Documentation
Training Plan
The Training Plan is a document used to inform the trainee of their School Experience, providing details of actions to be taken by all partners during a placement. Regular reference must be made to the Training Plan to inform planning and target setting.
The Training Plan is a flexible working document that can be adjusted to suit particular needs (in discussion with school partners).
Abyasa
This online assessment system allows Link Tutors, Mentors and trainees to set targets, review progress and record evidence of development.It allows easy tracking and reporting of a trainee’s progress.
Abyasa training (for trainees) will form part of the school experience preparation lectures. ‘How to’ Abyasa support videos can be found on Moodle.
Trainees will receive log-in details and be asked to invite their CBM to gain access at the start of their placement. Link Tutors already have access to their trainee’s account, will carry out Abyasa training as part of the Initial Training Meeting and monitor their trainee’s Abyasa account during the school experience.
Weekly Training Record (WTR)
The trainee’s timetable should include a class teacher meeting where the CBM and trainee have the opportunity to meet. The weekly meeting will include a review of progress to provide regular feedback and opportunities for target setting.
In order to record evidence of progress, it is a requirement for trainees to complete the WTR on Abyasa each week.
Link Tutors monitor what is recorded on the WTR in order to support the school experience.
Assessment/Progress Record
Entries in the Assessment/Progress Record form a cumulative record and evidence base of the professional development towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The CBM/PCM/LT will make entries relating to: observed practice, pupil progress, target setting, discussion, reflection, T&L file for the preceding week.
Teaching and Learning file (T&L)
The T&L file is a working document and completed during School Experience. This is stored on OneDrive and is remotely accessed and assessed by Link Tutors.
The file contains public documentation completed during School Experience providing evidence to demonstrate the trainee has met the requirements for the level of training. It is not possible to assess the School Experience if T&L content is unavailable.
Student Tracker
The purpose of the student tracker is to monitor the breadth and range of experience the trainee has on school placement across their course. Trainees are required to regularly update their tracker as school placements can be varied and reach beyond the limitations of the course.
Assessment
At the end of the placement, trainees are assessed by the CBM/LT/PCM:
- Level 1 (BA ITT Year 1) trainees use the Core Curriculum Framework to ascertain progress. This is recorded as: On Track/Not on Track.
- Level 2 (BA ITT Year 2, PGCE Foundation Placement & WBR 1) trainees use the Core Curriculum Framework to ascertain progress. This is recorded as: On Track/Not on Track.
- Level 3 (BA ITT Year 3, PGCE Consolidation Placement & WBR 2, SDS) trainees use the Teachers’ Standards to assess progress. This is graded as: Met independently/ Met with support/ Not Met.
Absence
Absence from placement is recorded by the trainee via Abyasa ‘Student Absence’. Trainee must contact their school and LT at the earliest opportunity.
In the absence of the CBM, the trainee should continue with the planned teaching load. However, the trainee must not be used as supply cover.
School Experience Preparation
Before the placement
- Study the Training Plan
- Set up Teaching and Learning File
- Complete ‘School Experience Preparation’ template on Abyasa
- Read ‘Primary ITT School Experience Handbook’
- Check holiday dates of placement school and inform the Placement office if these are different to those specified
- DBS reminder: It is crucial that you alert the Placement office to any changes to your DBS
- Check the date of Best Practice day (if applicable)
- Locate photo ID to take into school on your first day
- Ring your placement school to introduce yourself, thank them for placing you at their school and agree a time for you to start on the first day
- Do a trial run (if possible) so you know where your school is and how long it will take you to drive/take public transport/cycle/walk
- Contact your Link Tutor (once allocated), introduce yourself and share contact details.
Initial days of the placement – Trainee
- Follow the prep week/serial days section of your Training Plan
- Arrange a time and date for the Initial Training Meeting – your LT. This is where the LT, trainee and CBM/PCM are present to go through the placement procedures
- In a conversation with your CBM, discuss who will be your Profile Children
- Invite your CBM so they can gain access to Abyasa
- Be positive and professional in relation to punctuality, dress, manner and language
- Take the lead in communicating your experience to date and current professional needs
- Establish the ethos and working practice of the school and work within it
- Show you are a willing learner.
Initial days of the placement – CBM
- Introduction to the class/timetables/routines/key policies
- Introduction to adults working in the classroom – clarify role
- Discussion of key information related to the children including data tracking/Age Related Expectations/assessment criteria/Education and Health Care Plans and associated interventions
- Discussion of planning/medium term plans/useful teacher resources
- Collaboratively discuss and plan individual lessons for week 1.
Travel claims
In some cases, trainees can claim back a proportion of their travel expenses from the University using the student travel claim form. This form, along with a detailed guide and frequently asked questions, can be found on Moodle.
Other important information regarding travel claims:
- Trainees are required to pay a daily contribution towards the cost of their travel. This is decided by the Finance department at the start of the academic year. A trainee’s claim must exceed the daily contribution in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
- Trainees using their own car are exempt from paying this contribution if driving other trainees to their placement school.
- Travel claims are based on the shortest journey to a trainee’s placement school, whether that is from university or from their term- time address.
- All claims (for both drivers and those using public transport) are paid at a rate of 30p* per mile, not the fare/petrol paid.
- By selecting the ‘advanced claim’ option on the student travel claim form, and to help with the initial cost of travel, trainees can claim the first two-thirds up front, if they know their total claim will exceed £100. Trainees will then be required to complete another form at the end of their placement to receive the final third.
- A trainee will usually receive their travel claim within four weeks of submitting the form.
*These amounts may be subject to change.
Please note: not applicable to Glyndwr or School Direct Non Salaried trainees
Additional Support Plan
There may be occasions when a trainee’s performance is such that additional action is required beyond the normal systems of support and assessment for the phase of development. In such cases an Additional Support Plan is set in motion by the CBM. It may be initiated in cases of: lack of progress, lack of professionalism or professional misconduct.
We have listed details of the stages of the Additional Support Plan, including information regarding school/trainee withdrawal from school experience.
Please note: all trainees have a Personal Tutor who monitors their welfare and their professional and personal development during their time at St Mary’s. The University also has an excellent student support service.