Support Work in Schools (SWiS)

Key Dates for 2009 - 2010

To apply for the SWiS Programme please complete this application form

What are SWiS qualifications?

The Support Work in Schools (SWiS) nationally recognised qualifications are designed to provide you with training relevant to your job role within your school. This enables you to develop your understanding and confidence both professionally and personally.

Who are they designed for?

The qualifications are designed for all school support staff in a wide range of roles:

• Administrative Staff
• Learning Support Staff
• Pupil Support / Welfare Staff
• Site Staff
• Specialist and Technical Staff

Whatever your role in a Kent school, the training will be relevant and personalised to you.

How will SWiS help me?

SWiS builds on your existing skills and experience and fills any gaps in your knowledge. You will gain a nationally recognised accredited qualification. You can also use your SWiS qualification to progress to further qualifications, including National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

“I would strongly recommend SWIS to other TAs and support staff as it has had an enormous effect on the way I work and my classroom practices. It has had a dramatic increase in my confidence and the way I deal with pupils’ behaviour. Having undertaken SWIS it has given me a desire to undertake further studies, which I am looking into. I have already completed a Higher Level Teaching Assistant Course and am now waiting to be assessed.” (Debbie, Teaching Assistant)

“I believe the course has had a large impact on my professional development….I now see life with wide angled lenses; I do not just see what is ahead but the possible outcomes depending on the route that is chosen. On a personal note I have been able to practice my networking skills with other FLOs which has been great and is great to the fine tuning of my job. (Jan, Family Liaison Officer)

How will I make time to do this?

The training is flexible with many varied models to suit all schools. Our training providers will also train and assess you at your place of work, where possible.

How much will it cost?

The training is fully funded for Kent schools through Advisory Service Kent (ASK) by the Training and Development Agency (TDA).

How is SWiS training provided?

The SWiS qualification is tailored to your support staff role within your school. With support from a tutor, it allows you to build up a small portfolio of tasks you perform on a day to day basis, helping you to develop your skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualification. SWiS training can be provided either in your school or off site at a training centre. The training comprises of a number of group taught sessions and then is followed up with one to one tutorials. Your training provider will build an individual training plan to ensure you are fully supported through the process.

SWiS is available at two levels:

SWiS Level 2

To achieve the Level 2 Award you need to complete two mandatory units plus an optional unit. For the Level 2 Certificate, you are required to complete two mandatory and two optional units.
e.g. A midday supervisor could take the two mandatory units plus the optional unit "Support children’s development" to achieve a Level 2 Award.
e.g. A caretaker could take two optional units, such as “Make sure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety” and “Maintain site security” in addition to the two mandatory units to achieve a Level 2 Certificate.
Click on the TDA website link below to explore the Level 2 mandatory and optional units in more detail: http://www.tda.gov.uk/support/qualificationsandtraining/swis/level2.aspx
 
SWiS Level 3

To achieve a Level 3 Award you need to complete two mandatory units. The Level 3 Certificate requires two mandatory plus two optional units. For the Level 3 Diploma you need to achieve two mandatory units plus four optional units.

Level 3 optional units are divided into groups of units:

• general option units (covering for example, team work, development, mentoring and assessment).
• information option units (suitable for roles such as administrator, receptionist, PA, librarian or data manager)
• resources option units (suitable for roles such as technician, IT support or caretaker
• support option units (suitable for roles such as midday supervisor, after school coordinator, sports coach or learning support)
• parent support units

Click on the TDA website link below to explore the Level 3 mandatory and optional units in more detail: http://www.tda.gov.uk/support/qualificationsandtraining/swis/level3.aspx

Further information and guidance about SWiS is available by contacting the Support Staff Training & Development Team.

Tel:   01622 203800  Ext  269           Supportstafftraining@kent.gov.uk

Support Staff Training & Development Team
Advisory Service Kent - CFE
Shepway Centre
Oxford Road
Maidstone
Kent  ME15 8AW

Training & Development Agency Website