Enhancement of Learning Support More than Courses Alternative Approaches to CPD

Enhancement of Learning Support The aim of this workshop is to Explain the context of the West Midlands work Identify some of the key principles which underpinned our thinking Give you an opportunity to have a look at the draft resources Share practice and experiences, and consider how these resources might be used

Enhancement of Learning Support Background to project West Midlands Region How does what the West Midlands is doing fit with the bigger picture? The initial research indicated that a lot of training for LSAs focuses on compliance Very little is targeted specifically at the “real job” When asked what training they had found useful, LSAs indicated alternative forms of CPD but........... Typically these were available at induction, but did not continue beyond Feedback from managers provided a very similar picture

Enhancement of Learning Support Background to project West Midlands Region In the West Midlands, we were charged with: Collating, developing and publishing guidance and protocols on alternative approaches to CPD such as shadowing, mentoring and buddying.

Enhancement of Learning Support What do we know? There is more to developing as a practitioner than going on courses!

Enhancement of Learning Support What do we know? There is gold in your coffee cup!

Enhancement of Learning Support But we are all short on and money Time So we need to make the best use of what we have

Enhancement of Learning Support So what did we do? Input on “reflection”, because we think in order to develop, you need to reflect Innovative ways to use technology – memory stick Developed draft resources for mentoring , shadowing, “Learn and Share” and buddying

Enhancement of Learning Support Guidance documents Guidance documents are available on the West Midlands page of the Natspec website www.http://www.natspec.org.uk/enhancement-of-learning-support/regional-activity/west-midlands.html Guidance for Learning from colleagues covers: What? Why? Who? When? Where? How?

Enhancement of Learning Support Supporting documents In addition, there are examples of: A shadowing activity development plan and log A mentoring log A mentoring agreement A mentee development plan An Introduction to Mentoring PowerPoint – to introduce the concept and process to would be mentees

Enhancement of Learning Support Activity Look at your guidance documents In table tops groups, discuss Who has experience of this? What does it involve? Is it available for LSAs? Is it / would it be valuable? Could the guidance be useful?

Enhancement of Learning Support Alternative approaches to CPD Why do it? Draws on the expertise which exists and facilitates the sharing of best practice across your organisation Supports the professional development of new staff and staff new to the role Can aid recruitment and retention of staff Contributes to the culture of a learning organisation

Enhancement of Learning Support Alternative approaches to CPD Why do it? Promotes team working Relatively cost effective and easy to implement – on site, no travel, can be built in around your schedules CPD activity is centred on the needs of your staff and your organisation, so highly relevant and context specific

Enhancement of Learning Support Next Steps If you want to implement some of these approaches....... Talk to your colleagues and learn together Talk to your managers – you might be good, but you can't do it alone! If you want to introduce something new, your organisation has to take it on board Talk to whoever does your training plan – how could this be incorporated? If you want to make a difference........... You need to know whose button to press

Louise Keevil Project Coordinator West Midlands Alison O’Brien Project Director & Specialist Support to the West Midlands alison.obrien@kandaassociates.co.uk Louise Keevil Project Coordinator West Midlands LOUISE.KEEVIL@derwen.ac.uk Derwen College