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Welcome to my latest newsletter!

The news is ... this will probably be my last newsletter. I'm cutting back on my educational work and my use of social media, and I won't be writing or editing any more text books.

However, I will be maintaining and keeping my website up to date.

I'd like to thank you all for supporting me through my career. I regularly receive wonderful feedback about my books and resources, and it's great to know that so many people feel they have benefitted from my work.

As a thank you, if you wish to make a purchase of any of my resources, there's 10% off until 29th July. Just input the discount code of ANN10 at the checkout. Bulk purchases which are already 10% off will also be included, doubling the discount.

You can still find lots of useful information, as well as details of my books, resources and online courses on my website.

If I have anything important to update you with, I'll put it out on Twitter.

Update regarding teaching qualifications

Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship (Level 5)

This no longer contains the requirement for apprentices to obtain the DET qualification. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve them prior to taking the end-point assessment. I have no idea yet if those who achieve the apprenticeship (without DET) will be able to work towards QTLS. You can see details of the revised standard here.

Observations in the workplace

Providing there are no further restrictions due to Covid, observations should be back to pre-covid requirements from the end of July this year.

New Level 5 ITT qualification to replace DET in 2023

This will more than likely be introduced from September 2023. The current working title is the Professional Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills). The new specification will be based on a framework which the ETF will issue. This new qualification will meet the occupational standards (in England) and funding will be based on compliance. I have no further information about how compliance will influence funding.

You will need to wait for your awarding organisation (AO) to update you as to whether they will offer the qualification. If so, they will produce guidance for delivery and assessment.

It's likely that the minimum core will not be included. Learners who are qualified with DET will NOT need to take this new version.

I will not be writing a new text book specifically for this qualification. However, the content of my book Principles and Practices of Teaching and Training should still be applicable.

Current qualifications

AET/CET/DET and Learning & Development (including assessor and QA units) are extended for registrations with your AO until July 2024.

At the moment, there are no planned changes (apart from the new version of DET), unless your AO decides to produce their own specifications. Your AO should keep you up to date with developments and any changes to funding. Make sure that you are signed up for their newsletters.

EPA qualification

There is currently still no national requirement for end-point assessors to hold a particular EPA qualification. However, it is good practice, and it's worth checking if your organisation requires you to do so. Not many AOs offer an EPA qualification.

Minimum Core

This was introduced in 2004 and revised in 2007 and 2015 for all teachers working towards CET and DET. There is likely to be an update in September 2022 which will also include sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). However, this will only apply to the current CET and DET (not the new L5 qualification). You will need to check the ETFs website for details nearer the time, or follow them on Twitter.

Updates in our sector

ETF Updated Professional Standards

The ETF Professional Standards (in England) were originally introduced in 2014 and have recently been updated. They are a great reference point to help you to maintain and improve your standard of teaching, and improve the outcome for those you teach. You can find out more here.

SET Code of Ethics and Conduct

This replaces the SET Code of Practice and applies to all SET members. The new Code sets out the professional behaviour and conduct expected of SET members. You can find out more here.

Functional skills in apprenticeships

Learners who start a Level 2 apprenticeship without Level 1 English and maths will no longer need to attempt Level 2 to complete their apprenticeship. You can find out more from the Skills For Life Network.

English and maths requirements in apprenticeship standards at Level 2 and above

You can see the updated version of Apprenticeship standards: list of acceptable qualifications for English and maths requirements here.

FEteacherEd

This is an online collaborative space for FE teacher educators. It aims to provide a supportive place for those working in a similar field: to network, share and learn from one another. Find out what's been happening and how you can get involved here.

AmplifyFE

This is a network to connect and amplify communities of practice for digital learning, teaching and assessment in vocational education. You can find out more here.

Ofqual blog

A new post, Vocational and technical qualifications: what 10 years of data can tell us has been published on the Ofqual blog.

Review of post-16 qualifications at Level 3 in England

Guidance for awarding organisations and providers can be found here.

T Level rollout takes next steps

The Government has published its draft list of qualifications to be retired due to their overlap with T Levels, helping to streamline options. Find out more here.

Skills and Post-16 Education Bill

You can find out the latest information on the measures set out in the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill here.

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