We hope this list of FAQs will answer your question but if you have any other queries not covered, please contact us on mentoring.ioa@curee.co.uk. Please note this list of FAQs will be added to as common questions occur.
Q. How many sessions will I be attending?
A. There will be residential launch event on a Friday – Saturday and then 4 further half day sessions – over the course of 2 term time period. You will need to attend all the sessions.
Q. What if I am unable to stay overnight at the residential?
A. Whilst everyone is invited to stay overnight, we appreciate this might not be appropriate for all, but as long as you able to attend for the core taught hours of 14:00 to 18:00 on Friday evening and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturday then this is fine. Please just be sure to let us know so we don’t book you a room but do order you dinner.
Q. What additional time commitment does this involved on top of the sessions?
A. You and your mentor/mentee will need to meet approximately every fortnight in order to fulfil the requirements of the programme.
Q. Will I get protected mentoring time?
A. Yes, the Headteacher must agree to allow time to meet your mentor/mentee approximately every fortnight as part of this programme.
Q: Is my time funded?
A: Cover supply is available for school to cover the time mentors spent out of school attending training and will be paid directly from the Opportunity Area (which schools can claim back using the normal backfill claiming approach). Funding will be provided up to a maximum of £600 to cover 4 x half day sessions and the residential training session (Fri/Sat).
For more information on the backfill claiming approach, please contact Carole Creasy, Administrator, on c.creasey@uos.ac.uk
Q: Does the programme lead to a qualification and how is it assessed?
A: Yes, the programme leads to mentors becoming, upon successful completion, a CUREE qualified Mentor. The assessment is done through the development of a portfolio, consisting of items collected through both the course and the mentoring activities undertaken. Finalising/putting together this portfolio should not be an onerous process, and you will be provided planning time in the development sessions toward its completion.
Q: How will the network be developed for Mentors in Ipswich?
A: The intention is to support all mentors in Ipswich to be able to support each other and engage in a peer network over the coming year and beyond. This will be done through the training, dine and discuss events and online and social media presence.
Please follow #MentoringIOA on twitter.
Q. I cannot make the date for the first launch event (27-28 September), are there later cohorts?
A: Yes, there will be 2 further cohorts over the academic year. Please ensure you still register your interest as soon as possible to book your place and we can discuss which cohort is best with you.
Q: Is there a limit to how many mentors can attend from any one school in Ipswich?
A: Schools can enrol 1 -3 mentors in the programme, and larger schools can register an interest in more taking part if space is available.
Q: We don’t currently have an NQT but intend to in future. Can I enrol on the mentor training?
A: In short, yes. However, you will need to identify someone you are able to support in a mentoring capacity. Whilst this would ideally be an NQT or NQT + 1 within your school, if this isn’t possible you may need to consider another Early Career Teacher or an NQT in another school locally, which you would need to arrange.