Learning providers

A programme which has been endorsed by Education Scotland demonstrates that it is informed by the national model of professional learning and links effectively to the relevant professional standards and current policy context.

Endorsement provides those who commission programmes, as well as those engaging in professional learning, assurance that programmes offer relevant, significant and sustained quality learning. Such experiences develop depth of professional learning, knowledge, skills and understanding which ultimately impacts on the quality of learning.

Endorsed programmes have successfully passed through a robust set of criteria. This resource will increasingly become the focus for schools, local authorities and regional improvement collaboratives when planning and preparing their professional learning and development opportunities.

Endorsement normally lasts for a period of five years, comes at no cost to the learning provider, and is open for application throughout the year. Applications from a range of learning providers are welcomed.

There are four endorsement pathways as follows:

• Standard Pathway – for programmes that are new to endorsement
• GTCS Professional Recognition Pathway – for programmes that have been awarded professional recognition within the last 3 years
• Education Scotland Funded Programme Pathway – for eligible programmes that are funded by Education Scotland
• Re-endorsement Pathway – for programmes that are approaching the end of Education Scotland endorsement

There is a common application form for all pathways. Learning providers are required to indicate within their application which pathway they are choosing.

Endorsement offers an integrated support package to promote the programme which includes:

• the endorsed programme quality mark
• promotion of the programme through our communication channels
• inclusion within our online resource.

There are three stages to the endorsement process.

Stage 1 - Learning Providers complete the application form and email it to edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot (refer to the Application Guidance for Learning Providers).

Stage 2 - The application will be reviewed by our Lead Specialists as part of the quality assurance process.

Stage 3 – Learning providers invited to attend an Endorsement Panel and present their programme (note that programmes with GTCS Professional Recognition or those funded by Education Scotland may not be required to attend the Panel).

Once the application has passed Stage 2, learning providers will be invited to the next available panel. These dates have been set as follows:

• Monday 29 June 2020
• Wednesday 8 July 2020
• Wednesday 29 July 2020
• Thursday 13 August 2020
• Thursday 27 August 2020
• Thursday 10 September 2020
• Tuesday 29 September 2020
• Thursday 8 October 2020
• Wednesday 21 October 2020
• Wednesday 11 November 2020
• Wednesday 25 November 2020
• Wednesday 9 December 2020
• Thursday 17 December 2020

Learning providers may request support, advice and guidance on endorsement at any stage of the application process. A named Lead Specialist can support you.

They are able to help with:

• Consideration of Education Scotland and national policy
• to explore the national model of professional learning in relation to endorsement and your programme
• understand the principles governing the endorsement processes
• to build clarity on endorsement application and panel processes
• providing support workshops within regional improvement collaboratives

Get in touch with us if you want to speak to us about programme endorsement. 

Learning providers are invited to attend one of our support workshops. Available dates are listed below. Each workshop is facilitated by one of our Lead Specialists and is designed to guide you through the process, as well as to help with application writing and programme design. It’s free to attend, with workshops held in Livingston and Glasgow. To check availability and to book your space on a workshop, email edspll@educationscotland.gov.scot.

Wednesday 6 May 2020
Optima, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DU
10:00 – 12:00

Tuesday 14 July 2020
Optima, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DU
10:00 – 12:00

Wednesday 9 September 2020
Optima, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DU
13:00 – 15:00

Friday 6 November 2020
Denholm House, Almondvale Business Park, Livingston EH54 6GA
10:00 – 12:00

Within Education Scotland, the Professional Learning and Leadership Directorate has the strategic responsibility of providing quality assurance processes for the range of professional learning and leadership development opportunities in Scotland.

Programmes will be sampled at least once within the five-year period. This periodic review may involve Education Scotland requesting evaluation data, other programme information from the provider or feedback meetings with or reports from the delivery team and \ or participants.