Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills’ (QTLS) status was launched in September 2007 is a requirement for all unqualified teachers, trainers and tutors within the sector to achieve QTLS status within 5 years – by 2013. Those who are already in a teaching role will have the opportunity to gain QTLS status through professional recognition of their past qualifications and experience.
These new reforms state that from September 2007 all new teachers will be required to register with the Institute for Learning – the professional body for teachers and trainers in the learning and skills sector, and achieve a recognised level 5 teaching qualification within five years.
The OCNW is keen to support teachers, trainers and tutors to develop their careers and create a new professionalism for the 21st century.
LCMS is now offering Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong learning Sector (DTLLS) course from 14 July 2008.

The Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong learning Sector (DTLLS) is designed for those already in a full teaching role or intending to enter the profession in that role. The qualification is appropriate for teachers, tutors, and trainers who may be working within an FE college, Adult and Community Learning Centre or Learning Provider and for those delivering work based training such as within voluntary, community and private and public organisations. This qualification can be used to claim the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

The course has the following exit routes at which certification can be made:

• Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• Level 4 ward in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• Level 3 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector

To acquire the full Teacher Training Certificate, a candidate would have to complete all 3 levels.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of the diploma is to provide candidates in full teaching role with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills needed to effectively fulfil their teaching role and to claim the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

OBJECTIVES INCLUDE

1. To provide a sound educational basis for teaching in a wide range of learning institutions within the Lifelong Learning Sector
2. To develop the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes for teaching across a wide range of levels, audience and learning programmes.
3. To promote the development of curricula
4. To promote personal and professional development
5. To promote evaluation and reflection on personal and professional practice

TARGET GROUP

1. The diploma is aimed at any pre-service or in-service candidate who needs an initial teaching qualification for their full teaching role as a teacher, trainer or tutor.
2. The diploma is currently available for candidates in a generic teaching role with additional pathways which are not yet offered.
3. Anyone who teaches
   1. using materials they have designed and evaluated
   2. across a range of levels, subjects and learner types
   3. across or contributes to a range of programmes of varying length

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All candidates will be interviewed by the Centre to ensure that candidates are selected for suitability on the course by meeting the following criteria

1. proof of being capable of meeting the new LLUK professional standards for the learning and skills sector by the end of their course
2. can read and communicate clearly and accurately enough to meet the requirements of their training and the assessment tasks for each unit
3. proof that they do not have a criminal background which might prevent them from working as a teacher with young or vulnerable adults
4. Hold a relevant vocational and/or  academic qualification in his/her own area of specialisation

In addition, candidates should ideally have one of the following:

1. A First Degree
2. A professional qualification recognised as being of practitioner level
3. Relevant industrial/commercial experience at an appropriate practitioner level

TEACHING PRACTICE REQUIREMENT
A minimum of 150 hrs of teaching practice is required for this diploma. LCMS will find placement for such practice for any candidate who does not currently have a teaching role.

COURSE CONTENT
The course has two parts.

PART ONE – MANDATORY UNITS
Part One is made up of 4 mandatory units of 60 credits of the qualification, the units include:

The knowledge and understanding of the mandatory units and a choice of the optional units is required. There are twelve optional units from which candidates can pick and choose to make up 60 credits for this part.

Level 4 Options
Delivering Employability Skills
Equality & Diversity
Managing Behaviours in the Learning Environment
The Coaching and Mentoring Roles
Working with the 14-16 Age Range in the Learning Environment
Teaching a Specialist Subject
Literacy and the Learners
Literacy, ESOL and the Learners
Numeracy and the Learners

PART TWO - MANADATORY UNITS
Part two is level 5 is made up of 3 mandatory units of 15 credits each and a choice of optional units to make up 60 credits

Mandatory Units include:

Level 5 Options

• Continuing Personal and Professional Development
• Curriculum Development of Inclusive Practice
• Wider Professional Practice
• Developing and management Resources within the lifelong Learning Sector (Level 4/5)
• Action Research
• Action Learning to Support Development of Subject Specialist Pedagogy
• Reflective Professional Practice Skills (Level 5)
• Working with the 14-19 Age Range in the Learning Environment
• Inclusive Practice
• Literacy Learning and Teaching
• Literacy Theories and Frameworks
• Developing Numeracy knowledge and Understanding
  Numeracy Learning and Teaching

COSTS OF COURSE
The Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector-Level 5 (generic): course fees are £1,500 for a full QTLS. Additional books fees.

COURSE DATES
There will be two intakes in the year – July and January of every year and the course will run for 9 months on a part-time basis and 6 months on fulltime basis.

CERTIFICATION
On successful completion of the course, the candidate can claim the QTLS – Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills. In the event of anyone leaving before completion, Unit Certification for the units covered will done.

To achieve the Diploma (Level 5) evidence of achievement of all the assessment criteria in all the required units must be demonstrated together with involvement in at least 150 hours of teaching practice.