Frequently Asked Questions

What is School Direct?

School Direct is a school led route into teaching in conjunction with Initial Teacher Training providers, Harrington Nursery School works closely with The University of Warwick. There are two School Direct routes:

School Direct Training Programme (fee paying)

Open to graduates and funded by tuition fees paid by the trainee.  Trainees are able to access funding via the Student Loans system.

What is the aim of School Direct?

School Direct enables schools and groups of schools to take the lead role in the recruitment and training of trainees who best meet their needs, in the anticipation that those teachers will go on to work in the group of schools where they trained.

How is our route different from other School Direct Training Providers?

Harrington Nursery School provides our trainees with the very best start to their training.  From a rigorous selection process through to a comprehensive bespoke support programme where trainees are supported to achieve great success during training and beyond.

Our Teacher Training programme is an exceptional partnership between Harrington Nursery School and The University of Warwick.  Harrington Nursery School is in Derby.  It is very proactive and progressive with a real focus on teaching and learning.  It really is the place to learn to teach and continue with exciting and varied career development opportunities.

Our programme is an exciting and innovative programme for people who have some experience of working with children or young people and want to become teachers.  We specialise in Early Years and Key Stage One.  We will give you the opportunities to ‘learn on the job’ in a school.  The trainee will work as part of the teaching team from day one learning from experienced colleagues and immediately putting new skills into practice.

The School Direct teacher training course runs for an academic year and leads to qualified teacher status (QTS), a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) and masters level credits from The University of Warwick.

Harrington Nursery School recruits trainees that are the very best for our schools and working in close partnership with The University of Warwick, provides you with bespoke training of the highest quality to equip and prepare them to become outstanding teachers.

Each trainee teacher is supported fully throughout the year by;

·       A mentor in their placement school, this could be two; Class teacher and Professional Mentor

·       University of Warwick Link Tutor

·       A support network of trainees across the Early Years and Primary Sector

·       Overview of the programme provided by Teaching School colleagues

·      Access to additional weekly training sessions as agreed by School Mentor

We believe we offer a very high quality and personalised training programme.  We choose to collaborate with The University of Warwick, an outstanding provider of Initial Teacher Education and working closely to develop a programme which incorporates hands on work at schools, locally based training and visits to the University.

All mentors and class teachers have access to current mentor training by The University of Warwick at the start of the year and also a series of keeping in touch sessions, regular briefings and newsletters.

Each trainee will begin by observing their mentor and other experienced staff within the school.  They will agree with their mentor their phased introduction into teaching.  This will eventually be built up to a 14 hour a week teaching timetable, the timescale of which will be agreed with the mentor and can vary from trainee to trainee.

Harrington Nursery School provides an extra layer of training that complements The University of Warwick sessions. 

Funding is available for most schools who feel they are able to share their expertise by leading training sessions.

All trainees must undertake a second school placement.  This usually takes place in the Spring term and will be in a different age group of children to that of your first placement.

What will the training look like?

The training is a blend of theory and practice. You will attend sessions at Harrington Nursery School fortnightly during the year giving you strong theoretical foundations and subject knowledge led by a colleague from Harrington Nursery School and University of Warwick Teaching Fellow. Your school will give you lots of practical experience and expert support, giving you a solid foundation to build your career. You will be in the classroom from day one so once you have learned something new you can put it straight into practice. You will have an extensive support network with support from university tutors and mentors, mentors within your own school and Harrington Nursery School. In addition you will have fortnightly training with other trainees across the course. You will spend the majority of the year in your host school with a second placement in the spring term.

What will I receive at the end of the course?

If you successfully complete the course you will receive Qualified Teacher Status, PGCE and 60 Masters credits.

What will I learn in my training sessions?

The training sessions are designed to offer practical support/hints/tips and ideas on a range of topics which will include:

·       Safeguarding and guidance on conduct

·       Lesson planning

·       Behaviour management

·       Assessment for learning

·       Organising a school trip

·       Working with EAL students

·       Working with SEN students

·       Learning Environment

·       Working with other adults in the classroom

·       Resources and Differentiation

·       Using the interactive whiteboard

·       Primary marking and feedback

·       Primary Planning

·       Classroom presentation skills

All sessions are delivered by outstanding practitioners.

I’m not a recent graduate can I still apply?

Yes we are looking for both graduates and career changers. Our current trainees have had a variety of different careers and have bought these experiences to the classroom.

How do I apply?

Please see the Entry Requirements and How to Apply page on our website for further details on this.

What happens if I am shortlisted?

You will be invited to attend a selection day. All applicants will be observed working with pupils and undergo an interview.

What happens if I am offered a place?

If we feel that you have the potential to make an outstanding teacher we will recommend to the University that you are offered a place. The University will confirm your offer and any conditions via UCAS.

Am I eligible for the programme?

You need a 2:2 or above at degree level from a UK Higher Education Institution, or an equivalent qualification. In terms of GCSE’s you need at least a C in English, Science and Mathematics.

When do applications close?

There is no set closing date we will continue to recruit until all places are full or until we reach the end of the academic year. We advise that you apply as soon as possible. 

If selected when would I start?

There will be several days of induction at University at the end of August, your training in school will commence in September.

Can I defer for a year?

Depending on circumstances this could be possible, but we encourage trainees to apply for the year starting in the September of the academic year for which you have applied.

Can I do part time?

No all places are full time for 1 year.

If I am not successful first time round can I apply again?

Yes, if you are not successful it may be that gaining further experience will help you submit a successful application in the future.

What happens at the end of the year?

We support candidates who successfully complete the course to find posts as Newly Qualified Teachers both within and outside the Alliance, many candidates secure posts in their host or second placement school.