Glossary of common education and related terminology.

 

• Academies - Academies are independent state-funded schools. These schools have more freedom over their finances, the curriculum they teach and teachers’ pay and conditions. These schools are funded directly by central government rather than by the local authority. Some academies are sponsored and these sponsors can come from a range of backgrounds (businesses, other successful schools, universities, charities and faith bodies). Sponsors are held accountable for improving the performance of their schools.

 

• AfL - Assessment for Learning - From September 2009, all UK schools were expected to implement an assessment for learning program. Day-to-day assessments would include effective questioning; observations of children during teaching and while they are working; holding discussions with children; analysing work and reporting to children; conducting tests and giving quick feedback.

 

• APP - Assessing Pupils' Progress - APP is a structured approach to periodically assessing maths, science, reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.

 

• DfE - The Department for Education - They responsible for education and children's services in England.

 

• EAL - English as an Additional Language - Refers to children whose first language(s) is/are not English and who may not yet be speaking English fluently or even at all. 

 

• EBD - Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

 

• ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages or English as a Second or Other Language - If English is not your main language you can take part in a course to help you improve your English. These courses are called ESOL.

 

• EWO - Education Welfare Officer - Person employed by the Local Authority to help parents and the LA meet their statutory obligations in relation to school attendance. 

 

• EYFS - Early Years Foundation Stage - A framework for care and education of children from birth to five years of age.

 

• FSM - Free School Meals

 

• G & T - Gifted and Talented

 

• HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

 

• ICT - Information and Communication Technology

 

• IEP - An IEP or Individual Education Plan is a plan or programme designed for children with SEN to help them to get the most out of their education. An IEP builds on the curriculum that a child with learning difficulties or disabilities is following and sets out the strategies being used to meet that child's specific needs.

 

• INSET - In-Service Education and Training - Training for teachers which takes place during the school year.

 

• ITT - Initial Teacher Training

 

• KS1 - Key Stage 1 - 5-7 years old

 

• KS2 - Key Stage 2 - 7-11 years old

 

• LA - Local Authority

 

• LSA - Learning Support Assistant

 

• LSP - Learning Support Plan

 

• MFL - Modern Foreign Languages

 

• MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulties

 

• NQT - Newly Qualified Teacher

 

• Ofsted - The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills is an independent organisation, which reports directly to Parliament. Ofsted inspects and regulates services, which care for children and young people and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages. Ofsted sets out to raise standards in British schools through regular inspections.

 

• PE - Physical Education

 

• PPA - Planning, Preparation and Assessment Time

 

• PSHE - Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education

 

• QTS - Qualified Teacher Status

 

• RE - Religious Education

 

• SATs - Standard Attainment Tests/Tasks - National Curriculum Tests and Tasks which take place at the end of Key Stage 1 and at the end of Key Stage 2.

 

• SEN - Special Educational Needs Provision - Support for pupils with learning difficulties.

 

• SENCO - Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator

 

• SLD - Severe Learning Difficulties

 

• SLT - Senior Leadership Team

 

• SMSC- Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

 

• TA- Teaching Assistant