Information for schools

At Inspiration Teaching School Hub, we understand that the Initial Teacher Education landscape is sometimes difficult for schools to navigate. We hope we can answer questions here that schools might want to consider before offering a placement for a trainee.

The Department for Education (DfE) has provided clear guidance here for schools who want to consider placing a trainee, to explain what is involved in the process. This document gives an overview of school placements, how to offer an ITT placement, what happens before the ITT placement begins and during the placement and what we mean by offering intensive training and practice (ITaP).

You can also find out more about what it would mean to host a trainee or read about ITaP below.

Placing a Trainee

If you’re offering an ITT placement, you’ll need to be able to assign a school-based mentor who can spend at least 1.5 hours with their trainee per week. Each school-based mentor must complete up to 20 hours of initial mentor training with an accredited ITT provider. This training will help mentors understand:

  • what’s involved in the mentor role and the skills they need
  • the ITT core content framework and its underpinning evidence
  • the ITT curriculum which the trainee will be following

Mentors do not need to complete the training before they can begin to support trainees. However, the training should be aligned to meet the trainees’ needs throughout their ITT course. Accredited ITT providers can also consider any relevant prior learning that mentors have completed including as an early career framework (ECF) mentor. This may reduce the total hours of training a mentor needs to complete.

Schools are able to claim funding for the actual hours training undertaken by the mentor to a maximum of 20 hours. More information about the general mentor grant is available in the initial teacher training reform funding guidance. The DfE will publish information on how schools can apply at a later date.

PGTA for Schools

The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship is ideal for those already employed and teaching in schools (such as instructors or cover supervisors), offering a salaried route to QTS with course fees fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

For certain subjects, grants are available to help contribute towards paying their salary. This means it can be a great route into teaching for both the trainee and your school, as you can retain a timetabled member of staff whilst they complete their training.

Please get in touch with us via inspirationteachinghub@inspirationtrust.org if you would like to discuss the PGTA offer further and see if it could be suitable for a current member of staff in your school.

Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP)

What is ITaP?
ITaP offers a low stakes approximation of practice for trainee teachers. Trainees must engage in 20 days of ITaP throughout the course, with the intention being that they're able to solidify their understanding between research-based theory and practice, focusing on essential pedagogical approaches.

How is ITaP delivered?

As of 2024, each ITT provider has to include ITaP in their course, in line with statutory requirements. Theory, resources and core training are provided by the ITT provider and their delivery partners, but practical aspects of the ITaP are provided through school visits, lesson observations, digital approximations and the trainees' own deliberate practice.

How can schools support ITaP?

If you have trainees in your school, aim to understand the goals and aims of each ITaP and provide the trainee with the best opportunities to put their learning into practice. Whether you have trainees or not, your school can provide school visits, experiences or deliver training based around an ITaP theme. School visits could be focused in certain phases or subjects in your school and you could host one trainee or a larger group!

What are examples of ITaPs?

ITT providers may choose varied pedagogical approaches as a focus for ITaP. Some typical themes are: building routines, responsive teaching, scaffolding, modelling, questioning and supporting learners with SEND. 

How does an ITaP look in practice?

There are typically five stages to an ITaP: introduce, analyse, prepare, enact and assess. All of these elements are supported through expert delivery by training providers and observable practice in schools.

What are the benefits of hosting trainees for a school ITaP visit?

ITaPs are a great way to promote the excellent work you are doing in your school, particularly if you have areas of strength you wish to celebrate and share. It shows a commitment to supporting the development of trainee teachers, and is also an excellent opportunity to showcase your school to potential employees.

Want to know more about ITaPs and how your school can support?

Please contact inspirationteachinghub@inspirationtrust.org.