Training & Continuing Professional Development CPD
The quality of service delivery is determined by the quality of the training and development staff receive from induction through to continuing professional development.
The Tollards Training and Development Centre at the West of England School and College is dedicated to the provision of quality training and development to maintain the currency of professional knowledge and skills.
The Centre offers training programmes for external candidates from further education and work-based learning providers, the voluntary sector and special schools and colleges.
Intervenor Training (A nationally accredited qualification in partnership with SENSE)
For people working with learners who are multi-sensory impaired. It examines the impact of a multi-sensory impairment on living and learning and covers the areas of vision, mobility, hearing and communication along with staff roles and responsibilities. Programme duration: 5 days.
The CPD Framework for Learning Support Practitioners (Accredited by the National Open College Network at QCF Levels 2 and 3)
The unitised programme has been developed at the West of England School and College to meet the training needs of a wide range and variety of learning support roles. Personalised programmes can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals or groups so support staff or to train trainers to deliver the Framework within their own organisation. Visit www.swwdp.org.uk for more information.
Programme duration: Choice of up to 14 units: 6 taught hours per unit plus one-to-one tutorial support towards accreditation.
Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Visual Impairment
(Birmingham University)
The course offers the opportunity for qualified teachers to obtain a specialist to teach visually impaired learners.
Programme duration: 2 years part time through distance learning.
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Sector (PTLLS)
The PTLLS Award is the minimum mandatory licence required by anyone wishing to teach in any area of the post-16 learning and skills sector. Personalised programmes can be devised to meet individual or group needs.
Programme duration: 5 days of taught sessions and one-to-one support.
Braille Training Grade1(alphabet, numbers and basic grammar)
This training will involve both sight reading and the production of Braille.
Programme duration: Flexible to suit the participants.
Training in the modification and adaption of learning resources for the visually impaired
Experienced trainers in the field of VI education can asist participants to develop the skills and understanding to adapt and modify learning resources to ensure their accessibility for both tactile and modified print users.
Programme duration: Flexible to suit the participants.
Employability Training for Adults with Visual Impairment.
This non-accredited course provides adults with pre-employment skills which enhances their confidence and self-esteem in preparation for working life.
Additional Learning Support for FE and HE Colleges
Our specialist learning support unit can provide services to support students with visual impairment who are studying in further and higer education colleges. (For further information contact Paul Hannan, Outreach Services, 01392 454311)
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City of Bristol College says 'We are really pleased with the service provide by WESC last year. Their input enabled us to enhance provision for visually impaired learners and identify areas for improvement'
Hiring Tollards Training Centre
Tollards Training Centre can also be hired by external organisations to deliver their own training sessions. The training room can accommodate up to 20 delegates with a full range of ICT facilities including overhead projectors, screens and laptops by arrangements.
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