Your questions answered...
What does a volunteer tutor do?
A volunteer tutor supports learners to develop their skills and confidence in reading, writing, using numbers and spelling
in a variety of settings e.g 1:1 and small groups.
Everyone who expresses an interest in becoming a tutor will be invited to an information session where you can find out more and ask questions. If, at the end of the session you are still interested you will be given an application form to complete. Suitable applicants will then be invited to attend an interview and, depending on the interview, will be invited to train to become a volunteer tutor for the Essential Skills Service.
At approximately week 10 you will be matched with a learner so, for the final six weeks of the course, the time commitment
increases to 4.5 hours a week.
Integrated into this course is the SQA Professional Development Award ‘Introduction to Adult Literacies Learning’ which is
a nationally recognised qualification which is the equivalent to a higher.
During the training course you have easy access to the trainers if you have any concerns. There are also individual support
sessions integrated in to the course to provide you with 1:1 support.
During completion of the qualification and throughout your time as a volunteer tutor, you receive regular support from your
local Adult Learning Co-ordinator through review sessions, inservice training and ongoing contact by phone/email. Inservice
training takes place 4 times per year. It is expected that all tutors will attend these sessions as they provide the opportunity
to catch up with what’s happening in the service, meet other tutors, explore new resources and share ideas. Other training
opportunities are provided on a regular basis and tutors are asked to decide which will best equip them to support their learners.
How much time will I have to give once I have completed my training?
Tutors and learners usually work together once a week, for about one and a half-hours. Tutors also need to allow for preparation time, attendance at in-service training sessions and support meetings with the Co-ordinator.
Sessions take place in a variety of locations throughout Moray e.g. libraries, community centres and resource centres. Tutors
and learners do not meet in the home of either party.
Learners are over the age of 16 and no longer in full time education. They come from all walks of life and have a variety
of aims, such as preparing for promotion, helping children with homework, getting to grips with new technology, working toward
the driving test etc.
Many combine their learning with full time and part time work. Some are studying and need some extra support to see them through.
As tutors may be working with vulnerable adults, all tutors are required to complete a form that permits a search of criminal
record including any charges brought but not resulting in a conviction. This is to ensure that you are a fit and proper person
to work with vulnerable people. Even if you have completed a Disclosure Scotland check for another organisation you will be
asked to complete one again for your work with the Essential Skills Service.
All tutors are also required to complete Child Protection training.
The next course will take place in Keith CC starting Tuesday 2nd September. 9.30am - 12.30pm. Applications for this course must be received before 1st August 2008."
Who do I contact?
If you have any further queries or are would like to apply to become a volunteer tutor; please contact:-
Moira Strathdee
Essential Skills Development Officer
New Elgin Primary School Annexe
Bezack Street
Elgin
IV30 6DP
Tel: 01343 559309
Email moira.strathdee@moray.gov.uk