1. The Awards
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Background
The Learning Consortium is collaboration between further education providers who are committed to
improving the quality of teaching and learning in the sector through peer led workforce development.
This national consortium is led by South Essex College and consists of a wide range of providers covering
a broad spectrum of further education provider types, including further education colleges, work based
learning and independent training providers, adult learning and community provision.
Approach and Methodology
Since 2008, the consortium leads have developed and implemented a powerful model for continuous
improvement in teaching and learning in a number of providers across the learning and skills sector.
The model is based on peer coaching approaches which evidence shows are highly successful. These
are widely recognised and respected by learners and practitioners, and have been recognised by many
national bodies including Ofsted.
Central to this peer model has been the creation of communities of Learning Development Coaches:
teachers, tutors, trainers and managers who are trained to develop qualities and skills to support the
ongoing improvement of teaching and learning practice. Learning Development Coaches are key
individuals who can support others and who can help communicate the excitement and possibilities of
change, and develop higher level teaching skills in order to bring about improvements in the curriculum
across organisations.
‘The Learning Framework’ model was first successfully trialled and implemented over five years ago in
Sunderland. It resulted in year on year improvements in success rates and achievement of high grades.
The model focusses on developing effective classroom practice and providing support for those who do
not have the required skills.
Evidence suggests that senior leadership engagement is essential in order to maximise organisational
impact. In order to secure a commitment to the development of higher order teaching skills, managers are
also trained in the model.
Supported by The Education and Training Foundation.
Further education - serving the needs of a better society and strong economy

2. Learning Consortium Award for Improvement in
Teaching and Learning through Peer Coaching
The award is open to all colleges in the FE sector.
This award aims to recognise where the effective use of peer coaching has had a significant impact on
learners and learning through the development of high level teaching skills, which focus on learning, in
the FE workforce.
The assessors will be looking for applications which demonstrate how peer coaching has impacted
on students by creating a focus on learning and learning outcomes. Successful applications will show
evidence of innovative approaches to teaching and learning, whether used across an organisation or
targeted approaches in specific curriculum areas.
Assessors will look for comprehensive evidence (including statistical information and digital evidence)
which clearly demonstrates the following:
1. Organisational commitment to the development of high level teaching skills for the FE workforce
through peer coaching
2. Innovative teaching, learning and assessment strategies which engage learners and encourage them to
achieve and realise their potential
3. Changes to teaching practice which have enhanced the learning experience and resulted in quantifiable
improvements in learner satisfaction and/or improved attendance
4. Implementation of changes which have led to a significant increase in learner achievement, including
improvements in success rates, achievement of high grades, contextualised value added (CVA) and
other outcomes
5. Effective methods which have led to increased organisational efficiency or quantifiable savings in terms
of time or money
6. Effective leadership that promotes the use of peer coaching to support improvement in learning.
Supported by The Education and Training Foundation.
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Further education - serving the needs of a better society and strong economy