The role of Lead Mentors (Liaison Tutors and Lead Partner representatives) is as follows and is highlighted in the DfE quality requirements:
- Oversight, supervision, and quality assurance of other mentors;
- Design and delivery of training for other mentors;
- Close working with trainees during Intensive Training and Practice, and design of such elements;
- Oversight of trainee progress through the year and identification of interventions or modifications where required.
In addition, Lead Mentors will:
- know and understand the requirements of the ITTECF (the statutory underpinning of LJMU’s ITE curricula) and ensure that all aspects ('learn how to…’) are fully integrated in school-based practice and addressed by all involved in the student teacher’s training;
- know and understand the DfE requirements for Initial Teacher Training and the Teachers’ Standards (September 2012) and observe the requirements expressed in the Ofsted ITE inspection toolkit;
- be a professional ambassador for the university and role model for student teachers and LJMU partnership;
- make appropriate number of mentor development visits to partner establishments (addressing matters arising during the quality assurance process, as appropriate);
- monitor and quality assure the school-based training programme (phase/subject provision) and ensure that high quality mentoring meets the individual needs of student teachers;
- quality assure and monitor the formative assessment process and progress of the student teacher against LJMU’s ITE curricula (phased expectations);
- provide support and guidance for student teachers and partners;
- promote equality of opportunity and avoid discrimination.
The responsibilities of the Lead Mentor (Liaison Tutor) are to work with the student teacher and General Mentors (ITT Mentors) to:
- monitor the targets set for each placement and appropriateness based on the phase of training (in the context of phased expectations, audit of experience and evidence of progress towards the LJMU ITE curriculum);
- review the targets at the end of the placement, discuss issues and consider subsequent action.
The responsibilities of the Lead Mentor (Liaison Tutors and Lead Partner representatives) during the placement are to support the student teacher and General Mentor to:
- provide direct support to the student teacher and the General Mentor in relation to the mentor development and student teacher progress;
- check the student teacher's training programme and progress towards the ITE Curriculum;
- review the student teacher's targets;
- encourage reflection and deconstruction of learning;
- check the placement experience file and QTS Training and Development file;
- check progress with professional development activities (if appropriate);
- support the requirements for confirmation of QTS (CEDP) at the end of the programme.
The responsibilities of the Lead Mentor (Liaison Tutors and Lead Partner representatives) are to support the General Mentor to:
- monitor and discuss the student teacher's individual development programme;
- mentor development visits (one in Phase 2 and one in Phase 3) to co-observe the student teacher's teaching with the General Mentor and observe the mentor's feedback, making appropriate contributions to support the development of the General Mentor, high quality mentoring and student teacher progress;
- assist and support the moderation of the student teachers' journey towards the end of the placement;
- conduct a triangulation meeting to establish the that the student teacher has successfully completed and made expected progress in all aspects of the LJMU ITE curriculum (recommendation for QTS made at the end of the programme);
- discuss any issues arising;
- engage with and complete all Lead Mentor refresher training and development.