FETN: The Early Days

Dr Sally Wootton worked as a teacher, tutor and manager in Further and Higher Education and Work Based Learning settings for 25 years before she founded the Further Education Tutorial Network in 2010. The network emerged from her passion to see all learners benefit from effective tutoring relationships and purposeful tutorial curriculum. 

Being highly regarded for her research and significant tutorial expertise Sally was commissioned to develop the National Occupational Standards for Personal Tutoring. These Standards continue to inform FETN tutor training and quality improvements to tutorial provision. She has undertaken research and developed national guidance on a range of aspects relating to tutorial provision, and has supported a number of projects on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation.

In 2014 Sally was invited to attend the Royal Garden Party in recognition of her contribution to education. In this same spirit she established the Outstanding Personal Tutor Award to recognise the contribution Personal Tutors make to the progress and life chances of their learners. She also established the Professional Tutor Recognition Programme to provide reflective CPD for personal tutors across the sector.

Sally continues, through FETN, to improve the quality of tutorial provision across the Further Education and Training sector. Her introduction of the FETN Quality Standard Accreditation is enabling organisations to review and improve their tutorial provision through a clear and supportive process in their pursuit of excellence.

FETN Today

As FETN has grown and become more diverse in its membership, more people dedicated to the pursuance of excellence in tutorial have become involved in supporting the network. Our team is growing and we now have a number of Associates offering a range of tutorial skills and knowledge who can share their expertise through webinars, training, consultancy and other membership services. We have recently introduced a quarterly newsletter and integrated a number of community forums within the members’ website as part of our drive to broaden our membership offer.

Going forward in the spirit of FETN’s ethos for collaboration, the team are committed to regularly consult with members to develop new and exciting products and services to assist you in your day to day roles as tutors, co-ordinators and managers. Together we will continue to create a vibrant professional community in which you feel supported and valued.