What is the NUT’s National Training Programme?
The national training programme offers a wide selection of residential training courses for NUT members and representatives.

What does the programme offer?
There is something for everyone. Some courses offer unrivalled opportunities for you to develop your skills and knowledge as an NUT representative. Other courses include significant avenues for personal and professional development, from a NUT perspective.

The programme will help to build your confidence in your role and encourage you to get more involved in your union if you are not already.

How does the training work?
The training courses are based on trade union principles and emphasise the NUT’s policies and achievements. Active learning methods, such as small group discussions, problem-solving exercises, case studies, boardblasting and role play, are used. You will be provided with up-to-date information and advice about the expertise and support which is available from the NUT and other sources. Each course provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues to solve common problems in a supportive environment.

Who can attend?
Courses are open to NUT members.

Which is the course for me?
The choice of course that best meets your needs is yours to make. There is a wide range of courses, at various levels. Some of the courses are aimed at particular groups of members. The course information in the NUT training guide indicates whether a particular course is aimed at all members or at a specific group.

Who are the tutors?
NUT staff from headquarters, the regional offices and NUT Cymru, act as tutors on the courses, together with guest tutors who facilitate parts of certain courses as appropriate.

Where are the courses held?
Courses take place at the NUT’s national training centre, Stoke Rochford Hall, near Grantham in the Lincolnshire countryside.

Why residential courses?
Residential training offers you a chance to reflect and tolearn away from the day-to-day demands of school. It also offers a great opportunity to make contacts and exchange ideas outside the training room. You will meet colleagues from across England and Wales.

What is the dress code?
There is no formal dress code. Most colleagues wear relaxed casual clothing.  Temperatures can vary across the site and you are advised to ‘layer’ clothing so that you can make adjustments according to the temperature.  It is necessary to walk outside for short distances between the accommodation facilities, the Mansion, some of the training rooms and the leisure centre, so you will need to have outdoor clothing available.

How long do the courses last?
Most courses last for three days. Those for health and safety and learning representatives last for five days. Each course begins with lunch on the first day and ends with lunch on the last day, allowing you ample travel time.

Courses are free!
All courses are free to NUT members. We reimburse your travelling expenses and pay for your food, accommodation and course materials.

I am a carer. Will the NUT support me?
If you have responsibilities for a child or other dependant, please contact the NUT to discuss possible ways in which we may be able to assist you.

Options may include:

• financial assistance for caring costs whilst you are away from home;
• a dependant accompanying you to Stoke Rochford Hall;
• bringing a child and an additional carer to Stoke Rochford Hall; and
• staying at an alternative venue with crèche facilities.

Is there access for disabled participants?
Some of the bedrooms and training rooms are wheelchair accessible. If you are a wheelchair user, please let us know in order that arrangements can be made to meet your requirements.

If you have other access needs, such as visual or hearing impairments, for example, please let us know before the start of the course.

OPEN TO ALL
The NUT actively encourages applications from and wants to see an increase in the numbers of women, black, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and disabled members attending our courses. We hope you decide to apply.

What will a course cost my school?
The only cost to your school is arranging cover for you to attend. NUT school and college representatives, including health and safety representatives and learning representatives, have a statutory entitlement to time off with pay, during working hours, for training related to their role.

The NUT believes that schools, when determining their budget, should make provision for teachers to attend trade union organised courses

Adequate funding should have been included in the budget for supply cover to facilitate attendance at training courses.

What if I have difficulties?
If you experience any difficulties in arranging cover for attending an NUT course, please contact your division secretary or your regional office in England, or NUT Cymru in Wales.

How do I keep up to date with training opportunities?
Visit www.teachers.org.uk/training for full up-to-date details of courses. Alternatively speak to your NUT representative or email training@nut.org.uk .

How do I apply?
Apply online at www.teachers.org.uk/training.

And finally …
… we look forward to meeting you on an NUT training course in the near future.