How is the programme accredited?
The programme is accredited by CACHE at level 3 through the Support Workers in Schools (SWiS) qualification. The Accreditation consists of:
- Work based assessment
- Candidates will be required to produce a journal of evidence. This evidence will arise naturally by putting learning into practice and through day-to-day tasks
- Judgements of competence will be carried out by learning mentors/expert witness (usually based in the school)
- External verification will be by a BPN assessor.
Cost of the programme
The cost ofthe SWiS PSA Certificate programme is £895 plus VAT per candidate (NB this programme is fully funded through the TDA SWiS grant). (Minimum group size 12)
NB These costs assume that the venue and refreshments are provided by the school/LA
Progression
On completion of the Level 3 certificate candidates will be able to take a further two optional units from the twelve available to achieve the Level 3 Diploma.
SWiS Level 3 - Parent Support Adviser (PSA)
The Parent Support Adviser (PSA) programme is an endorsed pathway within the SWiS certificate and diploma and is designed for staff providing support for parents.
Best Practice Network has designed a programme specifically for Parent Support Advisers to help them to achieve the following objectives:
- To understand the needs of parents, children and young people they work with
- To understand the ethics, values, organisation and working practices in the school(s) where they work
- To engage and build good working relationships with parents, children, young people, school colleagues and colleagues working in other agencies
- To work holistically and effectively with parents in ways that will improve their children's well-being and attainment
- To provide relevant information about, and access to appropriate support services and opportunities that enable parents to improve their skills
- To plan, deliver and offer parenting support - courses for groups and one-to-one support
- To work with parents and pupils to improve attendance as well as to avert, respond to and avoid exclusion and support pupils returning to school
What is included in the programme?
The Level 3 Certificate programme will be delivered in consultation with the LA Extended Services Team and will include:
- A one day introduction and initial briefing for SWiS candidates and learning mentors
- Three half-day sessions designed to support the learning outcomes for each of the mandatory units. A further half-day session to support the learning outcomes of the optional unit - candidates will choose one option from the 2 available
- A half day session to conclude the training and provide an opportunity to reflecton learning and next steps
- Programme handbooks to support and guide candidates and learning mentors throughout the programme
- External verification and assessment by BPN CACHE centre
How is the programme delivered?
The SWiS Parent Support programme is facilitated by experienced trainers who establish asupportive learning environment and build participants' confidence.
The programme is delivered over a three month period on dates agreed with extended services
- Candidates will attend training on four days the final day being a half day session. The taught sessions will provide the basis for the self study and evidence collation
- School based learning mentors will support candidates through the programme and provide witness statements to support the assessment process. Learning mentors will receive training to ensure that they can fully support the candidates and are confident to attest to evidence of candidate's knowledge, understanding, skills and performance
- Candidates and learning mentors are supported throughout the programme by BPN staff and receive a programme handbook that contains a step-by-step guide to the collation, presentation and signing off of evidence and ongoing online and telephone support for participants and mentors
