Training to teach

Occupational health 

Occupational Health Questionnaire - Fitness to Teach

Teacher training courses involve practice placements that you need to complete successfully to achieve your chosen qualification. We are required to ensure that you meet the professional standards of being physically and mentally fit to practice before you start your placements. We assess you through an Occupational Health Questionnaire which will be sent to you.

Completing your questionnaire
It is important that you explain about any health conditions and treatment you are receiving so where possible, we can make reasonable adjustments to support you through your course.

Prior to you starting the course, you will be contacted by our chosen Occupational Health Provider. The university will let you know when you can expect this.

It is vital that you complete the paperwork in good time as this is a requirement for going in to school.

How long does it take?
Occupational Health checks can take at least six weeks so please allow plenty of time for any follow up questions and reply as soon as possible. You will not be able to start any placements without your Occupational Health clearance in place.

Please email clearancechecks@brighton.ac.uk if you think there may be any delay in sending your form in. If there are any health related issues, please contact Occupational Health directly by email at the address provided above.

DBS - postgraduate students

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure
Teacher training courses require a DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

When you are offered a place on a postgraduate teacher training course you should ensure you apply for your DBS as soon as possible, and no later than two months prior to the start of the course.

You will not be permitted to start your course and cannot undertake any placements if you fail to obtain a satisfactory DBS.

Documentation
Only certain forms of identification are acceptable for DBS Enhanced Disclosure. Download a list of DBS forms of acceptable identification (pdf doc).

How to get your DBS Enhanced Disclosure
Our DBS Enhanced Disclosure instructions for postgraduate students provides advice and details about the application process.

DBS - undergraduate students

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure
Teacher training courses require a DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

When you are offered a place on an undergraduate teacher training course you should ensure you apply for your DBS as soon as possible, and no later than two months prior to the start of the course.

You will not be permitted to start your course and cannot undertake any placements if you fail to obtain a satisfactory DBS.

Documentation
Only certain forms of identification are acceptable for DBS Enhanced Disclosure. Download a list of DBS forms of acceptable identification (pdf doc).

How to get your DBS Enhanced Disclosure
Our DBS Enhanced Disclosure instructions for undergraduate students provides advice and details about the application process.

Resources and guidance

Handbooks

• EYITT Partnership Handbook
  This handbook is designed to inform trainees about overall course content, expected outcomes and the staff who will work with them.
• EYITT Trainee Handbook
• EYITT School-Based Training Handbook

Grading and assessment guidance

• Grading Trainees against the Teachers’ Standards (EYITT)
  A brief explanation of the University of Brighton ITE Partnership's approach to the grading of trainees in the EYITT context.
• Online guide to using your PebblePad
  Help on using your e-Portfolio.

Queries

If you have a query please contact Programme Assistant, Helen Carter via eyitt@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 641931.

Assessment, feedback and record forms

• Progress Report (Form EYA ) (Word doc)
  Interim report on teaching competence (Form EYB) (Word doc)
• Final Assessment Report on Teaching Competence (Form EYC) (Word doc)
• Need for Enhanced Support (Form EYD) (Word doc)
• Record of Mentorship and Training SBT1 and SBT2a/b (Form EYF1) (Word doc) 
• Record of Mentorship and Training SBT3 (Form EYF2) (Word doc)
• Record of Mentor Meeting (Form EYH) (Word doc)
• Checklist (Form EYH) Word)
• Certificate of Attendance (Form EYI) (Word doc)
  (Evidence of Completion of Placement)
• EYITT Key Stage one SBT3 Report (Form EYKS1) (Word doc)
• University Tutor Record (Form EYL) (Word doc)

Code of Conduct

• Code of Personal and Professional Conduct (Word) This form must be filled out by all trainee teachers within the University of Brighton ITE Partnership undertaking school and university-based training.

 School-based training handbooks

Primary Partnership in Education: Agreement and Handbook 
Containing all details of the primary school-based training partnership.

School Direct (Salaried) Handbook 
This handbook provides details of the practical and academic requirements of the School Direct (Salaried) route to QTS. The handbook covers all age phases.

Undergraduate Primary (year 1) School-based Training Handbook 
School-based training takes place in the spring and summer term and is undertaken by trainees in year 1 of our undergraduate Primary Education (3–7) BA(Hons) and Primary Education (5–11) BA(Hons) routes.

Undergraduate Primary (year 2) School-based Training Handbook 
School-based training takes place in the spring term and is undertaken by trainees in year 2 of our undergraduate Primary Education (3–7) BA(Hons) and Primary Education
(5–11) BA(Hons) routes.

Undergraduate Primary (year 3) School-based Training Handbook 
School-based training takes place in the autumn and spring terms and is undertaken by trainees in year 3 of our undergraduate Primary Education (3–7) BA(Hons) and Primary Education (5–11) BA(Hons) routes.

PGCE Primary (3–7) and PGCE Primary (5–11) School-based Training Handbook 
This handbook provides key information for all three school-based training periods for the PGCE Primary programme, including School Direct Tuition.

PGCE Primary (3–7) and PGCE (5–11) School-based Training 1 Weekly Overview (pdf)
A week-by-week guide to SBT1

Code of Conduct

Code of Personal and Professional Conduct (Word)
This form must be filled out by all trainee teachers within the University of Brighton ITE Partnership undertaking school and university-based training.

Trainee handbooks

PGCE Primary (3–7) and PGCE Primary (5–11) Trainee Handbook (pdf)
This handbook provides details of the practical and academic requirements for trainees studying our Primary Education PGCE and Primary Education (3-7 years) PGCE.

Primary Education with QTS BA(Hons) Handbooks

These handbooks are designed to support trainees on all age phases of our 3 year Primary Education with QTS BA(Hons) programmes. There are specific handbooks (pdf) for each year of study.

• BA Primary Year 1 Handbook
• BA Primary Year 2 Handbook
• BA Primary Year 3 Handbook

Planning and teaching

Early Years Lesson Plan (Word doc)
This lesson plan has been designed for those on Primary 3–7 routes.

In the Moment Planning (Word doc)
This will help you complete the planning cycle in the actual moment and is designed for those on Primary 3–7 routes.

Primary Lesson Plan (Word doc)
This lesson plan has been designed for all trainees on Primary and 3-7 routes planning lessons in KS1 and KS2 classes.

Weekly Subject Planner (Word doc)
This weekly lesson plan has been designed for use by trainees on Primary and 3–7 routes. Its use must be first agreed by mentor and university tutor.

Weekly subject planner example (Word doc)
An example to help you complete your weekly subject planner

Box A and B Proforma (Word doc)
This pro forma is to be used in conjunction with school's own planning by trainees on SBT3 only

Early Years Planning Guidance document (pdf)
This guide supports the use of the Early Years lesson plan

Primary Language Record (Word doc)
A form to help you record how the development of a child’s speaking skills progresses.

Online guide to using your PebblePad
Help on using your e-Portfolio.

Grading and assessments

University of Brighton Grading Descriptors (pdf)
Grading descriptors are intended to enable trainees and their mentors to assess and discuss trainees’ progress over time against the Teachers’ Standards and their sub-headings.

Teachers' Standards
Published in 2012, these are the standards that all UK teachers must meet. You will be assessed and graded according to the progress you have made in meeting these standards.

 School-based training handbooks

Secondary Partnership in Education: Agreement and Handbook (pdf)
Containing all details of the secondary partnership.

Secondary Professional Year Trainee Handbook (pdf)
This handbook covers all elements for trainees on PGCE (Core and School Direct Tuition) subject routes, as well as undergraduate trainees from Secondary Mathematics Education with QTS BA(Hons).

BA QTS Physical Education Intermediate SBT Handbook (pdf)
School-based training takes place in the autumn term and is undertaken by 3rd year trainees from BA QTS Physical Education.

BA QTS Physical Education Final SBT Handbook (pdf)
School-based training takes place in the spring term and is undertaken by 4th year trainees from BA QTS Physical Education.

School Direct (Salaried) Handbook (pdf)
This handbook provides details of the practical and academic requirements of the School Direct (Salaried) route to QTS. The handbook covers all age phases.

Code of Conduct

Code of Personal and Professional Conduct (Word) This form must be filled out by all trainee teachers within the University of Brighton ITE Partnership undertaking school and university-based training.

Queries

If you have a query please contact Jo Suarez at j.suarez@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 642932

Trainee handbooks

Postgraduate Secondary Handbooks

Handbooks are available for each subject route:

• Art and Design (pdf)
• Dance (pdf)
• English (pdf)
• Geography (pdf)
• Mathematics (pdf)
• Modern Foreign Languages (pdf)
• Physical Education (pdf)
• Religious Studies (pdf)
• Science Routes (Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics with Mathematics) (pdf)

Two-year Secondary BA Year 1 Handbook (pdf)
This handbook provides details of the requirements of, and support systems available within, our 2 year undergraduate route to QTS.

Secondary Mathematics Education (11-18 years) BSc Year 2 Handbook (pdf)
This handbook is designed to inform students about overall course content, expected outcomes, resources, student support, and the staff who will work with them.

SKE Mathematics 28 weeks handbook
This handbook is designed to support trainees following our 36 week Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in mathematics.

Planning and teaching

Secondary Lesson Plan (Word doc)
You will be expected to produce a lesson plan for every lesson you teach.

Secondary SBT Timetable (Word doc)
All trainees need to fill this out and return it to their university subject tutor.

Online guide to using your PebblePad
Help on using your e-Portfolio.

Grading and assessments

University of Brighton Grading Descriptors (Word doc)
Grading descriptors are intended to enable trainees and their mentors to assess and discuss trainees’ progress over time against the Teachers’ Standards and their sub-headings.

Teachers' Standards
Published in 2012, these are the standards that all UK teachers must meet. You will be assessed and graded according to the progress you have made in meeting these standards.

Handbooks and guidance

Further Education and Training Partnership Handbook (pdf)
This handbook is designed to inform trainees about overall course content, expected outcomes and the staff who will work with them.

Trainee Peer Review Form (Word doc)
This form is designed for you to observe a peer from your cohort or another in the University of Brighton partnership.

Initial Assessment against the Professional Standards (Word doc)

Full-time PGCE trainees

• Introductory handbook (pdf)
• Trainee Handbook (pdf)
• Assignment Handbook (pdf)

Part-time PGCE and Cert Ed trainees

• Trainee Handbook (pdf)
• Assignment Handbook Year 1 (pdf)
• Assignment Handbook Year 2 (pdf)

Code of Conduct

Code of Personal and Professional Conduct for FET Trainee Teachers (Word doc)
This form must be filled out by all trainee teachers within the University of Brighton ITE Partnership undertaking school and university-based training.

Queries

If you have a query please contact Alexandra Fry at a.fry@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 643397.

Claims

The School of Education is not funded to pay trainees' travel expenses but will, while funding allows, make a contribution to additional travel costs incurred while on school-based training.

Both the university and the trainee make a contribution to expenses incurred. Trainees must pay the first £3.00 (or more, depending on the distance between your term-time address and the university).

Claim forms are available outside the Partnership Office, Room A308, Checkland Building, Falmer campus.

Queries

If you have a query about your travel claim, please email it to EducationTravelClaims@brighton.ac.uk so that we can consult our files and explain our calculations to you in writing.

Our travel claim flowchart (pdf) may help you.

School Experience Advance

To help with the advance purchase of season tickets or high car/motorcycle mileage (minimum £60):

• This must be submitted no later than three weeks after the start of your school-based training. Otherwise, you can only make a retrospective claim.
• 75% of your claim will be paid on submission of this advance; the remaining 25% is paid on submission of a School Experience Claim at the end of your school-based training, with verification of attendance and tickets where public transport is used.
• If you do not submit a Placement Experience Claim at the end of your school-based training you will be required to repay the advance.

School Experience Claim

One claim at the end of your school-based training. All claims must be submitted by 1 July.

Please allow enough time for your school to confirm the number of days you attended your school-based training.

If you travelled by public transport, you must submit all tickets (or receipts) with your claim, as journeys without receipts cannot be reimbursed. Please group journeys on the form itself and associated tickets into daily/weekly/monthly for speedier processing.

You must obtain the cheapest ticket(s) for your journey. Monthly/ weekly tickets are often cheaper even if you are only in school for three days a week. Please check before you travel. There is a special Unizone ticket for trainee rail travel among stations between East Worthing and Eastbourne.

Those driving to their school-based training can claim 16p per mile. Those who are able to offer a lift to another trainee can claim 20p per mile for the first passenger, 22p per mile can be claimed for 2 passengers, or 24p per mile for 3 passengers. Ensure that you note the name and address of your passenger on the form. Only the driver may claim for travel expenses.

We do not cover vehicle fuel and maintenance costs and cannot accept petrol receipts, odometer readings or repair bills.

We cannot cover taxi expenses.

Frequently asked questions

How do I project my costs as a driver?

Using the AA Route Planner, calculate the actual mileage from your term time address to the school. As this is a one-way journey, you will need to double it for your daily mileage. Depending on whether or not you have passenger/s, you multiply the mileage by the mileage rate to get a daily rate. Then multiply the daily rate by the number of days on school-based training.

It doesn't cost me anything to get to the university so why must I deduct this from my claim?

The university is subject to strict regulations regarding the use of public funding. Both the university and the trainee make a contribution to expenses incurred. Trainees must pay the first £3.00 (or more depending on the distance between your term-time address and the university.)

How and when will I receive my money?

Your money will be transferred directly to your account by our finance department. You will receive written confirmation of this by email. You should allow 4-6 weeks for this, especially in the busy period following the end of your school-based training.

Can I claim for any other visits to school other than my ‘main’ school experience?

No, we are unfortunately unable to cover these costs.

Further information

Trainees using their own vehicles to transport themselves and fellow trainees on university business, must ensure that the vehicle is appropriately insured, taxed and has a valid MOT certificate.

The Partnership Office reserves the right to withhold payment to any trainee who claims travel by car if they did not disclose they had a car on their School Experience Placement Request forms.

How it works

We work hard to ensure that school-based training opportunities give you valuable and varied experiences with the age group you are qualifying to teach.

You will be asked to complete a placement information form when you start your course. We will use this information to match you to a suitable school setting. We will consider your previous experience, travelling distance, the age phases you need to teach, and your current needs.

Once you have been matched, the team in the Partnership Office will confirm the school-based training as quickly as possible with the school or setting. They will then contact you with the details. Almost all of our school-based training will be with partner schools in south-east England. 

Can I find my own school-based training?

No, all school-based training needs to be organised by the Partnership Office. However, if you have personal contacts that you believe will help to secure a training opportunity, then please contact the Partnership Office.

Provide us with the school’s details, a contact name, and details of your connection with the school. We will then contact the school on your behalf. Please don’t approach the school directly, as this may cause confusion.

Is teaching for me?

If you are interested in studying to become a teacher, the School Experience Programme (SEP) enables you to gain classroom experience in primary or secondary schools. Several of our partnership schools are involved in the SEP programme.

If you want to find out more, please visit the School Experience Programme website.

I have really loved all four of my teaching placements, which have been incredibly varied, from a small village school with mixed year groups to a large urban primary school with a diverse intake.

Jennifer Lamb
Primary Education with QTS (3–7 years) BA(Hons)

Resources

Handbooks

• Cohort 5 Welcome Handbook (pdf)
• Cohort 5 Trainee Handbook Part 1 (pdf)
• Cohort 5 Developing Professional Practice Handbook (pdf)
• Cohort 5 Year 2 Handbook (pdf)
• Cohort 6 Handbook - part 1 (pdf)
• Cohort 6 Handbook - part 2 (pdf)

Primary Partnership in Education: Agreement and Handbook (pdf)
Containing all details of the primary partnership.

• Secondary Partnership in Education: Agreement and Handbook (pdf) Containing all details of the secondary partnership.

PebblePad

• PebblePad online user guide

Queries

If you have a query please contact Susie Negus at s.negus@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 643430.