Affinity Education in conjunction with The Welsh Government recognises
that supply teaching is an essential part of school life. It is vitally important
that teachers who choose to work in this way are of the highest quality and
are provided with the same opportunities as their colleagues in full time
employment by doing this we not only support the individual teacher but aid
learner outcomes in Wales.
Professional Learning
Supply staff are entitled to access high quality resources through a variety
of professional learning opportunities, and a range of networks to assist
their teaching and to support their work. Supply staff should evidence the
same commitment to professional learning as the Welsh Government sets
out for all practitioners. The new professional standards for teaching and
leadership were published in September 2017 they complement the day to
day work of teachers and support professional development.
The Welsh Government has launched the National Approach to
Professional Learning (NAPL) Programme to help teachers deliver Wales’
new curriculum. The new national focus for professional learning can be
delivered flexibly to not disrupt the school day.
As a supply teacher registered in Wales you can also access professional
learning opportunities through the following routes:
Professional Learning Passport (PLP) via the EWC.
Local professional learning opportunities and events via your Local Education Consortia, local authority or through your trade union. If you are working at a school, you can ask to take part in their in-service provision.
Collaborative learning - Supply teaching offers the opportunity to learn from a wide range of teachers with different experiences and in different settings.
Academic study - The Welsh Government has developed a series of innovative e-learning packs available through Hwb. There are also a number of University programs available online that you can access.
Welsh language - The Welsh Government through the Sabbatical Scheme has developed specific training for practitioners who wish to teach through the medium of Welsh or wish to improve their Welsh-language skills.
Induction - Statutory induction has been a requirement for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in Wales since September 2003. You can obtain information and support from your Regional Consortia. The EWC provide induction advice and support for short term supply teachers.
We encourage our Supply Teachers to also independently seek suitable professional development opportunities.
Affinity Education have partnered with inspirational experienced trainers in
order to provide their Supply Teachers with the opportunity of receiving
professional development.
As a Supply Teacher the opportunity of training is limited therefore many
Supply Teachers do not engage in training. In order to raise and maintain
standards of Supply Teachers working with Affinity Education and to offer
the schools that we place our teachers within the highest quality teaching
staff possible, we have developed a valuable, successful training
programme.
At the end of the course, each delegate is provided with a professional
certificate of attendance.
Please see below some comments from Supply Teachers who have
attended our training courses:-
“Lovely to have a course aimed at the problems you face as a supply
and how to deal with these problems-Highly recommended.”
“Well presented. I have much more confidence regarding child
protection issues after this.”
“A very enjoyable, informative day”
“Thought provoking, interesting and useful”
“Helped enormously, thank you”
“I really found today’s course valuable and very informative”
“Fantastic course, day, presentation, hospitality…thanks”
“A very difficult topic handled with great sensitivity providing many
answers whilst remaining thought provoking.”
“A well thought out, well presented and very informative course”
“Very interesting and informative, raising awareness of up dated
issues.”
“Some good ideas that I think could help to re-motivate me.”
“Entertaining and stimulating with some great new ideas and new
uses for old methods and ideas. Empowering for Supply Teachers”
“First time my needs have been met.”
"Removing that tag ‘Just a Supply Teacher will still be a struggle but
this way or approach can help.”
“Fun and interactive. Made the day go quickly.”
“Useful strategies & materials to take to the classroom.”
“Lots of new ideas! Creative! Great speaker-full of humour &
knowledge.
Great course, Thank you!!”
“Very dynamic, motivating. Very good presentation skills. Thank
you!”
“Really enjoyed the course. Loved the fast paced and quick thinking
approach. Very useful.”
“Excellent and informative-some great ideas when left nothing in the
classroom.”
“Very interesting course. Liked the strategies presented.
Very well delivered, very enjoyable and interesting. Thank you.”
“Brilliant course, engaging and informative with a mass of useful
ideas easy to implement.”
“This course has given me lots of ideas and fresh ones to try out in
the classroom. Thank you for an excellent course and an enjoyable
day.”
“Really enjoyable to listen to and learn new ways to start a lesson and
have a backup for lessons.”
"Very energetic and engaging session. Lots of relevant, practical and
useful tips. Thank you!”
"Very worthwhile and will improve my future lessons and (hopefully)
give me that confidence to be the best Supply Teacher possible to the
benefit of both the students and myself.”
“Extremely engaging! Absolutely amazing content.”
Comments