Important to define the terms prior to listing the entities which may impact on my work: Legislative requirement: A duty to act according to the law as defined in an Act of Parliament and usually enforceable through the courts. Code of Practice: A set of rules outlining how a person in a particular profession or situation is expected to behave. Statutory Code of Practice: A Code of Practice approved by Parliament and admissible as evidence in any legal action. The Children Act (2004) – Every Child Matters underpinned the Change For Children agenda.
The Act came into being following the death of Victoria Climbie. The Act is applicable to children and vulnerable adults up to the age of 25. Focused on five specific outcomes for children: Be healthy Stay Safe Enjoy and Achieve Make a positive contribution Achieve economic well-being Protection of Children Act (1991) – gave local authorities to investigates cases of child abuse. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) – introduced a vetting and barring service for those working with children and vulnerable adults. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (previously CRB checks).
Code of Professional Practice (2008) – introduced by the Lifelong Learning Sector. The code is based on 7 behaviours expected of teachers. Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988) – relates to copying and adapting materials. The Data Protection (1998) – relates to information held on people by others. Education and Skills Act (2008) – aimed at increasing participation in learning. The Equality Act (2010) – brought all the areas of discrimination: race, sex, disability, race into one Act. The 2010 Act identifies 9 areas of discrimination. Freedom Of Information Act (2000) –
individuals can ask to see the information held on them Health and Safety At Work (1974) – imposes obligations on all to operate within a safe and healthy environment Human Rights Act (1998) – basic rights for all The Further Education Teacher’s Qualifications (England) Regulations (2007) – professional status for teachers in FE and a qualification route GRAVELLS, A. (2012) Preparing To Teach In The Lifelong Learning Sector 1. 2 Analyse own responsibilities for promoting equality and valuing diversity The definition of equality is to treat everybody equally, especially in terms of status, rights and opportunities.
The 2010 Equality Act brought together a number of different pieces of legislation which means it is unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of pay, sex, race and disability. Diversity means being aware that every person is unique, not only because of their visible differences such as race, age or disability, but also non visible differences, religion, social background, economic status or political beliefs. Inclusion is about being objective and looking beyond first impressions. It’s about diversity and breaking down barriers, changing lives and promoting equality.
Within my role it’s important for me to base my practice around the concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion and keep an open mind. Without an open mind I may not support all people equally to recognise their potential and achieve their aspirations. Discrimination could then be argued to have occurred as students would not have been treated equally. Particular to my role as a potential facilitator would be the areas of Differentiation Preconceived stereotypes Encouraging a wide variety of views Use of culturally diverse images and resources Learning support where appropriate 1. 3
Evaluate own role and responsibilities in lifelong learning Reflective Journal Annex A It is important to consider this question in relation to internal and external influences. My role as a facilitator is connected to the Learning Cycle. The cycle consists of five reoccurring elements. It is appropriate for me to answer this question offering examples for each element. Identify needs. Role – arranging assessments to identify student need particularly in the key skill areas: numeracy, literacy and ICT Responsibility – offering information, advice and guidance on the contents of the course
Plan learning Role – planning schemes of work and when it will be taught Responsibility – designing a scheme of work, lesson plans and resources Deliver/Facilitate learning Role – establish ground rules Responsibility – deal with inappropriate behaviour as it arises Assessing Learning Role – assess progress whether it be for internal purposes or national examination bodies Responsibility – offering feedback to students Evaluation Role – improve the teaching and learning process Responsibility – evaluate session taught perhaps through student reflective journals
1. 4 Review own role and responsibilities in identifying and meeting the needs of learner Reflective Journal Annex B To meet the needs of the learner, firstly I would conduct an initial assessment, particularly in the areas of key skills: literacy, numeracy and ICT. This would enable both myself and the learner to identify and agree areas where additional support was required to enhance learning Secondly I would negotiate Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) to enable both the learner and myself to set targets and monitor outcomes.
Thirdly I would initiate regular tutorials where individuals could receive dedicated individual attention where achievement could be celebrated and support and help offered. Lastly, I would constantly be mindful of barriers to learning whether this be learning or personal ones. In such cases where there were issues depending on the nature of these issues I would either deal with them myself or signpost the student to an appropriate professional 2. Understand the relationships between teachers and other professionals in lifelong learning 2. 1
Analyse the boundaries between the teaching role and other professional roles There are three areas on which I intend to focus. First the teachers time is limited it therefore may be appropriate to refer a student to another professional, for example if the students wishes to discuss their career ideas, although I would feel comfortable doing this I may not have the time. I would therefore signpost them to a career expert. Secondly the teacher may not have a particular expertise and teachers should be respectful of the abilities of other professionals.
For example if my computer projector broke down I would ask a technician to repair it. They would have both the expertise and health and safety knowledge to complete the task. Thirdly within the busy life of a classroom it is not always possible to meet the specific needs of the learner whether this is in respect of key skills, language barriers or personal problems. In any of the incidents it would be appropriate for me to refer them to another professional. The key is always to support the learning of the learner.