ATL

ATL model learning agreements for schools and colleges

Below is the suggested text for a learning agreement for use in schools and colleges. You can download a Word version of this document from the column on the right hand side of the page.

This learning agreement sets out the remit and scope of…………………………………… (insert name of ULR) to act as an ATL ULR in the…………………………………… (insert school/college name).

Aims and objectives

This learning agreement reflects our shared aims and objectives, specifically:

• our joint commitment to the CPD and lifelong learning of all school/college staff;
• our joint recognition of the significant role that an ATL ULR can play in facilitating access to CPD and lifelong learning, both in and outside the workplace;
• our agreement to work in partnership to maximise the availability of CPD and lifelong learning opportunities to all school/college staff.

An ATL ULR can be any member of staff, full- or part-time, who is an ATL member and has an interest in, and commitment to, training and development. In addition:

• there will not usually be more than one ATL ULR per school/college (exceptionally, split sites and membership size may make it appropriate to have more than one per workplace);
• all ULRs will be accredited by ATL upon completion of training provided by ATL;
• reasonable time off from work will be agreed for training and for undertaking duties.

On behalf of ATL members and, where appropriate, all school/college staff, the remit of the ATL ULR will be to:

• promote a positive attitude to learning amongst employees;
• promote partnership working on training between the school/college and ATL;
• promote CPD opportunities to staff;
• promote a whole-school/college approach to lifelong learning;
• promote best practice to ensure learning opportunities are consistently available to the whole school/college staff;
• provide information and advice about learning opportunities;
• identify CPD and lifelong learning opportunities for ATL members, teachers, lecturers and support staff to develop their role;
• foster an improved awareness and knowledge of learning opportunities;
• work with line managers and school/college CPD coordinator to identify learning needs;
• broker learning opportunities with local providers and colleges, creating mutually beneficial partnerships;
• signpost ATL members, and where appropriate, all school/college staff, to sources of advice and guidance;
• link non work related learning to a more rounded work-life balance.

The ATL ULR will work with the school CPD coordinator, and line managers, as appropriate, to:

• help identify CPD and lifelong learning needs amongst staff and devise plans to meet those needs, including those identified through the performance management process and advising on the content of school INSET days;
• provide advice and support to colleagues on personal development opportunities which do not impact on the school/college or the INSET budget;
• help disseminate details of school/college and LA training and development opportunities;
• be a source of information on wider local learning providers and opportunities, for example the MA and Foundation degree accreditation opportunities available to ATL members via its partnership with EHU;
• help evaluate training and development outcomes;
• reinforce a positive attitude to learning amongst staff, for example, that learning does not always mean attending a course. As defined by the TDA examples of CPD activities include:
  • professional development meetings and professional development items in staff and team meetings;
  • attending external conferences and courses;
  • attending internal conferences, courses and professional development events;
  • coaching and mentoring, shadowing and peer support;
  • participating in networks or projects providing opportunities for professional development;
  • lesson observations;
  • discussions with colleagues or pupils to reflect on working practises;
  • research and investigation.

All individual requests for training and development to be met from school/college INSET budgets and/or requiring time off work will continue to be channelled through existing line managers and the school CPD coordinator as at present. The ULR should be able to help colleagues identify suitable ways of meeting identified training and development needs. The ATL ULR will also work in partnership with ULRs in the school/college accredited by any other recognised trade union. The school/college, through its governing body and any such delegated authority, including the headteacher/principal and CPD coordinator, will:

• consult the ULR on all school- or college-wide CPD and lifelong learning needs, priorities and timescales;
• invite the ULR to attend the governing body (or any other appropriate subcommittee or staff consultative committee) to observe and contribute to all discussions related to school- or college-wide CPD or lifelong learning.

The school, through its governing body and any such delegated authority, including the headteacher/principal and CPD coordinator, will also provide the ULR with reasonable paid time off to undertake the relevant duties outlined in the ACAS Code, namely to:

• analyse learning and training needs. The ULR will always consult the headteacher/principal first before they conduct any associated surveys of staff;
• provide information about learning and training matters;
• promote the value of learning to ATL members;
• consult with the school/college about such activities;
• undergo accredited training.

The school/college and ULR will review this agreement after one year, on…………………… (insert date), and thereafter every two years.

Signed on behalf of school/college: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (headteacher / principal)

Date:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signed on behalf of ATL: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (ULR)

Date:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .