Our initial teacher training is underpinned by a quality assurance framework that outlines the mechanisms in place to quality assure all programmes at St Mary’s University. This consists of a combination of centre-based and placement-based structures. As part of school experience, expert colleagues will be involved in these quality assurance processes throughout their time working with trainees.
Quality assurance of placement-based training
- Partnership agreements outline compliance related information for school partnerships, as well as the roles and responsibilities of those involved in facilitating placement-based training. These are signed annually and form the agreement by which placements can be assigned.
- Student agreements outline the universities expectations of trainees, including their professional practice during placement-based training and are signed annually.
- Training plans are tailored to each phase of placement-based training and provide a clear structure for progression over the course of a programme. These include teaching expectations, research foci, weekly activities and other relevant details for school experience. Different training plans are also provided for specific settings, such as EYFS and SEND.
- Professional Coordinating Mentor (PCM) training is offered at the start of and periodically throughout the academic year. This training supports those overseeing the mentors working with trainees on placement-based training. Agenda items include role of a PCM, placement expectations, the St Mary’s curriculum and support for working with mentors.
- Mentor training is required for those working with St Mary’s trainees. Curriculum training is offered in key areas to allow for connectivity between centre-based training and placement- based training. Depending on the phase of placement, mentors are required to attend different training sessions to best enable understanding of how to promote trainee development. Additional training is available on the Partnership Portal and forms part of our CPD package for St Mary’s mentors.
- Link tutor training is provided throughout the academic year in response to needs arising from moderation and context specific requirements. They are also offered training that mirrors the curriculum content delivered to mentors to allow for triangulation of understanding and to enable them to effectively fulfil their quality assurance role. Additional training is offered to new link tutors in conjunction with the opportunity to shadow and experience link tutor prior to fulfilling this role independently.
- Placement timelines provide a clear overview of the quality assurance functions that take place over the course of each phase of placement-based training and when they can be expected by all parties involved in placement-based training.
- Additional support plans (ASPs) ensure that individual needs are met on placement by facilitating tailored support as the need arises. Link tutors support mentors in implementing ASPs and work with trainees to review their progress against their targets.
- Internal moderation is conducted by a selected quality assurance team, who focus on specific aspects of placement-based training to ensure parity of support and quality across phases and levels of experience.