19 March 2020
AIM will be applying the requests from the ETF to apply reasonable adjustments to the DET detailed below. You can find further information from the ETF on the FE advice website. Centre’s needing to do this should ensure they adhere to the AIM reasonable adjustment and special consideration policy found at www.aim-group.org.uk/services/aim-qualifications/centres/centre-handbook-and-forms/.
ETF recognizes that the current extreme situation means disruption for both providers and student teachers on FE ITE programmes. We are keen that this does not unfairly work against those student teachers who were progressing well and had every likelihood of satisfactory completion of the course. Therefore we are issuing the following recommendations to Awarding Organisations to cover this particular period with regard to reasonable adjustment. These relate to the requirements for teaching practice and corresponding number of observations. We hope by the issue of this document to avoid disparities in the ways in which Awarding Organisations respond to the current situation.
The following applies to those undertaking a one year full time DET programme or those who are in the second year of a two year part time programme. We believe those on the first year of a two year part time programme should have adequate opportunity to complete the programme in the second year.
Providing that the student teacher has satisfactorily completed all other in course assignment work, it is acceptable for Awarding Organisations to award a Pass to student teachers who have:
Completed at least 70% of their teaching placement hours (providing that a majority is group teaching rather than eg one to one teaching]
Completed at least 6 of their 8 observations where the most recent 4 have been satisfactory
Additionally if, where there are insufficient observations completed and the placement is continuing but the provider team is unable to complete any observations, these may be done in this instance by the placement mentor.
Hopefully the above means we will not disadvantage those promising students who have shown competence to date whilst not compromising the quality of those progressing to the workforce.
Further Education Initial Teacher Education - advice
The Department for Education (DfE) does not set requirements for FE teacher training programmes in the same way as it does for courses leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Teaching practice requirements for DET and DET-compliant programmes are a matter for Higher Education Providers and awarding bodies, and the requirements for QTLS status are determined by the Society for Education and Training. As with schools’ ITT we would expect there to be some flexibility for those FE trainees who are demonstrating the requisite level of professional practice, but who are unable to satisfy the usual requirements of their qualification owing to the impact of Covid19.
We would expect HEPs and ABs, as the owners of qualifications, to review and take appropriate steps to ensure that any changes to qualification requirements take account of the developing situation around coronavirus and the need to ensure the health and safety of ITE providers, trainee teachers and learners. Where possible we would want there to be consistency across qualifications and providers so that all trainees are treated fairly. We think that the Education and Training Foundation, which is progressing a review of the DET, is well placed to support the sector to achieve a consistent approach.
Clearly it is very important that the supply of new teachers entering the FE sector is maintained, and that professional standards are upheld, but that needs to be done in a way that reflects the exigencies of the current situation.
Update - 25 March 2020
ETF recognizes that the current extreme situation means disruption for both providers and student teachers on FE ITE programmes. We are keen that this does not unfairly work against those student teachers who were progressing well and had every likelihood of satisfactory completion of the course. Therefore we are issuing the additional following recommendations to Awarding Organisations to cover this particular period with regard to reasonable adjustment for CET AET and Assessor qualifications. This applies to registrations prior to 10 March 2020, to allow trainees to complete courses, and does not apply to any new candidates registered after this date.
Level 4 CET – candidates may be deemed to have passed if all assignments passed satisfactorily and at least 20 hours of teaching practice complete with 2 satisfactory observations [1 of which may be remote]
Assessor awards including Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment, or Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding – for assessor candidates who have achieved at least one satisfactory observation per practical unit with positive feedback prior to 10 March 2020, the remainder of their assessed observations can be conducted remotely.
Any relaxations (ie taking place remotely) would only be allowed for those learners who have started these qualifications prior to 10 March 2020 – ie to allow learners to complete, not for new starts.
These are temporary measures, and we expect centres to adhere to the regular guidance and rules once the wider situation returns to normal.
Level 3 AET: any micro teach incomplete should be carried forward if not complete and Awarding Bodies may wish to review their registration periods to allow this
Hopefully the above means we will not disadvantage those promising students who have shown competence to date whilst not compromising the quality of those progressing to the workforce.
Any further updates can be found on both organisations websites
ETF - www.et-foundation.co.uk/news/
