Early Years and Integrated Leadership – consultants needed
If you have any queries that are not answered here, please contact your regional provider.
Eligibility is given to leaders of:
This will include leaders of designated children's centres that have originated from Sure Start local programmes, neighbourhood nursery initiatives and maintained nursery and, increasingly, primary schools that have become or been nominated as children's centres. Within this criteria all sectors, including the private sector, are invited to apply.
Applicants must also be a member of a senior management team and capable of being assessed in the children's centre for which they have day-to-day leadership responsibility. The programme is not designed for strategic leaders or local education.
2. Will Fast Track teachers have access to the programme?
Not applicable.
3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
No.
4. Does my line manager have to recommend me for this programme?
Yes, all applicants must be supported by their line manager when applying. The line manager will need to complete a supporting statement on behalf of the applicant.
5. Currently I do not work in a children's centre. Can my application be considered?
No, applicants need to be in a leadership position within a designated or approved children's centre in order to apply.
You need to meet the programme's eligibility criteria in order to apply. If you are unsure about your eligibility, the NPQICL team would be happy to discuss this with you in further detail. They can be contacted at npqicl@ncsl.org.uk.
7. Are there any pre-requisite programmes which I must complete before I can do NPQICL?
No, however it is anticipated that applicants will hold a UK honours degree (normally classified 2.2 or above), an overseas equivalent or an acceptable equivalent qualification. It is also expected that applicants will be able to provide evidence of academic capability and demonstrate that they are able to manage the course demands. In particular circumstances a lower level qualification with appropriate experience may be considered subject to the applicant being able to demonstrate graduate level skills.
8. Is NPQICL a pre-requisite for any other programmes?
No, however NPQICL is a nationally recognised qualification awarded on behalf of the DCSF. It is considered by many higher education institutions (HEIs) to be equivalent to 60 Master's level CAT points and NCSL recommends that HEIs admit participants to a Master's programme with one-third credit (60 points) under their accreditation of prior learning arrangements, providing they hold an NPQICL certificate. The cost of accreditation will be the responsibility of individual participants.
NPQICL has equivalency to the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) for maintained nursery schools (though not for other school phases). This means that an applicant to a headship post for a nursery school can hold or be working towards NPQH or hold NPQICL. However, eligibility to undertake NPQICL depends on both the applicant’s status and the status of their setting. Aspiring heads of nurseries and heads of nurseries who already have NPQH but would like to do NPQICL as well are only eligible to apply for NPQICL if they are in a senior leadership position in a designated children’s centre. NPQICL is the most appropriate qualification for early years leadership but an aspiring head who is likely to move on to another phase eg primary, may decide to do NPQH in preference. As the new model for NPQH allows greater personalisation it is likely that it can be tailored to better address the needs of heads of maintained nursery schools.
9. I'm not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
Please contact the NPQICL team at npqicl@ncsl.org.uk.
10. How ICT literate do I need to be?
Applicants will need basic ICT skills and have access to the internet at home or at work.
11. I need more information about eligibility for the programme. Where can I get this?
Please contact the NPQICL team at npqicl@ncsl.org.uk.
All applications are done online. Please see the how to apply page for further information.
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
No, all applications are to be completed and submitted online. In extenuating circumstances, please contact npqicl@ncsl.org.uk.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
See above.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
No, all applications are done individually.
It is normal policy that applicants apply to the provider in their region, however, applicants can apply to a different region if they prefer.
6. When does the next application round begin?
The next application round will open in spring 2008.
7. When is the deadline for submitting applications to the programme?
This information will be available on the how to apply page prior to and during the application round.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the deadline your application will not be considered and you will need to re-apply the following year.
9. Is the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?
Places on the NPQICL programme are currently limited to 400. Additional eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list and, if a place does not become available, their application will be given priority the following year.
10. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher. Is this possible?
Not applicable.
Full registration will be dependent on an applicant meeting the eligibility criteria, which will include organisational setting, evidence of graduate level skills and demonstration of full support from line managers. In some circumstances an additional interview or evidence of academic ability may be required.
12. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for the programme prior to applying?
A series of regional NPQICL taster sessions is held prior to the application round. The sessions are hosted by the regional NPQICL provider and offer prospective applicants the opportunity to find out more about the qualification and application process and also to ask questions.
1. Do I need to know who my leadership coach will be before I apply?
Not applicable.
2. Who should be my coach and who decides this?
Not applicable.
3. What does the role of the in-school coach involve?
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
There are 11 face-to-face days, plus mentoring sessions and personal study time for assignment completion.
2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
There are 11 face-to-face days running from September 2008 to July 2009. There is one residential element.
3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Yes, we have a strict 100 per cent attendance policy.
4. What support is available throughout the programme?
All participants will have access to a mentor to support, guide and challenge participants, both as students and as leaders in their own organisations.
5. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
The participant will have to complete 12,000 words of academic work and undergo a centre-based assessment.
5. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?
There are a number of tools and resources around Every Child Matters.
1. How do I access the online communities and materials?
All of the online communities and materials can be accessed via the Learning Gateway. All NPQICL participants will automatically become members of the Learning Gateway. Your username and password details will be sent to you prior to the start of the programme.
2. Do I have to use online facilities?
Yes, the online facilities form a core part of the programme.
3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
You can contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 609 0009 or send an email to enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
Online discussions will be facilitated. You will also be given an introduction to the online elements of the programme.
5. Do I have to pay for materials?
Participants are provided with a materials pack at the start of the programme. These materials are funded.
6. Can I use the materials afterwards in my school setting?
Once you have completed the programme the materials are yours to keep.
1. How much does this programme cost?
Participants who are eligible to undertake NPQICL will have their programme fees fully susidised by NCSL. However, participants and/or their centres will be required to cover their own travel, subsistence and supply cover costs.
2. Are there any grants available?
No.
3. Can I claim for the costs of supply cover and travel when I attend the programme?
Participants and/or their centres will be required to cover their own travel, subsistence and supply cover costs.
4. What is the policy for charging, supply cover and travel for small schools?
Not applicable.
5. What is the charging policy for independent and overseas schools?
Not applicable.
1. Can the programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
NPQICL is a nationally recognised qualification awarded on behalf of the DCSF. It is considered by many higher education institutions (HEIs) to be equivalent to 60 Master's level CAT points and the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) recommends that HEIs admit participants to a Master's programme with one-third credit (60 points) under their accreditation of prior learning arrangements, providing they hold an NPQICL certificate.
2. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
See above.
3. How can I become a facilitator on the programme?
Tutors and mentors are recruited by the programme providers. Please contact your local provider if you are interested in joining their delivery team.
4. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?
There are a number of tools and resources around Every Child Matters.
find us | press office | vacancies | learning and conference centre | about this site | legal | site map
© National College for School Leadership
