Home-Start is the UK's first charity to be awarded a Quality Mark for teaching

Mon 08 June 2009, Category: Press Release

Home-Start is the first charity in the UK to receive a Quality Mark from Standards Verification UK (SVUK) - for two newly introduced qualifications. (For teaching).

Home-Start is a family support charity. It trains 5,000 volunteers every year to deliver its service for parents. The training is run by staff in Home-Start's network of 340 independent local schemes; they are trained by the national organisation.

In association with the University of Central Lancashire, Home-Start has been awarded a Quality Mark for a qualification equivalent to the new overarching professional standards for teachers, tutors and trainers in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

The two new Home-Start qualifications are:

• Preparing to Teach in Home-Start
• Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Home-Start.

Working alongside the University, Home-Start developed the two programs and the assessment criteria for the Home-Start workforce.

Zoe Munby, Director of Learning and Quality at Home-Start UK said, "Teaching and training is important to Home-Start because Home-Start volunteers receive extensive, in-depth induction training, with optional accreditation. The new qualifications will contribute to the quality of that training, as well as providing evidence of Home-Start's commitment to matching the standards of the Lifelong Learning sector."

A Quality Mark from SVUK demonstrates to learners, staff and the wider sector that a scheme meets national standards.

Zoe Munby said: "I am delighted that Home-Start has received this recognition. The new qualifications are proving very popular with Home-Start staff. It is important to have an external recognition of the quality of the training which our volunteers receive, and also important that staff themselves receive this recognition for their professionalism."