DfE: ITT Reform Grants
6 February 2024
Frequently asked questions for mentor funding
Q1: When can we expect the updated guidance to be released?
The full guidance will be published in Spring 2024.
Q2: What happens to the funding for main mentor training if a trainee withdraws mid-year? Can the mentor still continue with their training to complete the 20 hours if they choose to even if they don’t have a trainee anymore? (for example – what if they have completed 18 of the 20 hours? Or 15? Or 10?)
Yes, the school, accredited provider and the mentor can decide on whether the mentor completes the training. If the mentor does continue to train, we would expect they should be intending to mentor in consequent years, but this will not be a requirement to receive funding.
Q3: Can second school mentors access the DfE funding for the 20 hours of training even if they are only hosting a second placement (6 weeks)?
All educational settings which hosted an ITT trainee or had arranged to host an ITT trainee (for any length of time) on an ITT course leading to QTS, will be eligible for this funding.
Q4: What will be the funding arrangement if a trainee withdraws before they start second placement (our training is fairly front-loaded into Autumn term so they would have attended most of the hours before the second placement)?
Funding can still be claimed, as a trainee had intended to train.
Q5: As above, are they able to complete the training (funded) if they no longer have a trainee due to withdrawal?
Yes, the school, accredited provider and the mentor can decide whether the mentor completes the training.
Q6: What happens if a mentor has a long-term absence or leaves mid-year? Do mentors who take over from there need the full 20 hours training entitlement? – at what point is that considered not a feasible option given that much of our training is front-loaded and linked to the trainee curriculum and assessment at each stage? (e.g. what if the main mentor leaves/is sick in May? June? Early July??)
If a mentor cannot continue mentoring, schools can replace and claim training time for new mentors. The accredited provider, school and the new mentor will need to assess the number of hours of training that is appropriate and feasible for the new mentor. More information on mentoring for schools has been published here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/offer-a-trainee-teacher-placement.
Q7: For how many years is the mentor training valid for? Can refresher training be done e.g. 2 or 3 years later if they don’t have a trainee in 2025, or does it have to be the following year?
Information on refresher training is subject to cross-government approvals. It is hoped that this will be provided when the full guidance is updated this Spring, however it may be communicated later if the position has not been agreed.
Q8 Can schools in Wales access this funding?
This will be confirmed when the guidance is published in Spring 2024.
Q9: Will guidance be generated to support planning beyond 2025?
The guidance will only cover AY24/25. This is because funding beyond 2024/25 is contingent on approvals from across government and will take place as part of the next Spending Review process which will take place in 2024. To maximise the likelihood of securing future funding, the Department will require significant evidence to demonstrate the grant’s value for money. We will work with the sector to produce this evidence this academic year. As soon as we can share further information on this, we will.
Q10: Can guidance be shared with ITT providers in advance of circulation with schools? As providers can then prepare support materials for schools within their partnership in advance of this
Guidance will be shared with sector representative bodies in advance of publication for their input. We will work closely with them to evaluate whether additional guidance specifically for schools will also be required. New guidance for schools has recently been published here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/offer-a-trainee-teacher-placement
Q11: Funding for Mentors is causing concern as it will be paid to schools. How will DfE monitor whether the Mentor is capable, engaged and performing well and therefore should be paid funding for that job? If funding were to be paid to the provider – they could monitor performance and then make payments. How will provider opinion be factored into payment? Also, if schools are receiving grant, they will be expected to submit Annex G (accounting review), and this will incur a cost – is it cost-effective to have so many schools undertaking this process when funding can go to providers?
Placement schools will be able claim for the training undertaken by their general mentors as this funding is designed to help schools with the cost of teachers being away from the classroom while they train. The funding will be dispersed after a claim has been made at the end of the academic year and is therefore discrete.
The digital service to facilitate the payment of general mentor claims will be designed to validate the information that the school provides against data the Department currently holds. As a result, 90% of the claims will not require additional evidence. 10% of the claims will require the production of evidence and may require an Annex G, depending on the total value of the claim. Where evidence is required, the Department will work collaboratively with both the placement schools and providers to review the necessary documentation. Full guidance will be published by the Department in Spring 2024.
Schools will be able claim for the training undertaken by their general mentors. This funding will help with the cost of teachers being away from the classroom while they train.
Accredited providers can claim funding to help with the costs associated with introducing the new lead mentor role. This funding is designed to help providers with the cost of lead mentors taking the time they need to train and carry out their role. The role of the lead mentors includes oversight, supervision and quality assurance of other mentors, including general mentors.
Q12: I had a query today about whether a job-share pair of mentors, both working with the same trainee, could both claim the full 20 hours of funding. Do you know the answer to this?
Schools must ensure a trainee has one dedicated mentor during their placement. Other teachers may support elements of the trainee’s placement, but schools can only claim funding for the training time of the trainee’s dedicated mentor. However, if the mentor role is taken on by staff on a job-share, then the school can claim the full 20 hours for both.