Support and Wellbeing

Many people will tell you that training to be a teacher can be tough…this can be true, but we want you to also enjoy it.

One of the benefits of training with us is that you are learning from teachers who will not only understand the challenges you are facing, but will be able to support you. Our staff and mentors work for us because they are passionate about teaching, and want it to be a career that you love too.

Over the year you will have support from the LSS Team, your LST, your ITT Coordinator and your in-school mentors. All will work to tailor the programme to you, and ensure you are being supported to thrive in school.

We also have a trained mental health first aider as part of the LSS Team and wellbeing sessions woven into our curriculum offer. Trainees on our programme all have access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers 24/7 365 support on a wide range of issues, from finance to child care to wellbeing. In addition, LSS has a trained counsellor who offers sessions to trainees who wish to access this support. For those studying for the PGCE they will also have access to all the student services at the University of Leicester.

Trainee Board Committee

The Trainee Board Committee is made up of trainees on our programme, who meet with the LSS Director regularly to feedback on the programme and highlight any additional help or support trainees would like. The Trainee Board Committee also organises social events, for example they have recently organised a series of wellbeing walks open to all trainees.

Wellbeing Representatives

LSS has designated Wellbeing Representatives from the trainee body. These trainees advise LSS on any wellbeing needs or issues. We are currently looking to get our wellbeing representatives trained as mental health first aiders.

Teaching Unions

LSS supports all its trainees to join a union. It does not take a position on which union trainees should join. A list of teaching unions in England is show below:

• Association of School and College Leaders
• National Association of Head Teachers
• NASUWT
• National Education Union: Association of Teachers and Lecturers
• National Education Union: National Union of Teachers
• Voice

Equality and Diversity

Leicestershire Secondary SCITT (LSS) is committed to serving local and national teacher demand by recruiting and training the most talented people, regardless of their background and make best use of their talents. Our students come from different cultures, perspectives and experiences. We want trainees who reflect and celebrate this diversity and promote inclusion, acting as role models for our next generations.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and training provider, and to upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in our recruitment, training and employment in line with the spirit and practice of the Equality Act 2010.

We seek to have a community where we treat all trainees and employees as individuals, removing unnecessary barriers to teaching and working with us. We require all our trainees and staff to contribute to the elimination of discrimination, to promote a culture of respect and dignity, to actively challenge discrimination and celebration of diversity.

At Leicestershire Secondary SCITT we are committed to safeguarding.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Sara McAdam.

If you have a safeguarding concern you can contact Sara here.