Introduction
The scheme’s assessment framework consists of two parts. The first (Part A) is common to all occupational sectors and assesses the capability of the provider to build and manage relationships with employers and be responsive to their needs. The second part (Part B) is specific to the sector and assesses the provider’s practice and achievements in meeting the specific needs of employers in a particular vocational sector.
In consultation with schools, local authorities (LAs), training providers and trade unions, the TDA has developed Part B guidance for the school sector.
Training providers can use the assessment framework to assess and improve their provision regardless of whether they choose to seek certification. The TDA expects that the TQS framework will be principally of interest to training providers for school support staff. However, providers of teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD) might also be interested in the framework.
The establishment of the scheme is one of a range of measures outlined in the 2006 Further Education (FE) Reform White Paper and the Leitch Review of Skills (December 2006) which aim to create a vocational education system that is more focused on the needs of employers. It is designed to supersede and consolidate several existing quality badges, including the Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE).
Potential benefits
The TDA sees the scheme as a valuable means of influencing the quality, relevance and accessibility of vocational training for school support staff.
The TQS requires training providers to understand and respond to the specific needs of schools in their region, as well as to understand national sector skills priorities. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness of national priorities including:
- the sector qualifications strategy for the wider school workforce
- the Children’s Plan
- the importance of linking training to appropriate professional and occupational standards.
The scheme will support training providers by:
- providing a detailed set of considerations to help identify and respond to the training needs of schools
- offering a framework for improving provision and benchmarking capability and performance against national criteria
- providing the option of certification against a national standard for training excellence
- providing a national quality ‘badge’ that can be used to promote their services.
The TQS will support schools and local authorities (LAs) as purchasers of training by:
- providing an identifiable national quality ‘badge’
- making the task of selecting a reliable training provider easier
- raising awareness of what to look for in a training provider
- reducing the risk of selecting inappropriate training.
How to apply
The TQS is currently administered by the Centre for Enterprise (CFE), an independent organisation appointed by the LSC. Detailed information about the scheme, including how to apply, is available from the TQS website.
In its capacity as the sector skills body for the children’s workforce in schools, the TDA will undertake an initial review of applications for Part B certification. Having conducted the initial review, the TDA will play no further part in scoring applications or making certification decisions. The TDA is happy to discuss general school workforce issues and priorities with interested parties. However, the TDA is unable to comment or advise on any aspect of an application.
The Quality Improvement Agency provides support and guidance for providers interested in submitting an application for TQS certification.
Contact
Nirav Shah
Workforce Skills Directorate
TDA
