Icklesham CE Primary, East Sussex

 

Clerical Assistant to undertake NVQ L2 Business Admin

Icklesham CEP School is a small, rural school with 102 pupils in 4 mixed age classes. We have a high number of pupils with SEN including 6% with statements. We also have 12 TA/INAs to support these and other pupils.

The Clerical Assistant (CA) has a great deal of experience but no relevant qualifications. Following annual reviews in 2006 the CA expressed a wish to be able to progress to school secretary if the opportunity arose, in order to achieve this, L2 qualifications were needed as a minimum. We contacted Thomas Peacocke Community College (TPCC) in Rye and asked if our CA could access the NVQ L2 course. The NVQ assessor then came to interview the CA and conduct a needs analysis.

Outline of Course

The CA met once a month with the NVQ assessor and had up to one year to complete her course. There were compulsory modules to carry out such as; ‘responsibilities at work’ and ‘work within the business environment’. The CA could also choose 3 further units, these being: ‘to produce documents’, ‘use a telephone system’ and ‘store, retrieve and archive information’.

Challenges and Solutions

Time: The CA found that gathering and collating evidence during the normal working day and working on assignments whilst leading a busy life could be time consuming. The CA spoke to the headteacher and study time within the school day was allocated to support the CA in gaining the qualification.

Evidence This was the first academic study that the CA had undertaken for some years but the support of the school and the NVQ assessor enabled them to develop organisational skills and an understanding of how to gather ‘evidence’ to complete the course.

Impact on Learning,Teaching and/or Leadership

  • it made CA aware of the diversity and difficult aspects of the job and responsibilities
  • provided a recognised Qualification
  • will lead on to NVQ L3 (and beyond!)
  • real sense of achievement – first formal study in last 10 years
  • developed confidence

In September 2007 the School Bursar/Secretary left and the CA was in a position to apply for and gain the secretarial post. The CA has now become the School Secretary and is “eager” to continue with the L3 NVQ in Business and Administration. She is also going to be the School’s Point of Information Contact (PIC) and training for this will be early in the New Year.