The information on this page provides further details about Tutors’ visits that are outlined on p22 of the handbook.

The purpose of tutors’ visits is to support beginning teachers and mentors, and quality assure the provision offered by the placement school. This is done in the following ways:

• The mentor and tutor observe the beginning teaching. This enables the tutor to develop a greater understanding of the beginning teacher’s capabilities and appreciate their development more holistically. It is also an opportunity to quality assure the judgements of the mentor.
• In conjunction with the lesson observation, the tutor will confirm the rate of progress the beginning teacher is making and help identify ways in which future progress can be made. To assist with this, the tutor will undertake routine checks, such as reviewing the beginning teacher’s Tracker. The findings of these are recorded on the visit form, along with any action points that are deemed appropriate for the beginning teacher and the mentor to take. These points are then monitored by the tutor.
• The tutor will ensure that both the mentor and the beginning teacher are fully supported and help the mentor in addressing any training needs.
• The tutor will discuss mentor training and support with the mentor.

Prior to the visit

Beginning teachers are asked to ensure:

• their ePortfolio is up-to-date well in advance of the visit, especially the Placement 1 Overview page (SP1 Weekly reviews tab), i.e., the most recent tracker has been uploaded, and the blue ‘targets’ table and red ‘teaching’ table have been completed
• they have completed the January Preparedness to Teach Survey (if timings permit)
• complete the Quality Assurance Checklist: Self-Assessment for Trainees form (see Blackboard) and send this to their tutor

Mentors are asked to ensure:

• they have entered comments on the weekly reviews in the trainee’s ePortfolio – at least on the latest review page
• identified any areas of mentoring they feel they need support with or any questions they may have regarding mentoring
• have updated their training log (if one is being maintained)

On the day of the visit

It is recognised that the following outline of events may not always be possible, but it is appreciated they can be facilitated.

1. The tutor may want to meet with the mentor prior to the lesson observation. Generally, this chat will be between 5 and 10 minutes.
2. The tutor and mentor will observe the beginning teacher teach a lesson. Beginning teachers should ensure copies of the lesson plan are available for the tutor and the mentor.
3. The tutor and mentor will have a discussion about the lesson and agree feedback. This will often occur towards the end of the lesson, before it finishes.
4. At some point, the tutor will discuss the progress mentors have made in any training and provide advice accordingly.
5. The tutor, mentor and beginning teacher all meet, and the mentor gives feedback.
6. The tutor meets with the trainee.
7. The tutor may want to briefly meet with the mentor, before leaving, to update them on the outcomes of the discussion and run through the visit form.