Your role as a Professional Coordinating Mentor (PCM), also known as the ITT Coordinator, is central to the development of our trainee teachers during their school experience. As the individual within the school with overall responsibility for trainee teachers, you'll oversee their placements, including their welfare and supervision while they're in school. You'll also be instrumental in monitoring their training and quality assuring the mentor support they receive. We've compiled all the essential information for PCMs on this page.
Trainee Induction & Safeguarding
Ensure trainees are fully inducted by providing access to school policies, identifying key staff (e.g., Safeguarding Leads, SENDCo), and confirming their understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education KCSIE documentation and school safeguarding requirements on day one. Trainees must also understand the staff behaviour policy and code of conduct, including daily expectations like arrival times and dress code.
Mentor Training & Support
Provide QTS-qualified mentors with relevant experience and subject knowledge. Ensure all mentors complete London Met Uni's required training. Oversee 1.5-hour weekly mentoring input for trainees from their mentor. Confirm trainees have an appropriate teaching timetable based on their phase/subject and training stage, as per the Partnership Handbook. Deliver a broad and balanced training program tailored to development needs, emphasising safeguarding. Complement university provision by meeting trainees' professional development needs.
Trainee Welfare & Oversight
Support the welfare of trainees during their placement. Involve trainees in staff meetings and CPD when appropriate.
Communication & Quality Assurance
Liaise with subject/class mentors to ensure completion of required assessment forms. Communicate with the university link tutor regarding specific trainee issues (e.g., Early Intervention, Cause for Concern) and any school circumstance changes impacting trainee support. Monitor and quality assure mentor provision, identifying improvement targets and offering support where difficulties arise. Ensure regular observations by mentors and provide support as needed.
Further information can be found in PCM job description
