A School’s Guide to ACT
Introduction
At ACT, we are extremely passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives by providing excellent learning programmes and opportunities.
We have worked closely with over 480 schools to provide high quality training programmes, supporting schools and the wider education sector to meet their continuous professional development (CPD) requirements and to ensure staff have the knowledge and resources they need, both in and beyond the classroom.
ACT and our sister company ALS can provide these fully funded solutions because we are part of the Cardiff and Vale College Group, one of the largest college groups in the UK. Together we are the largest provider of skills-based training in Wales.
With the support of Welsh Government funding ACT and ALS can assist with upskilling your staff to match the unique needs of your school. This guide provides a brief overview of the qualifications, professional development opportunities and support that Schools Assist can offer your incredible staff.
Professional Development
*Please use the length of course as a guide. Many of our learning programmes are tailored to the individual needs of each learner so each experience is unique.
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2
Length of course*: 14 months
This qualification is designed to assist individuals employed in a classroom support role, working under the supervision of a class teacher, to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with children and young people.
Project Management Level 4
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification is designed for those leading the work of a team, delivering project goals and objectives and managing the completion of a project within it’s given time frame. Those enrolled on this course will also have the opportunity to complete further qualifications in PRINCE2 and APMQ.
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 3
Length of course*: 17 months
The Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification is designed for experienced learning support staff and builds upon the foundational skills established in the level 2 qualification. This will enhance their knowledge and skills, allowing them to take on more responsibility in the classroom at the discretion of the class teacher.
Business Administration Level 3
Length of course*: 15 months
This qualification is most suitable for those whose role involves administration as their primary work activity. The Level 3 Business Administration is a competencybased qualification and provides a professional qualification for those looking to receive recognition for their experience in administration.
Advice and Guidance Level 4
Length of course*: 17 months
This qualification is for experienced practitioners who provide guidance and support in a range of contexts as part of their job role. From careers advice, training and mentoring to mediation and management this qualification hosts a wide variety of units suitable for many job roles.
Business Administration Level 4
Length of course*: 18 months
This course is a step up from the level 3 and is more suited to those who manage a team of people, a process or projects. This qualification is designed to develop and enhance an individual’s existing organisational and problem-solving skills to ensurethey work efficiently and effectively in the workplace.
Professional Competence for IT
Length of course*: 21 months
This course equips staff with the primary IT skills needed to support with managing the day-to-day operation of hardware and software and controlling risks within the workplace.
Digital Skills for Business Level 2
Length of course*: 18 months
The level 2 award in Digital Skills for Business helps to improve the digital skills of your staff, boost the efficiency of your organisation and teach tips and tricks for the programmes used on a day-to-day basis.
Digital Learning Practitioner Level 3
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification is designed to improve and enhance the digital learning design skills of your teaching staff and assist them in developing effective and inclusive digital content resources. The course will develop your knowledge of new digital tools and teach you how to implement them within the classroom.
Digital Skills for Business Level 3
Length of course*: 21 months
The level 3 course is for those looking to build on their existing digital skills and develop a deeper understanding of professional computer programmes.
Data Analysts Level 4
Length of course*: 24 months
This qualification is designed to develop an individual’s analytical and digital skills in line with the needs of their organisation. This course teaches key skills in data management, the principles of information governance and assurance and the effective use of data analysis tools.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
CIPD in People Practice Level 3
Length of course*: 15 months
This qualification provides a solid understanding of both HR and learning and development practices, and is designed to support those working at an operational level. This course covers topics such as ethical practice, and promoting and ensuring professional values and development for staff.
CIPD in Organisational Learning and Development (L&D) Level 5
Length of course*: 22 months
The Associate Diploma in Organisational L&D is designed to develop high performing professionals who understand best practice in L&D and to utilise this learning and development to effectively meet organisational needs.
Support Services
Facilities Services Level 2
Length of course*: 14 months
This qualification is designed to provide a greater understanding on topics ranging from managing waste, developing customer relationships, carrying out maintenance and minor repairs to cleaning in specialised areas.
Facilities Management Level 3
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification is suitable for staff who manage a team of people working to maintain, repair, operate and provide support services to commercial or public buildings.
CIPD in People Management Level 5
Length of course*: 22 months
The Associate Diploma in People Management is designed to develop high-performing human resources professionals who understand how to use HR practices to meet the needs of an organisation.
Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development
These courses are suitable for those working in Early Years
Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development Level 2
Length of course*: 16 months
This qualification consists of 2 elements, the Core and the Practice and covers a range of topics such as Child Development, Learning and Play, Health and Safety and Safeguarding.
Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development Level 3
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of children’s care, learning, and development from birth to 19 years. It is suitable for those working in early years settings, children’s centres, nurseries, and other childcare environments.
These courses are suitable for those working in play settings, holiday and after-school clubs.
Diploma in Playwork Level 2
Length of course*: 12 months
This qualification is an entry-level qualification aimed at individuals working with children and young people in play settings. This qualification provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to support and facilitate play in various environments.
Diploma in Playwork Level 3
Length of course*: 18 months
Playwork is a profession dedicated to facilitating and supporting children’s play in a variety of settings, ensuring that play is child-led and respects their choices and freedom. This qualification is for individuals working in a leadership role with children aged 5+.
Eligibility
The below table shows all the qualifications currently available to you as part of our Schools Assist programme and outlines which staff are eligible to undertake each training opportunity.
Qualification
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2 & 3
Advice and Guidance
Project Management
Business Administration Level 3 & 4
Professional Competence for IT
Digital Learning Practitioner Level 3
Data Analyst
Digital Skills for Business Level 2 & 3
CIPD Level 3
CIPD Level 5
Support Services
Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development
Get in touch to find out which of our courses are available for pupils, parents/guardians and volunteers.
Eligibility
