Home - Vocational Qualification in Support Work in Schools (SWiS)

The Vocational Qualification (VQ) in Support Work in Schools (SWiS) is an opportunity to engage staff with continuous professional development (CPD) who have not previously been included.

Units available include: - Catering, cleaning, library, administration, grounds maintenance, technical services, learning support and assisting teaching.

How the VQ is aligned to the following TDA deliverables

3.3. Performance Development: Help schools to develop high quality and effective approaches to the performance development of their workforce

4.4. Training and Development: Continuously develop and improve the availability and effectiveness of the training and development opportunities on offer to members of the whole school workforce

How the VQ is aligned to Every Child Matters through the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge

Unit 1: - Explore and respond to the needs of pupils

Unit 2: - Explore school values, policies, roles and responsibilities

Through the above mandatory units, candidates will have the opportunity to evidence their contribution to the 5 outcomes and identify their competencies in line with the common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce. This could provide evidence for the school in relation to Self Evaluation forms, and aid workforce development in line with School Improvement Plans.

Additional information about the level 2 and 3 VQ is available to download at the bottom of this page.

Funding

The Training and Development Agency (TDA) are funding the VQ at level 2 and 3

through the Local Authority who are responsible for managing the funding, recruitment and delivery of this qualification.

Applying for this Qualification

The CPD Leader in school should identify individuals who would benefit from achieving this qualification through performance management processes in school. Once individuals have been identified, application needs to be made to the Learning & Development Section in CYPD through completing the form attached below.

The application forms to apply for the VQ level 2 and level 3 are available to download at the bottom of this page.