Lifelong Learning UK is running a number of events this autumn to consult on draft national occupational standards for learning support staff
Lifelong Learning UK is running a number of events this autumn to consult on draft national occupational standards (NOS) for learning support staff, and to examine the different roles and responsibilities of practitioners working within the lifelong learning sector. An online questionnaire will be available as part of the consultation and a further round of events will take place in the new year.
Learning support makes an important contribution to the retention, achievement and progression of learners. It was estimated in 2003 that there were some 50,000 learning support and learning resource staff within FE. The development of national occupational standards and a qualifications framework will contribute to a greater recognition of the valuable skills and experience of these staff and will support professional development in this area.
The draft standards were originally developed by FENTO in 2004. LLUK is currently developing these standards. The events are designed to be an opportunity for feedback and discussion.
Further work is taking place to identify the different roles and responsibilities of learning support practitioners within FE. This follows the consultation earlier this year on draft roles and responsibilities for teachers developed as part of the new teachers qualification framework. Whilst there are many "support" roles, the standards will define learning support as those roles which support the learners’ learning within directed learning activities and establish boundaries with teaching roles.
For an overview of the types of job titles and roles the consultations are aimed at, see Downloads.
For full details of the events and a booking form, visit the LLUK website. The closing date for bookings is the 12th of October.
