Support Work in Schools (SWiS) Vocational Qualifications
The Support Work in Schools (SWiS) VQs are a new type of
vocationally related qualification that includes both
knowledge-based and competence-based units. They have been
developed specifically for school support staff and are achieved
through training and on-the-job assessment.
Funding
The qualifications are currently fully funded. See your
local authority website for details of how
to apply for funding.
Who is this VQ suitable for?
The SWiS VQ is particularly
suitable for those who are new to the school environment, have more
than one role in a school or whose responsibilities cross common
work roles, or would like to improve their career prospects or
skills. It is also ideal for those who are new to
qualifications or are nervous about taking a full NVQ.
Overwhelmingly, staff who have taken the VQ have gained enormous
self-confidence and many have chosen to go on to further
qualifications.
What does the VQ look like?
The qualification includes mandatory and optional units.
Mandatory units focus on working with children and young people and
working within a school, while optional units covers topics such as
site security and maintenance, managing resources, supporting
learning, health and safety, IT and communications.
Progression
The qualifications provide progression opportunities to a full
NVQ
in a particular occupational area such as administration or
teaching assistants.
What award is gained through this VQ?
An award and certificate is available at level 2 of the national
qualifications framework, and an award, certificate or diploma at
level 3.
How can I find out more?
Further information and advice on training
providers and funding can be
obtained from the local authorities or from
the four awarding bodies – CACHE, City & Guilds, Edexcel and
OCR – that are piloting the qualifications. A list of unit titles
is available by searching for support work in schools in the
openquals national qualifications database (http://www.openquals.org.uk/).