NQTs and mentors

Investing in NQTs is crucial to giving them the firmest foundation possible whilst they are in their first, formative years of teaching. They need to explore what it means to deliver an outstanding lesson, to handle low level disruption, to plan and structure lessons, to use the technology and tools available as well as ensuring they understand the requirements of child protection and supporting children with special educational needs.

Over many years Windsor has been developing and refining our NQT programme, we have lots of new staff on the programme and invest in supporting and challenging them, putting them on a path to becoming a highly successful teacher. We expect them to engage in the learning – not just listen to sessions about policy. They participate actively in sessions, have reflective activities to undertake and complete a small action research project.

We recognise that other schools may not have the numbers of NQTs to justify creating such an extensive programme and so we are opening this programme up to local schools for their NQTs from September 2011 onwards. We are organising the sessions so that they have a modular element, allowing you and your NQT to decide upon the sessions that are most relevant to their development journey. The sessions are also organised on a twilight basis (3.30 – 4.30) so that there are fewer timetabling issues to overcome. Click here to jump to session information.

The programme can be accessed on a pick and mix basis. A package of 9 sessions will cost just £99 allowing you to supplement other induction modules with the specialist inputs plus the highly effective in-school action research project.

What will your NQT get?

• A modular programme allowing you and your NQT to decide upon the sessions that are most relevant to their development journey
• The latest on Teaching and Learning
• Strategies for behaviour management
• Reflections on their role in pastoral care
• A programme which is challenging yet supportive where they engage in the learning – not just listen to sessions about policy
• The support of peers who share their successes
• Support to complete a small action research project in their classroom or department.

Mentors of NQTs

The role of a mentor is key to an NQT or Graduate Teacher, they will look to you for support, practical and emotional, as well as expecting that you fulfil the formal responsibilities of the induction programme. Whilst highly rewarding, this role is far from a walk in the park as you try to encourage and direct plus deal with the highs and lows of this important year.

If you would like to reflect on how to be an even more effective mentor, developing skills that you can use in many wider relationships in school then we work with CUREE to be able to bring development sessions and resources to you. As well as the opportunity to develop new skills and put them into practice you will also be able to access CUREE resources which you can take back into school and use with other mentors.

For more information or to book on the NQT programme contact ahalford@windsor.dudley.sch.uk.

NQT Programme Sessions

NQTs also regularly attend our other development sessions such as Moyra Healy presents Behaviour Management.