Core Mentor Training

Access the Core Mentor Training

Mentor development and support

The Faculty offers a comprehensive and flexible package of mentor training and development opportunities.

The Edge Hill University Core Mentor Training for 2023/24 is comprised of three elements. All mentors hosting a trainee must complete all three elements of mentor development training.

Primary, Early Years and Further Education

Secondary

Online Core Mentor training for all Mentors (Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Further Education and Training)

Unit One – Principles of Mentoring

This unit provides mentors with the research evidence and underlying principles for mentoring at Edge Hill University. It considers the evidence base for mentoring drawing on the Sims et al., 2021 characteristics of effective teacher professional development. 

Unit Two – Models of Mentoring  

The Edge Hill models of mentoring unit moves the mentoring of our trainees away from a model of internship (where trainees learn ‘on the job’ by receiving feedback based on naturally occurring experiences) and towards one of instructional coaching. This unit also introduces mentors to the Edge Hill University vision and values, our approach to the core content framework and the Weekly Cycle for Mentoring approach.  

Phase and subject specific briefings

The phase and subject specific briefings revisit the EHU ITE values, our ‘pillars’ and wider curriculum context. Mentors receive input about key expectations regarding the use of the ITT Core Content Framework, its evidence base and our own more ambitious curriculum aims. Aspects covered include observation of students whilst on professional practice, supporting students through dialogue and questioning at the weekly mentor meeting, formative assessment processes, setting targets and tracking progress. The key principles and processes of mentoring and coaching are considered.  

These development sessions also provide an opportunity for mentors to receive detailed input about any forthcoming placements. Tailored to the specific placement phases, (Introductory, Developmental and Consolidation) mentors will receive guidance about the curriculum appropriate to the phase, the content of centre-based training to date and expectations whilst on professional practice. This will ensure that there is join-up between centre-based input and follow-up task for trainees whilst on placement. The key principles and processes of mentoring and coaching are reinforced, together with the use of phase specific key documentation such as lesson observation forms, weekly development summary forms and progress reports.  

In addition, departments will host a series of subject specific development opportunities and sessions which address current key priorities for specific age phases. 

Access the Core Mentor Training

Mentor Development Self-study

Using the Mentor Space, mentors familiarise themselves with the partnership agreement, curriculum documentation and professional practice forms.