What is the NUT's Training Programme?

The 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 in key aspects of the NUT’s work. Other courses provide significant avenues for personal development.

Your participation will give you greater confidence in your role and will encourage you to take part in the activities of the NUT and in implementing its policies.

There is a course for YOU!

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, problemsolving exercises, case studies, boardblasting and role play, are used. Members are provided with up-to-date information and advice about the expertise and support which is available from the NUT and other sources. Courses provide 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 information in this booklet about each of the courses 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 tranquil Lincolnshire countryside. See www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk.

Why residential courses?

Residential training offers you a chance to reflect and to advance outside the day-to-day demands of school and home. It offers a wider perspective not only from the course content and materials but also from the colleagues you will meet from all over England and Wales..

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.

What will a course cost me?

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.

Possibilities may include:

• financial assistance for caring costs whilst you are away from home;
• the option of a dependant accompanying you to Stoke Rochford Hall;
• the option of bringing a child and an additional carer to Stoke Rochford Hall; and
• the opportunity to stay 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.

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?

Every school is sent a copy of the training booklet and a poster. Your NUT representative will have a copy. Alternatively on this website, you can see the course programme, or check course availability.

How do I apply?

To apply for an NUT course, simply go to the course listing and choose your course. Follow the simple click through instructions to apply. Places are limited, so please try to book early. Applications cannot normally be accepted less than two weeks before the start of a course.

And finally ... we look forward to meeting you at Stoke Rochford Hall in the near future.

STEVE SINNOTT, General Secretary

Never been on an NUT course before? Why not apply with a colleague?

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