CETT for Inclusive Learning

What are Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training? 

In ‘Equipping our Teachers for the Future’ (2004) the DfES identified the aim of“…achieving a step change in the quality of teacher training by investing in providers and partnerships that provide high standards of support for trainee teachers in the workplace” and the emphasis upon organisations working collaboratively was stressed. 

DfES identified the need to create a network of Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETT). The Sector Skills Council, Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK), was given the task of identifying and commissioning the CETTs via Standards Verification UK (SVUK) the quality assurance arm of LLUK. Once the two stage CETT bidding process was completed and the eleven CETTs identified the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) now the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) became responsible for the contracting, financing, monitoring and evaluating processes. 

These Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training, established in April 2007, are now a vital part of the learning and skills sector. Their prime role is to increase the capacity for quality improvement in initial teacher training and professional development through developing a range and depth of provision, comprising a network of providers and other stakeholders.  The networks work together to provide high quality Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for the Learning and Skills sector. 

Markos Tiris, who manages CETTs at LSIS comments that “…CETTs are centres for excellence, rather than centres of excellence – they promote good practice and research, and develop advice and guidance that covers generic, as well as very specific, teaching issues.” Each one of the 11 centres is a network of organisations with direct involvement in teaching and learning. While each centre is unique in terms of priorities and activities, there is overlap and consistency in the work they do. Together they represent every part of the learning and skills education sector, higher education, further education, specialist colleges, voluntary sector, adult and community learning, work-based learning and offender learning.

	The aim of the Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETTs) is to enhance the quality of teacher training for those who are training to become teachers in the LLS.
	Success North Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training is a partnership led by Newcastle College, conceived in conjunction with Leeds Metropolitan University.
	WMCETT was launched in July 2007 following a successful submission to the Quality Improvement Agency, now known as the Learning and Skills Improvement Service or LSIS, for three years of funding to create a dynamic and innovative ITT and CPD partnership.
	The stated aim of The Westminster Partnership is 'to research and share good practice and develop teacher training in the Life Long Learning sector, from a model of existing strength to excellence for both ITT and CPD provision'.
	SUNCETT is committed to developing innovative and collaborative approaches to the professional development of new and qualifying teachers in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET).
	The London Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training is based in the school of Life Long Learning and International Development at the Institute of Education, University of London.
	SWitch’s vision is to develop an inclusive partnership for excellence which involves the diverse range of organisations involved in Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for teachers in the learning and skills sector in the South West.
	The Peninsula CETT is a three year project led by the University of Plymouth and involves key organisations in the South West participating in initial teacher training (ITT) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for the Lifelong Learning Sector
	ACER was formed in 1993 by further education colleges in the eastern region. Embracing six counties, we are proud to provide a central source of support, development and representation to our member colleges.
	emCETT is one of 11 national Centres of Excellence in Teacher Training, managed by the Quality Improvement Agency now the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) as part of the National Improvement Strategy for the further education system.