Where does the Centre-based training take place? 
Mainly centre-based training is held in the SCITT Learning Centre at Bransgore School.  However, a number of sessions are also held within our Partner schools across the 4 local authorities. 

Will I have time to keep a part time job during the course?
NO!!To ensure that you succeed you will need to commit yourself to attending every day and to working in the evenings and weekends.  

When do I need to arrive for Centre-based training? 
The Centre-based training sessions starts from 8:30am unless otherwise notified on the weekly timetable. 

What times do we start and finish when in schools? 
While on school placement you are expected to keep to the times teachers follow.  Teachers at school usually arrive between 7.30 and 8.00am so that they can prepare materials for lessons and will use this time to support trainees with their commitments for the day.  You will be expected to attend meetings after the children have gone home and therefore it is unlikely that your school day will end before 5.00 and sometimes later.  

Is it hard work? 
Yes.  Please read the Trainee comments on the website, which sum up the nature of this programme.  

Do we get school holidays?  
You will have the same holidays as schools at half-terms, Easter and Christmas.  

Who will support me? 
For the duration of the programme you have a personal tutor, who is centre based and will provide you with support and guidance through tutorials and visits whilst on placement.  Whilst on practice you are supported by a dedicated mentor who will help you to plan, implement and evaluate your lessons.  They are trained to ensure that they support your individual development. 

Will I need to travel? 
The SCITT programme is fortunate to work with schools in 4 authorities, Dorset, Bournemouth, Hampshire and Poole and so it is inevitable that all Trainees will have to travel.  We try hard to ensure that you are placed as conveniently as possible to your home but given that you will be placed in different schools during the programme it is often still necessary for trainees to travel some distance.  Some of the taught sessions of the programme are delivered in schools which also will mean extra travel. 

What happens if I haven’t got a car?
We try to ensure that your school placement is on a bus or train route.  When visiting schools we ask that trainees share transport as parking is often limited.  

Do I get paid? 
Currently the government pays a £4,000 training bursary which is paid in 10 monthly instalments.  You may also be entitled to a maintenance grant.  

Will I need to work in the evenings and/or weekends for the course? 
Most Trainees find that they spend evenings and weekends either reading, writing assignments or planning lessons 

Will I need to be organised? 
There is a wealth of information to be gathered and stored and you will find it essential to keep professional well organised records and files. 

Do I need access to a computer and the internet? 
It is essential that you have access to a computer and the internet. The SCITT will loan trainees an Asus E-notebook for the duration of the programme.  

What type of people get on your course? 
We have been fortunate to attract fantastic hard working people on to the programme.  They share certain attributes, an ability to work hard under pressure, a commitment to striving to give their very best and most importantly are hungry to succeed in teaching.  Read about some of our trainees in the trainee perspectives section. 

Will there be men on the course? 
We encourage men on to the programme and have recruited men each year.  

Is there support for people who have specific needs? 
We support all our trainees to fulfil their potential and have excellent study support facilities for trainees who have specific needs.  

What Textbooks do I need to read? 
Prior to the start of the programme we issue trainees with pre course reading lists. We  strongly recommend that you read and become familiar with the National Curriculum , The Foundation Stage Curriculum Guidance and The Primary National Strategy. 

It is also useful to read journals such as the Times Education Supplement and magazines such as Nursery world, Child Education and EYE which are available in your Local library.