Training
We offer the following training.
Training courses
Training courses for teachers and school librarians
- Termly half day courses for KS3 School Librarians .
- Recent topics have included Internet searching techniques,
- KS3 Literacy Strategy,
- Cilip School Library Advocacy Campaign and Reader Development.
- Annual courses for KS1/2 and Foundation staff.
- Past topics include Childrens’ literature updates for KS1 and KS2
Alice User Group meetings
Termly for schools which buy into Walsall SLSS. News, updates and problem solving sessions for any school using Softlink’s “Alice “ Library Management System.
Secondary Librarians Meetings
Termly for schools which buy into Walsall SLSS. A chance to share good practice, visit other school libraries in the borough and keep yourself professionally up to date.
Information and Library sevices
What is it?
An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) gives you credit for the job you are already doing and the experience you already have.
The Information & Library Services NVQ covers all the practical skills involved in running any sort of library.
Who is it for?
It is for anyone who is working in a library (either paid or unpaid) who wants to obtain a practical qualification in the work they do.
Because of the way in which school libraries are run, it is particularly suitable for anyone working in a school library.
How long does it take?
You can work at your own pace, either taking the whole qualification at once, or completing units one at a time.
Most of the work needs to be done in the library you work in, but some tasks can be undertaken at home if this is more convenient. As a rough guide, you would normally expect to take up to twelve months to take Level 2 and 12 - 18 months for Level 3, though these could be less if you have evidence of previous suitable experience.
What are the benefits ?
- You will be able to improve your skills.
- You will feel more confident.
- You will get more satisfaction from knowing you are doing a better job
- Amongst colleagues it will increase the status of the work you do.
- You will get a recognised qualification which will further your career or promotion prospects.
- You will be able to achieve all this at a pace and in a way which is convenient to you, without all the hassle of going back to college.
What help will I get?
You will be given a personal assessor who will help you decide what needs to be done and agree with you a plan for achieving that.
Your assessor will provide you with feedback on how you are doing and will help you identify areas for which you need specific training. They will also be able to provide opportunities for you to meet with other candidates to share common experiences.
SLSS may be able to arrange some tuition or work placements to fill in gaps in the knowledge and experience that you need. If you have a disability, special arrangements can be made to help you get the tasks done.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary according to the level at which you take the NVQ. They consist of fees established by the Awarding Body and charges for the SLSS Assessor’s time in supervising you.
Current 2007 charges are £600 for Level 2 and £700 for Level 3. Costs are subject to annual review. It may be possible to spread the cost over a two-year period.
What should I do now?
If you think you may be interested in working for the ILS NVQ, you should contact Walsall SLSS to find out more about what the assessment involves and which level would be most appropriate for you.
It would also be useful to discuss with your employer or headteacher to see if your qualification could be funded.
Contact
Walsall Schools Library Support Service (SLSS)
Manor Farm Centre
King George Crescent
Rushall
Walsall WS4 1EG
Telephone 01922 724995
Fax 01922 659559
Email slss@walsall.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 12 May 2008