FAQ

Index

This section aims to answer some of the questions most frequently asked by Institute for Learning (IfL) members and partners. Select a category from the drop-down list below to view questions and answers on membership and registration, Professional Formation, continuing professional development (CPD), and general organisational queries.

  • Membership and Registration

    1. How much does IfL membership cost?

      As a demonstration of its commitment to the professionalisation of the sector’s workforce, the Government has pledged to fund standard registration up to £30 for all those who are required to register through the new regulations. Please note that if you are admitted to the IfL as a Fellow, we will require an additional annual payment from you of £15.

      Pre-service trainee teachers are not required to be members of the IfL, but can be admitted to the Institute for Learning (IfL) at the reduced fee of £20 p.a., giving them access to the resources of the IfL and the opportunity to contribute to debate in the sector.

      Annual registration fees apply from 1st April each year or part thereof (with a 50% reduction after 1st October on some fees).

      From 1 April 2010, our non refundable subscription rates*will be as follows:

      • Fellow: £45 (£30 joining 1 Oct - 31 March)
      • Member/ Associate/ Affiliate: £30
      • Retired: £15
      • Unemployed: £15
      • Pre-service trainee teacher: £20

      *All fees are subject to annual review.

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    2. Why do I have to join?

      The Further Education Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development & Registration Regulations (England) 2007 (opens in new window) require teachers in English FE Colleges to register. This is extended to all Learning and Skills Council (LSC) provision through provider contracts and sub-contracts.

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    3. What is the difference between Full and Associate teachers?

      For the purpose of the new regulations, the definitions are outlined below. These definitions apply whether working on a full time, part time, fractional, fixed term, temporary or agency basis (for further information contact www.lifelonglearninguk.org)

      Full Teacher
      'Full Teaching role' means a teaching role that carries the full range of teaching responsibilities and requires the teacher to demonstrate an extensive range of knowledge, understanding and application of curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies.

      Associate Teacher
      'Associate Teaching role' means a teaching role that carries significantly less than the full range of teaching responsibilities and does not require the teacher to demonstrate an extensive range of knowledge, understanding and application of curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies.

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    4. I have started an application to join, but have not completed it. How do I get back to that application?

      To open an application that you have already started, go to our website and enter your email address and password in the login area. Your application will download. You can then click on ‘next’ at the bottom of each page until you get to the page you need to complete.

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    5. Which grade of membership should I join at?

      Your grade of membership will be determined by the completed principal teaching qualification that you enter on your application.

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    6. What Grades of Membership are there?

      Fellow - FIfL

      Highly experienced practitioners within post-16 education and training, who hold higher degrees (Masters and Doctorates) in the areas of education/training, research and development in addition to their teaching qualification.

      Typical accepted qualifications: MEd, MAEd, PhD (education or training).

      Fellows are entitled to use the designatory letters FIfL.

      Member - MIfL

      Experienced practitioners within post-16 education and training, who hold a minimum of the level 5 Diploma (Diploma in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector, DTTLS) or equivalent (such as a PGCE, Cert. Ed, General Professional Recognition or level 4 Stage 3 FE Teacher Qualification), or level 4 stage 1 or 2 FE Teacher Qualification for part time teachers employed before September 2007.

      Typical accepted qualifications: QTS awarded by DES, Art Teachers’ Certificate/Diploma, BSc(Hons) Education and Training, BEd, Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas accredited by the Higher Education Academy.

      Members are entitled to use the designatory letters MIfL.

      Associate - AIfL

      Experienced practitioners within post-16 education and training, who hold a minimum of the level 3/4 Certificate (Certificate in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector, CTTLS) or equivalent or level 4 stage 1 or 2 FE Teacher Qualification for full time teachers or assessor awards (e.g. D32/D33).

      Typical accepted qualifications: All stages of City and Guilds 730/ 7301/ 7306/ 7307, Learning (or Training) and Development NVQ 3 or 4, Direct Training and Support NVQ3, CIPD Certificate in Training Practice.

      Associates are entitled to use the designatory letters AIfL.

      Affiliate

      This category includes:

      • Holders of level 3/4 award (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, PTTLS)

      • Holders of City and Guilds 7302 Certificate or Diploma in Delivering Learning

      • Holders of ABC level 3 Certificate in Facilitating Learning

      • Holders of stage 1 of City and Guilds 730/ 7301/ 7306/ 7307

      • Trainee teachers and others working towards post-16 education and training qualifications

      • Those in learning support roles

      • Anybody with a legitimate interest in the sector and work of the Institute.

      Honorary

      This grade is not applied for by the individual but is offered by the IfL Council to acknowledge outstanding contributions made to advance the sector.

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    7. What are the benefits of being a Fellow?

      As the Institute evolves and expands its membership base the benefits of being a Fellow will become clearer. At the current time they can be summarised as:

      • Enhanced professional status recognising significant contribution to teaching and learning practice within the sector

      • Acknowledgment of previous, current and future enhancement of teaching and learning within the sector through continued reflective practice

      • The opportunity, through the IfL web based CPD portal, to offer support and guidance to members as they develop their teaching practice for mutual benefit

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    8. How long will it take before I receive my confirmation of membership?

      Once you have completed your application you will receive an automatic email to confirm your application. You will also receive an email requesting you to activate your account, by clicking on the link in the email. You will not be able to login to your account until you have activated it.

      Within 3-4 weeks you will receive a confirmation in the post, including a confirmation of your grade and membership number.

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    9. I no longer want to receive publications/emails. What do I need to do?

      You can make amendments to some of your mailing preferences by logging into your record and clicking on Mailing Options down the left hand side. You can amend your mailing preference for InTuition and On the Agenda. We will continue to send you information on essential member communications i.e. CPD notifications, membership renewal reminders and IfL Council election notices, and you can select how you wish to receive these.

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    10. I've forgotten my password or never had one, how do I get another?

      Go to our website, www.ifl.ac.uk  , and click on ‘I do not know my password’ in the top right hand corner. You will then be required to enter your email address (this has to be the one you entered when you registered) OR your membership number; your surname and your date of birth. You will then receive a temporary password, the same day, to the email address registered with us. If any of these details have been recorded incorrectly on our database you will not receive a password. You will then need to get in touch with us, either by email enquiries@ifl.ac.uk or by phone 0844 815 3202.

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    11. I am a Manager/Assessor/Verifier/Teaching Assistant; do I need to register with IfL?

      The regulation states all teachers, which includes teachers, tutors, trainers, lecturers, instructors, must register with the Institute. This is regardless of:

      • job title;

      • type of contract;

      • full or part time status; and

      • Whether teaching is combined with other non-teaching or teacher related roles e.g.: managers, assessors, verifiers etc.

      It is possible that one person with the job title i.e. Assessor will have to register and another will not. This will be dependent upon their actual job role and should be decided by the employee and their employer in conjunction with the LLUK guidance.

      If the employee carries out any teaching then the reforms apply.

      Employees not fulfilling a teaching role are encouraged to join as there will be a benefit to them in doing so and establishing a presence within the Institute which will develop and support individual and collective professionalism.

      It is important to note that only those required to join the Institute will have their membership fees funded by the government.

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    12. I’m retired/retiring/unemployed, can I remain a member of the IfL?

      Yes. We have a special membership subscription rate for retired/unemployed members, £15.

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    13. When is my membership due for renewal?

      Our subscription year is from 1 April to 31 March. You will be sent a renewal notice, including a membership card, inviting you to renew your membership online either as a ‘funded’ member or ‘self funded’.

      Login to your record and click on ‘click here to renew’. If you are ‘funded’ there is no fee to pay. If you are ‘self funded’ you can pay by credit/debit card or direct debit. You can also pay by cheque but a £3 administration charge will be added to your subscription fee.

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    14. Is my subscription funded by the Government?

      The Government has agreed to fund the standard annual subscription (affiliate, associate and member) for those who teach or train:

      • in a Further Education College, Sixth Form College, Specialist Designated Institution or Specialist College in England.

      OR

      • on LSC (Learning & Skills Council) funded provision in another part of the Further Education sector in England, including work-based learning, Train to Gain, adult and community learning or offender learning or Teacher Educators.

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    15. Can I claim Tax Relief on my IfL subscription?

      If you are a UK taxpayer, you can claim the tax back on your IfL subscription if you are a Self Funded member.

      If you receive a tax form each year, then you should declare your IfL subscription as a tax-deductible expense.

      The Institute’s name will appear in the list of approved bodies, which is due to be updated later this year (2009). Local Tax Offices will not receive notification of the Institute’s approved status until then. Therefore if you wish to obtain a deduction for your annual subscription before the list is updated, you should explain when contacting your local office that the Institute has only recently been approved and quote the Head Office reference: RH/T1644/15/2009/JEM.

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    16. I wish to resign my membership with the IfL. What do I need to do?

      Please send a letter or email to the Membership Team informing us that you wish to resign.

      Institute for Learning, 49-51 East Road, London, N1 6AH

      Email: enquiries@ifl.ac.uk

      Please note, if you teach/train in England, in a FE college, including a specialist college or specialist designated institute, or in Learning & Skills Council funded provision other than an FE college i.e. Adult & Community Learning, Emergency & Public Services, MOD & Armed Services, Offender Learning, Voluntary Sector, work Based Learning, or a Teacher Educator, then it is a requirement of the government that you register with the IfL and you do not have to pay a subscription fee.

      If you are a retired member you could remain in membership with a subscription fee of £15.

      If you are a full-time pre-service trainee teacher then your subscription will also be funded by the Government.

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    17. Can I get a refund on my subscription?

      We do not issue refunds once a member has joined or renewed their membership for a 12-month period.

      It is not viable for IfL to adjust membership fees for each member as their circumstances change and/or if they change their mind about wishing to be an IfL member within the membership cycle.  We cannot issue a refund for a previous subscription year.

      However, we will refund an amount if a member notifies the Membership Team within 30 days of the payment being received:
      • That they are eligible for funded membership.
      • That they wish to resign from membership.
      • A processing or system error has resulted in a duplicate payment of a subscription being taken.
      • If the subscription payment is greater than the required subscription.

      Occasionally we will issue a refund due to exceptional circumstances.  

      All refund requests need to be put in writing to the Membership Manager by email or post:

      Lucy Pollard
      Membership Manager
      Institute for Learning
      First Floor
      49-51 East Road
      London N1 6AH

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    18. I am not happy with my membership grade. What do I need to do?

      The membership committee have agreed the criteria required for each grade of membership and the database will use these to allocate your grade. If you are unhappy with the grade you receive, you should first check your record via the online membership records, then either write or email the membership team explaining why you think you should be considered for an alternative grade. This will be reviewed and, if appropriate, put forward to the membership committee who will reassess your application. You will be informed in writing of the outcome and, if necessary, the appeals mechanism. Click here to view the relevant criteria.

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    19. I started teaching in the sector before September 2001. Why have I been graded an Affiliate

      With respect to your membership grade, our criteria, which have been developed and agreed by our Council, are based upon the teaching qualification as defined by the sector through Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK), its sector skills council. It embraces both the new teaching qualifications and those awarded before September 2007 within an equitable framework which recognises the sector’s diverse nature and practice.

      The requirement for teachers to become qualified teachers has been in place since September 2001 for incorporated FE colleges but this was not applied retrospectively to existing teachers. These requirements were updated in September 2007 when it became a requirement for all FE college teachers to register with IfL and undertake 30 hours of CPD. New teachers were also required to become licensed in addition to their teacher training qualification. These regulations have been extended into other LSC funded provision through the LSC contracts. Again, there is no retrospective requirement around existing teachers becoming qualified teachers although there is support for those who choose to do so.

      There is no intent either within these new qualification requirements or our membership gradings to doubt the teaching capability of any teacher. Rather it is to support those who have been denied the current entitlement and opportunity of access to teacher training. One demonstration of support is a scheme operated by Standards Verification UK (SVUK), the endorsing arm of LLUK. The SVUK recognition routes enable and support experienced teachers to collate and present evidence and testimony of their teaching practice for assessment against the national occupational teaching standards enabling them to be recognised as qualified members of the workforce.

      Further information can be found on the SVUK website here (external website opens in new window).

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    20. Will teachers have to provide copies of qualifications to become registered?

      There is a sampling system in place to monitor qualifications, therefore you may be contacted in the future to provide copies of your certificates or to give permission for us to contact the relevant awarding body or Higher Education institution.

      For name changes as a result of marriage, civil partnership or deed poll, we require copies of certificates.

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    21. I need to change my details e.g. name, address, employer etc. What should I do?

      You can make amendments through the Manage Account facility on the members area of the Ifl website. Once confirmation has been received, this will be updated immediately. If you experience any problems, please contact enquiries@ifl.ac.uk.

      For name changes as a result of marriage, civil partnership or deed poll, we require copies of certificates. You can either send this by post or scan your certificate and email to enquiries@ifl.ac.uk

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    22. I have teaching qualifications gained outside the UK. Where do they fit within the membership grades?

      We recognise that many teachers have qualifications gained from outside the UK, either from within the EU or wider. With respect to these qualifications and membership grade, our criteria, which have been developed and agreed by our Council, are based upon the teaching qualification as defined by the sector through Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK - link opens in new window), its sector skills council. It embraces both the new teaching qualifications and those awarded pre September 2007 within an equitable framework which recognises the sectors diverse nature and practice.

      The requirement for teachers to become qualified teachers has been in place since September 2001 for incorporated FE colleges but this was not applied retrospectively to existing teachers. These requirements were updated in September 2007 when it became a requirement for all FE college teachers to register with IfL and undertake 30 hours of CPD. New teachers were also required to become licensed in addition to their teacher training qualification. These regulations have been extended into other LSC funded provision through the LSC contracts. Again, there is no retrospective requirement around existing teachers becoming qualified teachers although there is support for those who choose to do so.

      There is no intent either within these new qualification requirements or our membership gradings to doubt the teaching capability of any teacher or teaching qualification gained outside the UK. Rather it is to support those who have been denied the current entitlement and opportunity of access to teacher training, or in the case of overseas qualified teachers, within the context and climate of our sector.

      Teachers new to our sector bringing teaching qualifications from other nations help support and sustain the rich diversity of teaching and learning within the sector. They should be assured that their experience and expertise will be valued as they orientate themselves into the sector through one of the support schemes open to them. One such support scheme is operated by Standards Verification UK (SVUK - link opens in new window), the endorsing arm of LLUK.

      The SVUK recognition routes enable and support experienced teachers to collate and present evidence and testimony of their teaching practice for assessment against the national occupational teaching standards enabling them to be recognised as qualified members of the workforce. Further information can be found on the SVUK website: www.svuk.eu (external website opens in new window) .

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    23. I am a self-employed trainer. How do the regulations affect me?

      From 1st September 2007, teachers in English Further Education colleges are required to register with the Institute for Learning. This will include full, part time and agency staff. Learning and Skills Council provider contracts have extended this requirement to all teachers working on LSC funded provision.

      Read the Further Education Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development and Registration (England) Regulations 2007 for more information.

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    24. I teach in a sixth-form college. Do I need to register with IfL?

      Sixth-form college teachers are required to be registered either with IfL or with the General Teaching Council for England (GTC(E)) by 30 September 2008. DIUS will fund the standard membership cost of registering online with IfL.

      You are required to undertake at least 30 hours of CPD a year, prorated if you work part-time. You need to maintain a record of the CPD undertaken and make that record available to your employer. If you opt not to join IfL, you do not need to provide IfL with your CPD record, but may wish to do so in order to support your professional development. For monitoring purposes, you must also provide your GTC(E) registration number to IfL.

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    25. What is the relationship between IfL membership grade, teaching role and my annual salary?

      IfL grade is awarded based upon teaching qualifications (FENTO or SVUK endorsed), not role. This grade does not reflect experience or professionalism.

      Associate teachers can be qualified, unqualified or working towards qualification. Associate members of IfL, AIfL, are all qualified as associate teachers (through qualifications such as CTLLS, City and Guilds 7307, assessor awards, NVQ3 or 4 Learning and Development etc) but could be in an associate or full teaching role. Similarly, fully qualified teachers (such as those holding DTLLS, City and Guilds 7407 (1-3) or a Certificate in Education etc) will be graded as Members, MIfL but might currently occupy an associate teaching role.

      Annual salary should be a reflection of qualifications and role using an agreed methodology, rather than based on IfL membership grades. Salary discussions and concerns over salary levels are best addressed through channels within your employer and union representative.

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    26. Should learning support practitioners register?

      There is no obligation on learning support practitioners to register however there will be a benefit to them in doing so and establishing a presence within the Institute which will develop and support individual and collective professionalism.

      All members of the Institute are required to undertake CPD. The amount of CPD members must complete is pro-rata according to the number of teaching hours they carry out per week and to a minimum of 6 hours. Where members do not teach, the minimum still applies.

      It is important to note that only those required to join the Institute will have their membership fees funded by the government.

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    27. How do the regulations relate to teachers outside of the UK?

      Whilst the regulations and requirements of LSC contracting are limited to England; membership, professional formation and professional status (QTLS and ATLS) are open to anyone who satisfies the mandatory requirements, regardless of their place of work.

      It is important to note that only those required to join the Institute through the English regulations will have their membership fees funded by the government.

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    28. Are Volunteers required to join the Institute for Learning?

      There is no obligation on volunteers to register however there will be a benefit to them in doing so and establishing a presence within IfL which will develop and support individual and collective professionalism.

      All members of the Institute are required to undertake CPD. The amount of CPD members must complete is pro-rata according to the number of teaching hours they carry out per week and to a minimum of 6 hours. Where members do not teach, the minimum still applies.

      It is important to note that only those required to join IfL will have their membership fees funded by the government.

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    29. I am registered with the GTC(e) and also work in FE do I need to register?

      If you started this dual employment before 1 September 2007, at this stage all we need is confirmation of your GTC (e) registration/Dfes number. Please email enquiries@ifl.ac.uk or write to the Membership Department providing your full name, date of birth and GTC (e) registration/Dfes number. However, we would still like to encourage GTC (e) members to register to allow them access to the full range of membership benefits including our Reflect CPD planning portal

      If you started this dual employment after 1 September 2007, you will need to register, which will allow access to the full range of membership benefits including our Reflect CPD planning portal

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    30. I do not want to join online. Can I join by post?

      If you do not wish to join IfL using the online initial registration form, you can download the application form below and apply by post. However this will incur a £25 administration fee.

      Membership application form (Word document opens in new window).

      The form should be sent to IfL, along with your £25 cheque, at the following address:

      Membership and Registration
      Institute for Learning
      First Floor
      49-51 East Road
      London       N1 6AH


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    31. How do I join IfL?

      You can join IfL using our secure online initial registration facility.

      For guidance on using the online application process, please download our Initial Registration guide (PowerPoint file opens in new window).

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  • Professional Formation (QTLS/ATLS)

    1. What is Professional Formation?

      It is the process leading to conferral of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills  (QTLS) or Associate Teacher Learning and Skills(ATLS) status

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    2. How will it help me in the future?

      QTLS and ATLS are the new benchmark standards for licensed practitioners which will apply to teachers in the FE sector and Skills, as outlined in Equipping Our Teachers for the Future (PDF will open in new window on external website).

       

       

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    3. Do I have to apply for Q/ATLS (Licence to Practise)?

      Yes – if you are new to the sector and qualified as a teacher since September 2007

      No – if you qualified or took up a teaching post before September 2007

      However, the IfL is encouraging all those teaching in the Learning and Skills sector to achieve this as a demonstration of professionalism. The licence will be conferred subject to successful completion of professional formation.

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    4. How do I get my QTLS or ATLS (Licence to Practise)?

      The Institute has provided the framework for members who wish to complete Professional Formation in REfLECT, the IfL bespoke online personalised learning space.

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    5. I already have a teaching qualification. Will I be eligible for QTLS/ATLS? What level is this qualification at?

      Qualifications are separate from licensed practitioner status (QTLS or ATLS) status, which will only be conferred following a process of Professional Formation. For information regarding which level your qualification was awarded at you should contact the awarding institution. More information on the Standards Verification UK website

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    6. I’m qualified to teach in primary/secondary schools. Can I get QTLS/ATLS?

      From 1st September 2007, on entering teaching in the further education sector, holders of QTS will continue to be recognised as being qualified to teach in further education. You will need to complete an FE orientation module (which will be available from Lifelong Learning UK - LLUK) and Professional Formation within two years to become licensed.

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    7. What information is available for teachers with qualifications other than teaching to support them in achieving QTLS?

      For experienced teachers and trainers who may not have the required teaching qualifications, there is currently a General Professional Recognition Learning and Skills scheme available through Standards Verification UK (SVUK). Upon completion of the process, you will be able to gain full member status with IfL, and therefore you shall be an eligible candidate for QTLS.

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    8. Will I be tested against the minimum core in order to gain QTLS or ATLS?

      There is no test to become a licensed practitioner (QTLS/ATLS), but a condition of gaining and maintaining the licence is that you have level 2 Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent skills to demonstrate that you have the necessary literacy and numeracy to teach.

      You will be required to provide evidence that you hold the equivalent to the level 2 Literacy and Numeracy. This can be O Levels or GCSE’s or if you are not from the UK, an international equivalent.

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    9. To keep my Licence, do I have to teach during the year? (career breaks, etc)

      There is no requirement for you to teach during your membership but you will be required to provide evidence of remaining in good standing within the profession.

      Equipping Our Teachers for the Future (PDF will open in new window on external website) introduced the requirement to ‘remain in good standing’ as a critical component of maintaining the Licence to Practise. All teachers will therefore be required to demonstrate evidence of post-qualification professional development to maintain licensed status.

      The Further Education Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development and Registration Regulations (England) 2007 (link will open in new window on external website) extend this requirement to all teachers. We have a broad interpretation of teaching as befits the diversity of the sector and the Regulations make a number of provisions relating to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to allow for particular personal circumstances.

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    10. Why must I register my intention to begin the professional formation process?

      By registering your intention to undertake Professional Formation you are asserting your determination to become a licensed practitioner and this will enable IfL to process your submission. In addition, registering your intention to acquire QTLS or ATLS (coupled with IfL membership) will serve as evidence to employers (current or future) of your intentions

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    11. How might I attain QTLS status if I work through an agency for an extended period of time?

      Your working situation will not affect your application for Q/ATLS as long as you are currently teaching within the sector, the context is irrelevant

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    12. How long will it take for me to apply for QTLS/ATLS?

      •  If you were first employed as a teacher after 1 September 2007, and you hold DTLLS or CTLLS, you have a period of 5 years from the date you were first employed in which to complete the Professional Formation process and obtain Q/ATLS (as applicable).
      • If you were first employed as a teacher after 1 September 2007, and you hold QTS, you have a period of 2 years from the date you were first employed in which to complete the Professional Formation process and obtain Q/ATLS (as applicable).
      • If you were employed and qualified pre September 2007, there is no time limit

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    13. When will I be able to gain QTLS?

      Please refer to the submission timeline on page 8.

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    14. Do I have to use REfLECT to go through the professional formation process?

      Applicants are expected to use REfLECT for professional formation, as the most efficient and secure means of compiling and submitting your portfolio.

      For those unable to access REfLECT for legitimate reasons, alternatives will be provided.

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    15. What kind of files can be uploaded to REfLECT?

      The following file extensions are recognised by REfLECT:

      .avi .htm .pps .txt
      .bmp .ico .ppt .wma
      .csv .jpg .psd .wps
      .doc .mdb .pub .xls
      .docx .mdi .rtf .xml
      .dot .mht .tif .zip
      .gif .pdf .tmp
      .gwb .png .torrent


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    16. I have sent my application to the gateway – what is the next step?

      You should begin to collate the evidence for your PF proforma and keep for future reference

      To access this, click here

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    17. Does my supporter have to be a member of IfL?

      Preferably, but if you are unable to identify another member in your workplace, it would be acceptable to use someone else who is appropriately qualified eg staff development officer, line manager, experienced colleague, or you can consult your local CETT (Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training).

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    18. Do I have to have completed my CPD before I apply?

      CPD and Professional Formation are two separate processes.

      You could use professional formation (or part of it) for your CPD, or visa versa.

      In order to maintain your licensed status, you need to remain in good standing by completing CPD.

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    19. Where can I find the Declaration of Suitability and what should I do with it?

      This can be located on the website and you should download it, sign it, put it in an envelope marked confidential and post it to The Registrar at IfL

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    20. What is the difference between ATLS or QTLS?

      Licensed Practitioners are those in possession of either QTLS or ATLS status corresponding to the following teaching roles:

      • Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) - full teachers
      • Associate Teacher Learning and Skills (ATLS) - associate teachers

      The licence will be annually renewable with membership, subject to the member remaining in good standing with th IfL and meeting the annual CPD obligation of at least 30 hours a year for full practitioners (pro-rata for part time).

      Full teachers

      This is a teaching role that carries the full range of teaching responsibilities (whether on a full-time, part-time, fractional, fixed term, temporary or agency basis) and requires the teacher to demonstrate an extensive range of knowledge, understanding and application of curriculum development, curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies.

      Associate teachers

      This is a teaching role that carries significantly less than the full range of teaching responsibilities ordinarily carried out in a full teaching role (whether on a full-time, part-time, fractional, fixed term, temporary or agency basis) and does not require the teacher to demonstrate an extensive range of knowledge, understanding and application of curriculum development, curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies.

      Associate teachers may also be those whose main job role is not teaching, but who do deliver learning to adults on a regular or more than an occasional basis.

      Further reading and information

      Guidance from LLUK for awarding institutions on teacher roles and initial teaching qualifications

      This document provides guidance for awarding institutions developing qualifications for the initial training of teachers in the Further Education (FE) Sector in England. It provides details of the qualifications required for those teachers new to the sector and undertaking teacher training from September 2007.

      REfLECT

      http://www.ifl.ac.uk/cpd/reflect

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  • Continuing Professional Development

    1. What is expected when a CPD portfolio is put together? What activities count as CPD?

      CPD is defined as any activity which has an impact on your teaching. This could include evidence of industrial/subject updating, including membership of appropriate professional bodies; development of skills in subject teaching, eg: the effective application of e-learning techniques; appreciation of the wider issues relating to learners, eg: the application of diversity and equal opportunity principles; the use of learner feedback to improve performance. Our CPD guidelines give you an excellent overview of what is expected of you in terms of recording CPD and are available from our website or upon request. You should be recording and reflecting upon these activities as they take place through the year so that they are easy to collate when the time comes to submit your CPD record.

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    2. What activities count as CPD?

      The IfL approach to CPD is personalised and evidenced through impact assessment (see a more detailed explanation in the CPD Guidelines (link). Your record of CPD each year should show that the activities you have undertaken for the purposes of keeping up to date with the latest developments in your subject area and your teaching have made a difference to your practice.

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    3. I want to know more about peer support and review. What is it and how do I begin the process?

      Research shows that professional conversations about CPD are vitally important for effective reflective practice. We would recommend that from the outset you share the planning and thinking about your CPD with a colleague who will able to act as critical friend and peer supporter/reviewer of your record of CPD. If your record is chosen for sampling during the audit process, the IfL will ask if your record has been shared with a colleague.

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    4. I already complete more than 30 hours CPD as part of my vocational profession. Do I need to do more?

      We recommend that members plan their CPD with the idea of maintaining a balance of development between subject specialism and teaching and learning (link to CPD guidelines diagram model of dual professionalism). But in any one year priorities can change. Using your professional judgement and in discussions with your employer, you can decide on the content and balance of your CPD. You can use evidence of CPD for another professional body as part of your subject specialist updating as long as you can show the impact it has made on your teaching or training.

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    5. I work part-time or my hours are not consistent throughout the year. How does this affect my CPD requirement?

      Your expected number of hours is derived from your full time equivalency (FTE) on a pro-rata basis and to a minimum of 6 hours. If your hours are not consistent through the year, you can adjust the total required before you need to make a declaration (31st August each year).

      These hours can be broken down as such:

      Average teaching hours per week
      CPD hours
      0-4 6
      5-8 10
      9-12 14
      13-16 18
      17-20 22
      21-23 26
      24+ 30

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    6. If I leave teaching (or go on long term sick or parental leave), what is required of me in terms of recording my CPD? Do I need to notify you?

      If your status or teaching hours change please notify us. This will stop us making unnecessary demands on you. For example, if you work full time but spend 6 months on sick leave, your CPD requirement would be amended on a prorata basis.

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    7. Should I be recording my CPD on REfLECT? If so, is this then something that I can print off to show for my yearly appraisal?

      You can choose how you record your CPD but as a member benefit we offer you access to a REfLECT account via the members area. REfLECT allows you collate your CPD record and to send anything you create to another REfLECT user or an external contact. You can indeed print off an asset to take to your appraisal, but more than this you can share that asset with a manager/colleague/peer, ask them to comment on your work through the year and automatically record this professional dialogue as part of the peer review process.

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    8. Can I use my record of CPD on REfLECT for multiple purposes?

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    9. When does the CPD year begin?

      IfL regards CPD as a process managed by the individual member but we will ask for a record of the CPD you have undertaken each year by 31 August for monitoring purposes. This does not mean necessarily that your CPD year should end/or begin at that point. It is possible for you to plan your CPD to coincide with your teaching/training year provided that you can show a CPD record of the required number of hours by the 31st August.

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    10. Who will be responsible for monitoring CPD?

      As with any profession, the individual is responsible for planning and evaluating their own CPD, but needs to recognise that they work within the context of their employers business objectives. The Government requires employers across all sectors to be fully involved in the development of their staff and investment in professional development should be of primary importance to management and staff development teams, supported by HR practice and important to external inspectors. The IfL will be monitoring that all members have completed their CPD requirements each year and your record may be chosen for a more detailed  audit. You will be contacted if this is the case and we will ask you to give us access to your evidence. You will receive feedback and additional support if required.

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    11. I want to apply for QTLS/ATLS. Can I use this as evidence of my CPD?

      Yes. Those applying for QTLS/ATLS will be able to use the application process as part (or possibly all) of their CPD requirement for that year. This is because the application process will require you to reflect upon and critically analyse your qualifications and experience as a teacher or trainer

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  • General Organisational Queries

    1. Who will be monitoring who has registered with the IfL/Obtained QTLS?

      It is the responsibility of an institution to ensure that their employees comply with the incoming regulations. IfL will be establishing a mechanism whereby employers can check directly an employee’s ongoing registration and status. It will also be of interest to external inspectors in terms of its impact on provision.

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    2. What is the difference between Full & Associate teachers?

      For the purpose of the new regulations, the definitions are as follows:

      Full Teacher
      'Full Teaching role' means a teaching role that carries the full range of teaching responsibilities and requires the teacher to demonstrate an extensive range of knowledge, understanding and application of curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies.
      Associate Teacher
      'Associate Teaching role' means a teaching role that carries significantly less than the full range of teaching responsibilities and does not require the teacher to demonstrate an extensive range of knowledge, understanding and application of curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies.

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    3. I employ someone to teach for a couple of hours a week who holds no teaching qualifications. Do the regulations apply to them?

      A subject specialist who takes no part in the teaching process but who purely offers perspective on their area of expertise is regarded as a visiting lecturer and will be exempt from the regulations. Part time staff are not considered visiting lecturers, irrespective of the number of hours they work. Agency staff are also not considered as visiting lecturers and so are bound by the regulations as either Full or Associate teachers.

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    4. Part-time teachers who were employed between September 2001 and September 2007 were only required to achieve stages 1 & 2 of the C & G 7407 . Are they regarded as qualified, or do they now need to get Cert Ed/PGCE?

      Anyone who was considered qualified under the regulations which were in force at the time of their initial employment will not be disadvantaged under the new rules, and will remain to be considered as qualified, provided that their employment remains part time. In moving to full time employment they will be required to become fully qualified but not licensed.

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    5. What is a full time teacher for the purposes of measuring CPD?

      The actual amount of CPD someone has to undertake is based upon the average teaching contract at an individual college. Anyone working less than this should have their CPD requirement pro-rated accordingly, and everyone must do a minimum of 6 hours per year. Pro-rating should be based on a % of full time equivalent for that institution. Please see the example below which will assist you in working out how many hours you are required to do:

       

      Average teaching hours per week
      CPD hours
      0-4 6
      5-8 10
      9-12 14
      13-16 18
      17-20 22
      21-23 26
      24+ 30

       

       

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    6. Who will be responsible for monitoring CPD?

      As with any profession, the individual is responsible for planning and evaluating their own CPD, but must recognise that they work within the context of the employer’s business objectives and must reflect key national priorities in post-compulsory learning. The Government requires employers across all sectors to be fully involved in the development of their staff. Investment in the professional development of teachers should be of primary importance to management and staff development teams, supported by HR practice and is likely to be of interest to external inspectors. IfL will be monitoring teachers’ CPD records on a sampled basis to ensure compliance and offer additional support when required.

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    7. How and when should staff start recording their CPD?

      In summary, teachers should spend the next 12 months planning their CPD. Detailed information regarding CPD requirements & timings can be found here.

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    8. What are the implications if staff do not carry out the required amount of CPD?

      Unless a member has a valid exemption from carrying out CPD such as maternity/paternity or long term sick leave, then they are expected to meet their CPD obligations. The IfL is committed to assisting our members with the planning & execution of their CPD, however deliberate non compliance with the requirements will be reported to the conduct committee, with the ultimate sanction being expulsion from the IfL.

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    9. What are the consequences if employees do not join or obtain QTLS?

      The Further Education Teachers' Continuing Professional Development and Registration Regulations 2007 require teachers in FE Colleges to register and there will be implications for those who do not comply as they prevent employers using existing teachers not registered by 31st March 2008.

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  • Organisational Queries on Registration

    1. How can we notify a large number of staff that they need to register?

      The IfL operates a Bulk Notification System which enables organisations to register a basic level of data with us. Upon providing us with a name, Date of Birth and valid e-mail address the IfL will automatically send out notifications to each of your staff containing a unique identification number which they should use to complete their registration online.

      Download the bulk notification form (Excel document opens in new window)

      Completed forms or any questions about this process should be addressed to employers@ifl.ac.uk

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    2. How can we find out who is registered for our organisation?

      We can provide you with a list of members currently registered with you, however this has to be requested by either an HR representative or Development Manager due to the nature of this data.

      To request a list, please email employers@ifl.ac.uk.

      We are currently developing an secure employer’s area where you will be able to access this data.

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    3. There are members registered to us who do not work for our organisation. Why is this and how do we get them removed?

      When a member joins the Institute they choose the employer they wish to represent as their main employer. This may date back to 2002 and include student teachers and agency staff. It is the responsibility of the individual to update their employment details following registration.

      Current data protection policies prohibit the IfL from making changes to these employment details without the consent of the member, however there will shortly be a subscriptions launch which will require all members to ensure their employment details are current.

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