A team of Regional Education Officers (REO) is now in place to oversee the transition to UKCC qualifications and improve the availability of teacher and coach education across England.
Working under the Institute of Swimming (IoS), the delivery arm for British Swimming’s teacher and coach qualifications in England and an ASA-approved centre, the eight REOs are charged with meeting the demand for education and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in each of their regions.
Responsible for coordinating the regional programmes, the REOs are working with local partners, swim clubs and leisure providers to ensure the right courses are offered at appropriate time throughout the year.
Under the REOs, ASA courses will be even more accessible and participants will be able to plan their courses up to a year in advance. A new prospectus is planned for Spring 2007 outlining the range of qualifications and CPD courses on offer.
The West Midlands Region appointed an education officer as part of a pilot project in 2005. Carole McCardle has been in post for more than a year now and is already seeing the benefits of the role.
“The REO role means there is a central point for information on all aspects of ASA education and CPD courses,” she explained. “By working directly with approved centres we can ensure the highest quality of course is delivered in a comfortable learning environment.
“For candidates, my role is similar to that of a careers advisor. I have regular contact with many people on ASA courses and I can match candidates to appropriate educational opportunities and support their ongoing development.
“With additional funding coming on line later in the year, it also means we can subsidise courses to make it more cost-effective for everyone involved.”
Ios Curriculum and Training Manager Ayoma Chalkley explains the rationale behind the introduction of the REOs.
“Up until now there has been an adhoc approach to offering teaching and coaching courses across the country,” she said. “By employing Regional Education Officers within the IoS they can work with key partners and tutors to ensure we are delivering the right courses at the right time for the right people.”
Regional Education Officers are as follows:
West Midlands - Carole McArdle
East & East Midlands - Nikki Baker
North East (Yorkshire & Humberside) - Colin Huffen
North East (Durham & Northumberland) - Fiorna Cairns Smith
London - Mark Griggs
South East - Jenny Norvill
South West - Jane Wilson
North West - Rosemary Fletcher-Turk
For contact details visit your ASA Region’s website.
-ENDS-
For media information contact ASA media officer Amanda Smith on 01509 632238, 07876 652 318 or email amanda.smith@swimming.org
The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
www.britishswimming.org
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