SWitch is your local Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETT). Our role is to encourage and develop excellence in teacher training within the region. We can provide you with information, advice and support you need to meet the requirements of the reforms.
Got a question or need help? Ring us on (01823) 365440 or email us at switch_cett@learning-southwest.org.uk.
FAQs
Q: I’ve just started teaching Beauty Therapy part-time at my local college. Do I have to get qualified?
A: Yes. All those teaching within FE who joined after 1st September, 2007 need to gain a recognised teaching qualification, even part time or freelance staff. You need to start by getting the Preparing to Teach Award (PTLLS) and achieve within a year. You will then progress to either the Certificate (CTLLS) or Diploma (DTLLS) depending on your role.
Q: In my team we’re all qualified A1 assessors. Some of us do some teaching and we all run inductions and one-to-one coaching. Do we need a teaching qualification?
A: Yes. Everyone who engages in any teaching activity within the FE/Lifelong Learning Sector need to become qualified. The details vary depending on when you started teaching/training and who you work for. We can talk you through the details of how this applies to your team.
Q: I work in an FE college and did my PGCE fifteen years ago. I have been teaching ever since. Is this enough?
A: You don’t need to do another qualification but you need to keep up-to-date and demonstrate you are undertaking appropriate development. This means registering with the Institute for Learning (IfL) and keeping a record of your CPD activities - at least 30 hours.
Q: Do I need to apply for QTLS status? And if so, how does the professional formation process work?
A: You only need to gain QTLS status if you joined started teaching in lifelong learning after 1 Sep 2007. If you were already working as a teacher in the sector before this date, gaining QTLS status is not mandatory, but there may be advantages in having QTLS status - and you can apply for it if you wish. We can provide further information about what you will need to do to apply for QTLS and about how the professional formation works.
Q: I’ve got my 7407 and have been teaching in college since 2004. What do I need to do?
A: You started teaching since 2001 so need to gain a full teaching qualification. Your 7404 means you are ‘part-qualified’, but you may need to top it up to get fully qualified. There are several possible ways to do this, which we can talk you through. You also need to register with the IfL and comply with the CPD regulations.
Q: What do you mean by ‘CPD activity’? And how do I record this?
A: There are many ways of developing and updating yourself as a teacher. A key element will be about reflecting on whatever CPD activities you choose and about their impact on your practice with learners. You can record the CPD you do in a variety of ways depending on what suits you and your context - one of which could be by using the IfL’s Reflect tool, which is available free to all IfL members.
Q: I’m a qualified trainer but I’m not a member of the Institute for Learning. Do I need to join?
A: Yes, if you teach within the FE sector you need to be registered with IfL. If you work on LSC-funded provision in another context within lifelong learning such as work-based learning, voluntary & community, or adult & community learning there is not a statutory requirement to register; however, LSC contracts will expect you to comply. If you don’t teach on any LSC-funded programmes, then you don’t need to become a member of IfL, but you can still apply to join if you wish.