory
framework as serving teachers and ensures that the same standards
of behaviour be observed. Further detail on the standard of
behaviour required of teachers can be found in the Teachers’
Standards as exemplified on the DfE website. Staff, other trainees,
and other members of the school or academy community may bring a
complaint against a trainee if the following breaches of behaviour
occur:
Any form of misconduct in assessment. Dishonesty of any kind,
and in particular falsification of identity or qualifications in
order to
obtain admission to the programme or to obtain a pecuniary
advantage.
http://www.oiahe.org.uk/
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 16 of 27
Failure to disclose information relating to previous criminal
convictions, cautions, bind-overs or other such penal sanction as
applies any jurisdiction.
Engaging in any behaviour liable to give offence to pupils,
trainees, staff or the local community, particularly (but not
limited to) racist, sexual or sexist behaviour.
Preventing, obstructing or disrupting the normal business of
educational institutions or the delivery of teaching and learning
to trainees by Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham.
Misappropriation of funds or assets of Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham or partner institutions.
Deliberate or reckless misuse or abuse of equipment or resources
of any member of the Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
partnership, whether or not damage occurs as a result.
Invading or attempting to invade the privacy and security of
confidential material and files, including those held within
computer systems.
Failure to follow the accepted codes of dress and behaviour of
our partner institutions. Persistent lack of punctuality or
persistent absenteeism without the provision of a medical
note by a registered General Practitioner. However, nothing in
the preceding comment shall excuse a trainee from compliance with
the conditions relating to medical fitness to teach, nor shall the
provision of a medical note prevent Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham from taking such action as prescribed in the section
above on Medical Fitness to Teach.
If any of the above occurs the Principal or Headteacher at the
institution concerned has the authority to withdraw the offer of a
placement in and will inform the Principal at Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham. No obligation shall arise on the part of the
SCITT to find an alternative placement for the trainee, who may
subsequently be subject to temporary or permanent termination of
training without refund or repayment of tuition of fees. The
payment of fees, as laid down in the Learning Contract, shall still
be incumbent upon the trainee personally, irrespective of their
source of finance. The circumstances that may lead to permanent or
temporary termination of training are not exhaustive, and are
driven in the spirit of the Teachers’ Standards. However, the
following particular instances fall to be outlined:
A. Medical Fitness to Teach
Medical fitness to teach, as prescribed by DfE Circular 4/99 (or
as amended) determines the minimum level of medical fitness
required for admission and completion of initial teacher training
in England. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham may impose permanent
or temporary termination of training under the following
conditions:
1. Confirmation by an independent physician that a trainee’s
health has deteriorated prior to, or during training, such that the
minimum conditions laid out above cease to be met. An “independent
physician” shall not be related to the trainee or have acted as the
trainee’s own GP. Engagement of an independent physician shall be
determined by the Vice Principal for SCITT, upon the raising of a
concern about a trainee’s health. In the event that a medical
opinion shall be required in the circumstances outlined in points
[3] below, any associated costs shall fall to be settled by the
trainee. This condition shall form part of the learning contract
signed by the trainee upon enrolment.
2. Failure by a trainee to submit to a medical assessment as in
point [1] above, or failure to comply with the conditions imposed
by an independent physician, including regular monitoring during
the training programme.
3. Failure to disclose all medical information or falsifying
medical information relating to a condition which would otherwise
render the trainee ineligible for training, or which arises during
the programme.
B. Professional Incompetence
In order to gain Qualified Teacher Status, it is a requirement
that trainees must meet all of the Teachers’ Standards. A copy of
these will be provided to all trainees upon registration with
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 17 of 27
The Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning, under the
authority of the Principal, shall consider termination of
training:
Where, in the professional judgement of the SCITT a trainee
cannot demonstrate basic competence and ability to conduct
themselves professionally and to fulfil the duties of a
teacher.
Where a trainee does not meet targets set to rectify a cause for
concern persistently fails to follow advice.
Where a cause for concern is deemed to be substantially and
materially impeding pupil progress.
On receipt of any information in respect of the above points,
the Head of SCITT or Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning will
advise the Principal and undertake an investigation, including an
interview of the trainee. If an investigation determines that the
offence is not borne out, it shall be dismissed. No record of the
case will be retained. If the offence is established, the Principal
shall implement the Disciplinary Procedure. The Principal may:
1. Issue a verbal warning or formal written warning concerning
future conduct (in either case to be noted on the trainee’s
record).
2. Refer the matter to the Board of Governors for consideration
of temporary or permanent termination of training.
Trainees disciplined under 1, or 2 above have the right to
appeal in writing to the Chair of the Governing Body within seven
days of being notified of the decision. To assist with dealing with
the appeal, the Chair of the Governing may convene an advisory
panel consisting of himself, a nominated member of the Board of
Governors and an independent person. No one sitting on the panel
may have been hitherto involved with the case. The panel will be
advisory to the Chair who will be solely responsible for the final
decision. All cases shall be heard within 14 days of the referral
being made. Both the trainee and Principal would be invited to
present reasons for mitigation or the reasons for the original
decision. The recommendations to be made by the panel would be to
advise the Principal that
The appeal has been upheld. The original disciplinary decision
has been confirmed as made. The original disciplinary decision has
been confirmed, with an alteration of sanction.
The decision of the Chair of the Governing Body is subject to
further appeal to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator,
details of which can be found at http://www.oiahe.org.uk/. The
trainee will be informed in writing of the reasons for the decision
without delay. Confidential minutes of the panel meeting and
decision will be kept on record with the Chair. In the event of
suspension or expulsion the Principal is required to inform DfE
& TRA of any trainee teachers removed from or leaving the
course as a result of misconduct.
http://www.oiahe.org.uk/
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 18 of 27
Termination shall not give rise to refund or repayment of
tuition fees, which remain payable by the trainee in line with the
schedule prescribed in the Learning Contract. Trainees remain
personally liable for payment of fees, irrespective of their source
of funding.
TRAINEE WITHDRAWAL Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham will take
all reasonable steps to support a trainee’s completion of the
programme. BSAN will undertake special measures to support trainees
whose continued participation becomes difficult, or appears
untenable. Nonetheless, there may be personal or professional
reasons motivating withdrawal from the programme, either at the
election of the trainee or upon the advice of another, following
due reflection and decision. Occasionally, a trainee may decide or
be advised to interrupt the course for personal reasons or to gain
wider experience or knowledge before continuing. The Principal
shall have sole authority to sanction interruption and subsequent
continuation of training. Unilateral interruption of training
without the agreement of the Principal shall be deemed to be full
withdrawal, and no readmission shall be permitted without a new
application for admission in the next academic year. In any event,
support and counselling will be available from mentors, Subject
Leads, the Head of SCITT and the Vice Principal for Teaching and
Learning. When a decision to withdraw has been made, the SCITT Team
should be notified and Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham will
begin withdrawal procedures.
Withdrawal of any sort shall not automatically give rise to
refund or repayment of tuition fees, which remain payable by the
trainee in line with the schedule prescribed in the Learning
Contract. Trainees remain personally liable for payment of fees,
irrespective of their source of funding. Depending on the
circumstances of the withdrawal, the Principal may waive this
requirement on compassionate grounds, and shall have sole
discretion in this regard. A formal exit form should be completed
to be compliant with school/academy safeguarding procedures, and
ongoing quality assurance.
ASSESSMENT BY FILE AND REASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITIES All of the
Teachers' Standards must be demonstrated for the award of QTS to be
made. Given the continuous nature of assessment all trainees have
several opportunities throughout the year to receive feedback on
their progress, and to rectify any areas of concern in good time
before the Exam Board is convened. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham engages to comply fully with the regulations outlined
above on early detection of underperformance, in particular the
support and target arrangements to be initiated where
underperformance has been detected. As a result, and in keeping
with the method of assessment by file, reassessment opportunities
shall not normally be available to a trainee whose file fails to
demonstrate fulfilment of the Teachers’ Standards at the Exam Board
meeting. Nonetheless, the Exam Board has the sole and absolute
discretion to interpret these regulations flexibly and may grant an
extension to the period of training, in order to allow a trainee
more time to fulfil all of the Teachers’ Standards. Without
prejudice to this discretion, no extension will normally be granted
except where valid reasons for poor performance – specified below -
can be made out. No extension will be granted following any illness
which gives rise to doubts over medical fitness to teach as per the
regulations outlined elsewhere in this handbook. Where an extension
is granted, a trainee will be reassessed for QTS according to the
same standards as the original requirements for assessment. The
Exam Board will specify the evidence required to be provided by the
trainee and the period of time given for the extension. A trainee
may be required to undertake specific training activities again
before reassessment. Where an extension crosses from one academic
year to another, fees shall fall to be paid in line with the fee
schedule stipulated for the new academic year, in addition to any
fees already charged. Trainees remain personally liable
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 19 of 27
for the payment of fees, irrespective of their funding source.
Independently of the decision of the Exam Board, the Principal has
sole and absolute discretion to waive any additional fee
obligation, or otherwise redefine the fee due and schedule for
payment, on compassionate grounds. Failure to meet the conditions
stated by the Exam Board for reassessment, or failure to fulfil the
Teachers’ Standards in their entirety upon reassessment shall
result in a trainee failing the programme. In this event, DfE &
TRA shall be notified and provisional registration as a trainee
teacher revoked.
ASSESSMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham is committed to making every reasonable effort
to accommodate trainees who are legitimately prevented from meeting
all of the assessment criteria, by reason of special needs. Nothing
in this commitment shall require Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
to deviate from its legal and regulatory obligations in relation to
Health and Safety, medical fitness to teach or professional
incompetence. The Exam Board may vary the methods of assessment
taking into account the learning outcomes of the programme and the
need to assess all trainees on equal terms. Such procedures would
are to be agreed by the Exam Board prior to a trainee’s first
interim review. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham is not required
to guarantee that special arrangements can be made in all cases,
especially taking into account the regulatory requirements listed
above. However, where special arrangements cannot be made, the
reason will be given to the trainee in writing. Failure to
implement any special arrangements which have been formally agreed
may be grounds for an appeal.
VALID REASONS FOR POOR PERFORMANCE Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham will make provision for valid reasons for poor
performance to be taken into account by assessors and by the Exam
Board. Where valid reasons are given prior to the meeting of the
Exam Board, assessors will make provision, and set targets as
deemed to be reasonable, having regard to the nature of the trainee
deficiency, and the amount of time left before presentation of the
trainee file to the Exam Board is required. Where valid reasons are
given to the Exam Board, a reassessment opportunity may be given at
the sole discretion of the Exam Board, as outlined above in the
procedures for reassessment. Poor performance might be a result of
extenuating circumstances, trainee absence and/or poor performance
in part of an assessment activity. Valid reasons may be illness or
some other unforeseen or sudden circumstance that was outside the
trainee’s control. No reason shall be valid unless corroborated by
written evidence. Ultimately, the Exam Board will decide whether or
not the trainee has presented a valid case and shall have sole
discretion to dispose of the presentation as it sees fit, having
regard to the need to treat all trainees equally and fairly,
without placing any trainee at an unfair advantage or disadvantage.
Where the Exam Board is not satisfied that the trainee has
presented a valid case, the trainee does not have a right to be
reassessed. Where the Exam Board is satisfied that there is
sufficient evidence of the trainee’s achievement, the trainee may
be recommended for the award of QTS. In order to reach a decision
the Exam Board may assess the candidate by whatever means it
considers appropriate.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 20 of 27
COMPLAINTS The majority of issues raised by staff, trainees,
parents or pupils are concerns rather than complaints. Bluecoat
SCITT Alliance is committed to taking concerns seriously, at the
earliest stage, in the hope of keeping the number of formal
complaints to a minimum and without recourse to formal procedures.
However, in those instances where a trainee does not feel that a
concern has been addressed, or it is of sufficient gravity, then
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance’s formal complaints procedure should be
used. The prime aim of Bluecoat SCITT Alliance’s policy is to
resolve the complaint as fairly and speedily as possible. Formal
complaints will be dealt with in a sensitive, impartial and
confidential manner. The following details outline the stages that
can be used to resolve complaints. The Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Policy has five main stages In summary they are as follows: Stage 1
A concern is raised informally with an appropriate member of
staff.
If the matter is not resolved then it goes to: Stage 2 Bluecoat
SCITT Alliance receives a formal written complaint. If the matter
is not
resolved then the complaint goes to: Stage 3 The Principal of
Archway Learning Trust who hears the details of the complaint
and
arranges a further investigation. If the matter is still not
resolved then the complaint goes to:
Stage 4 The Governing Body’s Complaints Appeal Panel for a
formal hearing of the complaint. Stage 5 Reference of the complaint
to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator Stage 1 – Raising a
concern Concerns can be raised with BSAN at any time and will often
generate an immediate response which will resolve the concern.
Apart from BSAN normal procedures for consultation with trainees,
or other arranged meetings with specific staff, BSAN requests that
trainees make their first contact with their Mentor, or Subject
Trainer. On some occasions the concern raised may require
investigation or discussion with others, in which case there will
be an informal but informed response within a day or two. It is
anticipated that the vast majority of concerns will be
satisfactorily dealt with in this way. Stage 2 – Making a complaint
Formal complaints should be put in writing and addressed to Archway
Learning Trust Principal. The complaint will be logged, including
the date it was received. The Trust will normally acknowledge
receipt of the complaint within two days of receiving it. At this
stage the complaint will be delegated to the Leadership member with
direct responsibility for the particular area (in this case
normally the Head of BSAN). Following further investigation, that
will consider any action that the Trust has taken to resolve the
issue, the Trust will provide either a written response or convene
a meeting to discuss the matter. This meeting will normally take
place within five working days of the receipt of the formal
complaint, but in any case, within no more than ten working days.
If, on the other hand, it is felt that the matter is too serious to
be dealt with at this stage, then the matter will be passed
directly to the Principal * (see Stage 3 below). The aim will be to
resolve the matter as speedily as possible.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 21 of 27
Stage 3 – Further Investigation If the matter has not been
resolved at Stage 2, or it is felt that the matter is too serious
to be dealt with at Stage 2, the Principal, or another designated
member of senior staff, will undertake a further investigation.
Following the investigation, the academy will normally give a
verbal or written response within five working days but in any case
within no more than ten working days. * N.B. In cases where the
matter concerns the conduct of the Principal, or Vice Principal for
Teaching and Learning both the Governing Body and the Principal
will be informed of the complaint and the governors will arrange
for the matter to be investigated further. The Trust will normally
give a response within five working days, but in any case within no
more than ten working days. Stage 4 – Appeal If the matter has
still not been resolved at Stage 3, then the academy will advise
the complainant of the right to refer the complaint to the
Governing Body. Complainants should send their written complaint to
the Chair of Governors asking for the matter to be considered by
the Governors’ Appeal Panel with delegated powers to hear
complaints. The hearing will normally take place within ten working
days of the written request for Stage 4 investigation. The aim of
the Appeal panel hearing is to impartially resolve the complaint
and to achieve reconciliation between the school and the
complainant. All parties will be notified of the Panel’s decision
in writing within three working days after the date of the hearing.
The letter will also contain details of any further rights of
redress available. Stage 5 – OIA Trainees may refer their complaint
to the Office for the Independent Adjudicator, details of which can
be found at http://www.oiahe.org.uk/ or via post: Office for the
Independent Adjudicator Second Floor Abbey Gate 57 – 75 Kings Road
Reading RG1 3AB Telephone: 0118 959 9813 Email:
[email protected]
http://www.oiahe.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 22 of 27
CONDITIONS FOR THE AWARD OF QTS The Examination Board is
responsible for recommending the award of QTS. Successful
completion of the course will require (inter alia):
1. Completion of all work to a minimum satisfactory level
including Extended Learning Tasks. 3. Completion of teaching
practice which meets the minimum expectation against the
Teaching
Standards. 4. High level of attendance (usually 95%) and
punctuality for all elements of the course. Attendance
falling below this may require additionally training days to be
added at the discretion of the Vice Principal for Teaching and
Learning. Attendance that is below 90% will be brought to the
attention of the Final Exam Board.
All trainees are informed that recommendation for the award of
QTS shall be determined by the Exam Board, whose decision shall be
final, subject to the findings of the Assessment Appeals Committee,
where appropriate. No trainee whose classroom performance is deemed
to fall into the “standards not met” category may be deemed fit for
the award of QTS, and no representations will be entered into by
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham that the contents of the
trainee’s file mitigates poor classroom performance. Progress will
be checked weekly and targets set for the following week. Failure
to meet these targets may result in the trainee receiving a “Cause
for Concern” letter. This is not an indication of failure, but is a
notification of the risk of failure and a statement of areas in
which the trainee is making less than satisfactory progress, with a
timescale within which such matters should be rectified. Failure to
respond appropriately to a “Cause for Concern”, however, can lead
to the termination of training. This is decided by the Head of
SCITT and shall be subject only to the provisions for Assessment
Appeals outlined in the Quality Assurance Handbook.
CIRCUMSTANCES FOR SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF TRAINING All work
undertaken in a school or other environment that brings an
individual into contact with children carries a fiduciary duty in
respect of conduct and behaviour and all trainees are expected to
conduct themselves in line with their legal responsibilities as
adults in light of this. Due respect must be paid to the good name
and reputation of the institutions involved. Provisional
registration with DfE & TRA on entry to the programme brings
trainee teachers into the same regulatory framework as serving
teachers and ensures that the same standards of behaviour be
observed. Further detail on the standard of behaviour required of
teachers can be found in the Teachers’ Standards as exemplified on
the DfE website. 1. Trainee Misconduct The following particular
instances constitute trainee misconduct. This list is not
exhaustive.
Any form of misconduct in assessment. Dishonesty of any kind,
and in particular falsification of identity or qualifications in
order to
obtain admission to the programme or to obtain a pecuniary
advantage. Failure to disclose information relating to previous
criminal convictions, cautions, bind-overs
or other such penal sanction as applies in any jurisdiction,
insofar as this is required by the Department of Education and
current legal and regulatory frameworks.
Engaging in any behaviour liable to give offence to pupils,
trainees, staff or the local community, particularly (but not
limited to) racist, sexual or sexist behaviour.
Preventing, obstructing or disrupting the normal business of
educational institutions or the delivery of teaching and learning
to trainees by Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham.
Misappropriation of funds or assets of Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham or partner
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 23 of 27
institutions. Deliberate or reckless misuse or abuse of
equipment or resources of any member of the
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham partnership, whether or not
damage occurs as a result. Invading or attempting to invade the
privacy and security of confidential material and files,
including those held within computer systems. Failure to follow
the accepted codes of dress and behaviour of our partner
institutions. Any act which contravenes Safeguarding regulations at
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham or
any partner institutions. Persistent lack of punctuality or
persistent absenteeism without the provision of a medical
note by a registered General Practitioner. However, nothing in
the preceding comment shall excuse a trainee from compliance with
the conditions relating to medical fitness to teach, nor shall the
provision of a medical note prevent Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham from taking such action as prescribed in sections
elsewhere on Medical Fitness to Teach.
If any of the above occurs (or other such event deemed to be
misconduct by Bluecoat Academy SCITT) the Vice Principal for
Teaching and Learning has the authority to withdraw the offer of a
placement and will inform the Principal at Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Nottingham. No obligation shall arise on the part of the SCITT to
find an alternative placement for the trainee, who may subsequently
be subject to temporary or permanent termination of training
without refund or repayment of tuition of fees. The payment of
fees, as laid down in the Learning Contract, shall still be
incumbent upon the trainee personally, irrespective of their source
of finance. 2. Physical and Mental Fitness to Teach
Medical fitness to teach, as prescribed by DfEE Circular 4/99
(or as amended) determines the minimum level of medical fitness
required for admission and completion of initial teacher training
in England. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham may impose permanent
or temporary termination of training under the following
conditions:
1. Confirmation by an independent physician that a trainee’s
health has deteriorated prior to, or during training, such that the
minimum conditions laid out for fitness to teach cease to be met.
An “independent physician” is a GP appointed by Bluecoat SCITT, who
shall not be related to the trainee or have acted as the trainee’s
own GP. Engagement of an independent physician shall be determined
by the Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning, upon the raising
of a concern about a trainee’s health. In the event that a medical
opinion shall be required in the circumstances outlined in points
[3] below, any associated costs shall fall to be settled by the
trainee. This condition shall form part of the learning contract
signed by the trainee upon enrolment.
2. Failure by a trainee to submit to a medical assessment as in
point [1] above, or failure to comply with the conditions imposed
by an independent physician, including regular monitoring during
the training programme.
3. Failure to disclose all medical information or falsifying
medical information relating to a condition which would otherwise
render the trainee ineligible for training, or which arises during
the programme.
3. Professional Incompetence In order to gain Qualified Teacher
Status, it is a requirement that trainees must meet all the
Standards as identified in the Teachers' Standards (DfE: 2013) The
Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning, shall consider
termination of training:
Where, in the professional judgement of the SCITT a trainee
cannot demonstrate basic competence and ability to conduct
themselves professionally and to fulfil the duties of a teacher
Where a trainee does not meet targets set to rectify a cause for
concern or persistently fails
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 24 of 27
to follow advice
Where a cause for concern is deemed to be substantially and
materially impeding pupil progress
Full copies of the appeals and complaints procedures can be
found in the handbook. The Vice Principal for SCITT is required to
inform the Department for Education of any trainee teachers removed
from or leaving the course as a result of misconduct.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Partner institutions undertake to ensure
that they are fully compliant with their obligations under Health
and Safety legislation and that the necessary Employers and Public
Liability insurance arrangements are in place. Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham does not provide personal accident or property
insurance in respect of you, your vehicle, or third parties injured
by you in transit to or from training. Whilst Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that
trainees have appropriate skills, honesty and reliability, no
liability will be accepted by Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
for any loss, damage or expense arising from a trainee’s
negligence, misconduct or inability. We cannot be held responsible
for your actions, errors and omissions. Conditions for the award of
up to 60 Masters Credits are determined by Sheffield Hallam
University, whose quality assurance procedures and academic
regulations apply to this component of the programme. All decisions
in relation to the award of Masters Credits are made by the Exam
Board at Sheffield Hallam University, whose decisions are final,
subject to such procedures for appeal Sheffield Hallam University
may prescribe from time to time. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham
is not responsible for any such decisions by the University and
shall not enter into representations with Sheffield Hallam
University on issues of examiners' decisions or academic appeals in
relation the award of M Level credits. Trainees are advised to pay
attention to the regulations and quality assurance procedures of
Sheffield Hallam University in this regard, which documentation
will be available to trainees upon registration for the MA
programme. The award of M Level Credits shall not imply fitness to
teach, as per the Teachers' Standards, and no right shall accrue to
a trainee in respect of the acquisition of QTS as a result of the
award of M Level Credits by Sheffield Hallam University.
Recommendation for the award of QTS shall be determined by the Exam
Board of Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham, whose decision shall
be final, subject to the findings of an Assessment Appeals
Committee, as necessary.
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 25 of 27
FINANCIAL AND SUPPORT PROCEDURES 2019/20: The course fees for
Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham are set at £9000 per annum for
September 2019. This is due as per the schedules below.
INSTALMENT DUE DATE TUITION FEE
First 16th
October 2019 25%
Second 5th
February 2020 25%
Third 6th
May 2020 50%
We will ask for confirmation of how trainees intend to pay BSAN
on the first day of term if you have not already informed us [CROSS
REFERENCE DOCUMENT “Tuition Fee Agreement Form” e.g
Cheque or credit card for the full amount (cheques made payable
to Archway Learning Trust)
Debit card payments for the full amount
By tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company (application
is the responsibility of the trainee)
BACS payments
If payment has not been made within 14 days (including weekends)
of the instalment due dates, a £50 late payment fee will be
incurred. In addition, Bluecoat SCITT Alliance reserves the right
to consider restricting access to the full SCITT programme. If a
trainee leaves before 1
st December 2019 they will be liable for the first £4000. If
they leave on or
after 1st December 2019, or your training is terminated by BSAN
you will be liable for the full £9000
fee. The recommendation for QTS and M Level Credits will be
withheld from any trainee who fails to honour monetary debts or
fails to return any equipment or books loaned to them by BSAN or
its partner institutions. Please note that trainees remain
personally liable for payment of their fees, irrespective of their
source of funding. Refusal to provide funding by Student Finance
England does not exempt a trainee from the requirement to settle
all fees promptly. If a trainee were to withdraw or fail the QTS
element being offered by BSAN, there would be an option for the
trainee to continue with the PGCE offered by Sheffield Hallam
University. Any outstanding fees owed to Sheffield Hallam
University would become the responsibility of the trainee.
Financial Incentives
Bursary or Scholarship The Department for Education will pay
training bursaries of various amounts depending on specialism. Full
details of available bursaries, together with conditions for
payments can be found at
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding Scholarships
are paid in the same way as the bursary but are approved by the
Professional Association for the relevant subject. Trainees will
need to make an application to the Professional Association and be
assessed as eligible accordingly. Please note that bursaries or
scholarships, where payable, are transferred to trainees on
approval or meeting the eligibility criteria by Bluecoat SCITT
Alliance Nottingham and that trainees will be required to provide
bank account details for the receipt of their bursary for this
purpose. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance Nottingham reserves the right to
reclaim any funds paid to a trainee in error, or as a result of
false declarations. No trainee shall be recommended for the award
of QTS until all financial obligations are fulfilled. Tuition fees
shall not be settled by offsetting bursary or scholarship payments
against tuition fees owed.
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 26 of 27
Additional Financial Support Refer to the following DfE websites
for up to date information about other loans and grants available
each year (as this is subject to change):
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training/extra-financial-support
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training/tuition-fee-and-maintenance-loans
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training/extra-financial-supporthttps://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training/tuition-fee-and-maintenance-loanshttps://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training/tuition-fee-and-maintenance-loans
-
“Supportive and tailored training of teachers for the
future!”
Accredited provider of quality School Based Teacher Training –
awarding QTS
Archway Learning Trust Registered in England and Wales.
Registration No. 7875164 Registered Office: Aspley Lane,
Nottingham, NG8 5GY
Page 27 of 27
ITT REVIEW This review will take place over 1 day and may
include all subject leaders, the Head of SCITT and mentors from
partner schools. The review will be undertaken by either, the
Principal, their delegate or someone that BSAN employ to undertake
the review. The report should give brief feedback on each of the
key headings.
1. Compliance of the SCITT Against ITT Compliance Compliance
against
Entry slection
Training
Management
Employment
Financial
2. Benchmarking Against Ofsted Criteria
Outcomes for trainees
Quality of training across the Partnership
Leadership and management of the partnership
3. Quality and Consistency of Observations
Observation records
Feedbacks
Targets
Action Plans
4. Monitoring of Progress against QTS standards.
Assessment
Moderation evidence
Early Detection of Under-Performance and Intervention
5. Quality of trainee experience
Feedback from trainees
Session evaluations
Record keeping/meetings logs and targets
Quality of trainee file