1. Effective Learning Support: The key to quality and success Enhancement of Learning Support

2. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools WORKSHOP Do you think it’s about time we looked at our Learning Support? (Effective audit tools) Ros Facey

3. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools AIMS  To share outcomes and experiences of approaches to implementing a whole organisational self assessment tool  To review some of the tool indicators in relation to own practice  To identify meaningful actions for own organisations arising out of the practical outcomes from the pilots

4. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Programme  Review of the tool  Feedback from pilot colleges on outcomes and processes  Sharing good practice

5. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools What will you get out of the workshop?  an understanding of the self assessment tool as a future resource for your own organisation  share in the outcomes from the pilot colleges : save yourself some time!  network with other practitioners doing a similar job and develop communities of practice which will support you in your delivery

6. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Feedback from pilot colleges “Just use it as part of your yearly practice, it is effective!!!” “Involve all LSAs to get a range of views, meet in small groups for interesting debates” “Be selective, but do so in a way that challenges your organisation and highlights improvements. The SAR process should fit with this” “It has encouraged us to take ownership of self- assessment and to reflect on our practice” It has encouraged us to take ownership of self-assessment and to reflect on our practice.

7. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Review of the tool: Seven Indicators Twenty colleges piloting choice of indicators, six undertaking to do all seven Tight time constraints: November 10-March 11

8. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Review of the tool : The Seven Indicators Indicator 1: policies outlining the roles and responsibilities Indicator 2.1: Managers’ and teachers’ management strategies in the classrooms Indicator 2.2: The expertise, skills and knowledge of LSAs is used flexibly to foster the learning of learners Indicator 3.1: LSAs work cooperatively with teachers to support the learning and participation of learners Indicator 3.2: Teachers and LSAs learn together to improve the quality of their work

9. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Review of the tool: Indicator 4: Effective working partnerships Indicator 5: LSAs meet with other LSAs for purposes of planning, problem solving and staff development Indicator 6: LSAs induction, mentoring and development needs Indicator 7: The organisation has clear quality assurance processes for measuring the impact of learning support

10. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Sample questions in an indicator: Indicator 1: policies outlining the roles and responsibilities Does the organisation provide appropriate job descriptions for LSAs? Are LSAs job descriptions fit for purpose? Are LSAs given adequate time within their contracts for preparation, meetings, other administrative tasks and training? Is the organisation’s staff development plan inclusive of LSAs’ staff development needs? Do the job descriptions reflect a balance of LSAs’ responsibilities: support to teachers, the curriculum, learners and the organisation?

11. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Review of the tool : Key messages  Needs to be top driven  Needs time allocated to it by all participating and commitment to follow it through  Staff need to understand the context of why they are doing it  Staff need to know the outcomes from it

12. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Tips and tricks We carefully targeted groups of staff to answer the parts which were relevant to them –manageable We planned it over a three week period around the Christmas break so we could chase gaps in responses-staff were rested and not under immediate pressure

13. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Tips and Tricks We were persistent and ultimately targeted individuals who we needed to hear from Staff were able to participate in a number of ways i.e. acknowledging that they did not have to attend a meeting as they were too busy

14. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Summary conclusion from pilots: Overall, the audit tool promotes reflection, is thorough in covering all important aspects of the provision and leads to the identification of areas needing improvement.

15. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Summary conclusion from pilots: All Pilots felt the tool was fit for purpose and would recommend it to others All were planning to embed into their organisational processes

16. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Next steps for the tool The guidance is being revised to be shorter and provide models for implementing the audit The indicators are being redrafted to take into account the feedback from the pilots This will make them shorter, more succinct and accessible

17. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Immediate impact and actions PTLLS training for LSAs: content reviewed and aligned to meeting needs identified through audit Improved communication about/between LSAs: Moodle and Intranet Training on handling disclosure and signs and symptoms of abuse Use of survey to capture missing level : senior management

18. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Longer term impact Build into strategic planning and quality assurance Improved opportunities and progression for LSAs Improved understanding and effective use of LSAs by tutor in the classroom

19. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Workshop activity: 15 minutes individual critique + 15 minutes questions/discussion with group acting as critical friends allocate note taker role to write on the spare copy - list key points from discussion, and any questions identify 3 main messages to feedback

20. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools Contacts Ros Facey: Ros.Facey@carshalton.ac.ukRos.Facey@carshalton.ac.uk

21. 8 th March 2011 Enhancement of Learning Support Effective audit tools