The Enhancement of Learning Support

The aim of the project is to

• research the training and development needs of LSPs and those who manage them in a range of different settings
• scope existing opportunities for the professional development of LSPs and those who manage them, in terms of training, accreditation and materials to support CPD/qualifications, together with the expertise that is currently available in delivering these opportunities
• identify existing networks at national, regional and local levels linked to working with learners with learning difficulties and or disabilities (including email and virtual networks) and to identify ways in which they could be integrated, expanded or further developed as a basis for delivering a training programme for LSPs and those who manage them.
• gather the views of a range of learners about their experiences and expectations of learning support and the key aspects of successful support.

To ensure the programme reflects what practitioners say they really need, and build on what already works, the project has developed two online questionnaires to gather the views of LSPs and those that manage them. The questionnaire is available on the Natspec website at www.natspec.org.uk or you can follow the links below - it will only take 5- 10 minutes.

Learning Support Practitioners Questionnaire

Managers of Learning Support Practitioners Questionnaire

Kevin and Alison O'Brien of K & A Associates are managing this project for Natspec. If you have any queries or want to provide any further information you can contact them at alison.obrien(at)kandaassociates.co.uk or kevin.obrien(at)Kandaassociates.co.uk

This work is designed to improve the training and support available to learning support practitioners and those that manage them and produce recommendations for a future programme of training and development.

By developing a picture of the training and development opportunities that currently exist, and asking practitioners and learners about what works and where improvements are needed, the project will inform the development of a national programme which will improve the quality of learning support for learners with additional needs across the FE sector.

Alison O'Brien
Alison.obrien@kandaassociates.co.uk
01509 557817