The National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education (NRCSE) is a national strategic and support organisation for community-led supplementary schools and the wider supplementary education sector across England. Established in 2006, we became an independent, registered charity (1150621) in 2013 and continue to be a national champion for excellence, innovation and partnership in out-of-school settings. Our Executive Director, Pascale Vassie OBE, sits on the Department for Education Steering Group for Safeguarding in Out-of-School Settings, is an external member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Foreign Languages and member of the British Academy Language Advisory Group. We campaign throughout England on behalf of supplementary schools and their students, tutors and leaders. We work with all out-of-school settings to raise their profile and their standards of teaching, learning and management.
NRCSE has developed nationally recognised and accredited teacher-training for non qualified teachers in out-of-school settings. The Ofqual registered Certificate in Teaching in the Supplementary Education Sector is suitable for those wishing to teach in, or further develop their knowledge of, supplementary education. The qualification is designed to develop practical teaching skills; gain knowledge of the national school curriculum; maintain a safe learning environment. Optional units include teaching a language, teaching in Islamic supplementary schools, supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Since 2013, over 1,300 learners have taken one or more accredited modules and fifteen learners have achieved the full Certificate, completing 150 hours of learning. This year we have added a Level 2 Award in Teaching in supplementary schools and other out-of-school settings. For information visit our training pages.
NRCSE facilitates the only nationally-recognised quality assurance scheme targeted specifically at providers of out-of-school education – the NRCSE Quality Mark (previously the Quality Framework for Supplementary Schools). Since 2009, 499 organisations have completed basic safeguarding standards with 180 moving on to a higher award. Quality assured settings are listed on our online directory of supplementary schools according to region and subjects offered.
We have worked closely with our funders, local authorities and the Department for Education in looking at best practice and risk within the sector and how to support the development of excellence. With a unique breadth of experience across many different communities and levels of provision we understand how to work in partnership with community members to guide them towards better and safer practice. Since this area of delivery is largely unregulated a collaborative approach is essential. Community groups should be supported to adopt best practice not driven underground.
To discuss how we can support local authorities, community organisations, individuals and faith groups to manage safe and effective educational opportunities that support communities and children in achieving their true potential, get in touch.
