Frequently Asked Questions
What training do we offer teaching staff?
There are 3 elements of the training programme for teaching staff. These programmes all form part of the unique Orange Moon Teaching Support Staff development pathway. The elements are:
- Teaching Assistant and Early Years apprenticeships: These apprenticeships range from level 2 (GCSE) to level 7 (Masters), and are designed for existing or new teaching support staff.
- ITE & Senior Leader programmes: designed for graduates wishing to become a qualified teacher with QTS and for senior leaders.
- The Working with Children Academy: This level 1 programme is for those considering entering the profession and helps schools to “grow your own” staff.
Our apprenticeships are for new employees or upskilling existing employees.
Teaching Assistant and Early Years Apprenticeships
Are these qualifications available for my existing staff?
They can be for ‘in situ’ staff (staff already in post) as long as they can have access to an average 6 hours per week for “off the job training”. The qualification can also be offered as a new post to add capacity to your team.
How do applicants decide what level apprenticeship would be a suitable next step?
Staff at Orange Moon carry out the initial conversations / assessments and offer guidance and assistance as to what course is appropriate. Currently, TA apprenticeships are offered only at Level 3. There is no apprenticeship standard for Level 2. But if schools have wrap around care or staff who work with under 5’s they can access the Early Years Practitioner Level 2 and the Early Years Educator Level 3. The final decision on which course is a joint decision taken by Orange Moon, the apprentice and the school.
How are apprenticeships funded?
Courses are funded by the Apprenticeship Levy that most schools have access to. Apprenticeships are funded at between £4,000 – £7,000 for the level 2 & 3 apprenticeships. This fee covers all the costs of the training provider, there are no fees to the school or the apprentice. The employer must pay the apprentice wage for the duration they are on the programme. If a levy is not available, then the course may still be offered as a co-funded course where the employer pays 5% of the cost (around £200-350), the government pays the remainder.
How much ‘Off The Job Training’ is required?
An average of 6 hours per week of their paid time must be spent out of the classroom. This time is known as ‘Off the job’ training time and is used by the provider for teaching and learning. When this takes place can be negotiated with the school, Orange Moon and the trainee. Off the job Training time (OTJT) is not literally just about completing assignments but can include other activities such as school based training and research, mentoring, one to one support, school-based training around policy and procedure all count towards OTJT as long as (a) it can be demonstrated that the time spent relates to the apprenticeship, and (b) the time spent is part of the apprentice’s paid work time or TOIL.
Would I have to pay a higher wage after a member of staff secured their qualification?
No, Unless the role was part of a shadow staffing plan. Even then the appropriate recruitment protocols would apply. For new apprentices, the apprenticeship minimum wage is currently £5.28 per hour, an apprentice can only be on this wage for the first 12 months, then they need to increase to national minimum wage. Employers are encouraged to pay at least national minimum wage to attract the best talent. Orange Moon can provide basic HR support to schools to navigate around this issue.
What support will an Apprentice receive whilst training?
Apprentices receive both online and face to face support with their studies. An Orange Moon QA process ensures that they receive a balanced and broad experience in schools that meets the timelines set out in their course plan. They have a sector specialist tutor from Orange Moon who gives them a personalised programme to suit their job role. Training is given in a blended format. Apprentices will also have a school based mentor who will work with Orange Moon to ensure the apprentice develops all the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to become a high quality and effective practitioner.
Postgraduate Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA)
What is this, in a nutshell?
A fee free salaried route to QTS for ‘in situ’ staff or new recruits.
Why would this attract new trainees to the profession?
They would pay no course fee as this would be met by the Apprenticeship Levy. The course is school based for 12 -15 months.
Can I train existing staff?
Yes. If they have a degree and English, Maths and Science at GCSE Level 4 or above.
How much ‘Off The Job Training’ is required?
An average of 6 hours per week of their paid time must be spent out of the classroom. This time is known as ‘Off the job’ training time and is used by the provider for teaching and learning. When this takes place can be negotiated with the school, Orange Moon and the trainee. Off the job Training time (OTJT) is not literally just about completing assignments but can include other activities such as school based training and research, mentoring, one to one support, school-based training around policy and procedure all count towards OTJT as long as (a) it can be demonstrated that the time spent relates to the apprenticeship, and (b) the time spent is part of the apprentice’s paid work time or TOIL.
How do I advertise and secure a new placement?
Contact Orange Moon who will either link applicants from the DfE apply portal or arrange for a local recruitment process.
How long is the course?
12 – 15 months.
Am I obliged to offer a post after the apprentice completes the course?
No. In situ staff may return to their previous post but you will have ‘grown your own’ teacher and might employ them in your school or trust setting.
What grants and incentives exist for recruiting apprentices onto this course?
Bursaries of up to £18k are available to the school for a few subjects e.g. Chemistry, computing, mathematics, physics, languages, etc.
How can prospective apprentices navigate the DfE apply portal?
Staff at Orange Moon will guide applicants through the process with 1:1 support and webinars that explain the process.
How do I draw down the incentive grants and bursaries for my apprentices?
Once the course begins, your school or trust can claim the funds using their digital account portal. Orange Moon will guide your Finance team through this process.
How do I notify Orange Moon that we have a placement available?
For any questions about any of our Early Years course please contact Jade Brown on 0115 97843980 or 07972 136619 or e-mail training@omtraining.co.uk.
The Working with Children Academy
What is it?
An entry level course for trainees beginning a career working with children in an Early Years setting or Primary School. The Academy runs from 4 to 8 weeks and includes a volunteer placement in a school or Early years setting. Schools/Settings can choose to have block placement of 2 weeks, or an alternative arrangement can be agreed to meet the requirements of the individual School/Setting.
Will it be an additional draw from my levy funds?
No. The course is funded by another sources, either The Adult Education Budget or Oranges Moon’s development fund.
How do I recruit to it?
Indicate that you wish to offer placements to Orange Moon. They lead on all aspects of the recruitment process for your school community and provide all the necessary support. All relevant checks including funding eligibility and suitability will be undertaken by Orange Moon.
How many can I recruit onto the programme?
As many as you wish. Many schools recruit a cohort of 8 to 10 in order to identify 2 to 4 trainees that have the potential candidates. The school is under no obligation to engage with the trainees after the programme, but of course, the idea is that the school identifies talent that has the potential to join your teaching staff normally as a Teaching Assistant, and perhaps one day a fully qualified teacher.
Does the school need to provide a mentor?
No. However, a single point of contact is recommended to sign off daily attendance and a portfolio of school experience. The school is expected to provide a meaningful placement, Orange Moon will provide guidance detailing the limited range of activities trainees should be engaged with, in order to provide them with a quality placement experience.
How long are they in a school setting?
70 hours is a minimum requirement. If the school is in the position to offer an apprenticeship at any point, they would need to employ the individual for at least 16 hours. The length of time on programme as an apprentice would be determined by the hours they work. Ideally for the shortest time on programme they need to be employed 30 hours per week. There is a government incentive of £1,000 to employ an apprentice aged 16-18.
How can I use a trainee whilst on placement?
This depends on the phase that the placement offered in. Activities may include listening to reading, classroom organisation, displays, one to one Literacy and Numeracy work, SEN support, small group work, supporting the teacher or TA and immersing themselves into the setting to maximise their experience.
What happens at the end of their course?
Trainees have a conversation with their training tutor at Orange Moon about possible next steps. Ideally, we would like them to be interviewed for a potential an apprenticeship at the setting/school, or we can increase their volunteer training programme by progressing them onto a full level 2 qualification (Teaching Assistant or Early Years).
