The TDA code of practice sets out the responsibilities of continuing professional development (CPD) providers in the promotion, planning, delivery, monitoring, assessment and evaluation of the CPD they deliver. It makes explicit the expectations held by the TDA and participants.
The following describes how Voice Care Network UK supports the TDA Code of Practice. This supporting statement has been approved by the TDA.
1. Promotion
- Direct email/tel calls to Local Authority Advisers/Coordinators responsible for the whole School Workforce, School Improvement and Effectiveness, CPD, EPD, NQTs/RQTs (Primary/Secondary), Support Staff (HLTAs/TAs/Cover Supervisors),Headteachers, Leadership OTTs, Special Needs
- Word of mouth from LAs/Schools/Colleges and Universities who have already experienced the direct benefits of our Voice Workshops and book repeat sessions for INSET and special training days (mornings/afternoons/twilghts)
- Our information includes details of the workshop title, its target audience, its benefits, together with details of the room, seating and projector requirements, timings, and costs.
- Where appropriate we advise that we are delivering a pilot series of Voice Workshops across many LAs within England with TDA start up funding during 2008/2009
- We advise that delegates may use our extended workshops as a basis for a module towards an MA with Edge Hill University
2. Planning
Detailed discussions have taken place with Senior Advisers from a number of key Local Authorities and schools to define the current vocal needs of the whole School Workforce in specific groups (eg NQTs - Primary/Secondary, Support Staff). A key number of needs were identified and specific workshops have been developed focussed on (1) Clarity of Speech (2) Impact of Voice on Behaviour Management (3) Maintaining a Healthy Voice (4) Voice in Leadership (5) Developing further Voice Skills for experienced Teachers and (6) The rationale for Voice workshops for CPD Leaders in Schools.
We have a national network of trained Voice Tutors to deliver these CPD voice workshops in any LA or School in the UK, throughout the year for INSET days, mornings, afternoons or twilights.
3. Delivery
Delivery is by our trained Tutors to groups of around 20 delegates (occasionally up to 30 depending on room size). Trainers use a standardised digital presentation to illustrate the main points of learning. The workshops are very interactive and participative. Delegates sit in a horseshoe arrangement and will need to be able to stand up to learn and practise good posture. There are a number of voice warm up exercises to practise as well as some group discussion. Delegates leave with handouts on Top Tips to maintain a healthy voice and a summary of useful warm up exercises.
4. Monitoring
All delegates fill in evaluation sheets to assess the success of the workshop in meeting their needs.. These are analysed, summarised and reviewed by our Management Board (Chairman and Development Officer) to identify improvements for future course development. The summaries are fed back to the School or LA Organiser/Adviser for their further comments after the delegates return to their School environment
5. Assessment and evaluation
We currently offer a range of Voice Training workshops suitable for most major groups in the School Workforce. These workshops focus not only on how to maintain a healthy voice in a difficult school environment but significantly improve the voice skills of individuals so that they can perform their current role more effectively and enable them to consider further career progression opportunities at an earlier stage.