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
