Mentor Training

Best Practice Network provides coaching and mentor training to help schools and local authorities to mentor and support individuals who are taking on new roles and responsibilities or working towards achievement of HLTA or EYP status. Arrangements for delivery of mentor training can be made with individual schools, clusters, networks or local authorities. Programmes are personalised to reflect the needs of each participant and contextualised to address local issues. Mentors may be members of the teaching staff or wider workforce. In particular, colleagues who have themselves gained HLTA or EYP status may be interested in developing their expertise in mentoring and supporting colleagues within their own or other schools.

Programme Delivery

The programme consists of one training day followed by four half day sessions at intervals of 4 — 6 weeks. All sessions will include:

• Presentation of relevant information and models of coaching and mentoring
• Skill development activities
• Discussion groups
• Interactive use of evaluation tools and case studies
• Opportunities to receive feedback and set own development targets

As part of the programme mentors will receive detailed guidance on relevant professional standards, assessment methodology and ways of supporting their colleagues and candidates through:

• Identifying strengths and development needs
• Matching school-based activities to the appropriate standards
• Observation and feedback skills
• Action planning for enhancement and improvement of practice

What is the cost?

The programme is delivered to LA and network groups by experienced BPN facilitators (facilitator: participant ratio 1:8, minimum group size of 8). The cost of the basic programme is £295 + VAT.