Support Work in Schools (SWiS) VQ and career progression

 

Thomas Peacocke Community College, East Sussex

 

Case study – Corinna Human

Corinna had been employed at Thomas Peacocke Community College for five years. Initially she worked three hours per day to undertake a first day absence calling. She progressed to become the Assistant to the Administration Manager and, in September 2006, became the Attendance Officer.

In September 2005 Corinna signed up to do the Vocational Qualification (VQ) in Support Work in Schools Level 2, as part of a pilot funded by the Learning Skills Council and Training and Development Agency for Schools.

Corinna was allocated her own personal Assessor, who helped her achieve her Award in April 2006. This was done by compiling a portfolio of evidence, containing examples of her day-to-day work, assessor observations and witness testimonies from her manager and colleagues.

“It took me a while to understand what I needed to do for my Award, but my assessor was very supportive and, once the message got through, there was no stopping me”.

Having completed her VQ Corinna registered to do an NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration.

“As I had already completed an Award it was a lot easier to complete this one. Even though it was at a higher level my job role meant that I could find the evidence quite easily. I was also able to use a lot of the evidence from my VQ.” Corinna completed her Award in December 2006.

In her original portfolio Corinna wrote in her personal profile,

“I enjoy my role and I am very interested in the Educational Welfare System and wished to further my career to become an Education Welfare Officer (EWO), when my children are older”.

In December 2006 Corinna saw an advertisement for an EWO post in Eastbourne requiring a level 3 qualification, which she previously didn't have. She started her new job on 19 February 2007!

In her new role she will be working towards an NVQ in Learning, Development and Support Services for Children Level 4.

Corinna feels that doing her VQ and NVQ helped in several other ways:

  • it increased her self confidence;
  • compiling her portfolio made her realise her capabilities;
  • increased self belief;
  • improved written skills;
  • improved communication;
  • improved organisational skills;
  • enhanced career prospects.

The College benefitted from:

  • improved working practices;
  • increased staff morale;
  • career and personal development routes for associate staff;
  • clearer understanding of types of evidence, and their presentation, required for OFSTED visits.