Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I change or refuse a placement if I'm unhappy with it?

Placement changes are not normally permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances. Any request for a change must be approved by both the Partnership Lead and your Personal Academic Tour (PAT). You would also need to complete an Exceptional Circumstances form. If you choose to refuse a placement, this can delay your progress, and in some cases, you may need to defer and complete the placement in the next academic year. For this reason, it's important to speak with your PAT and the Placement Team as early as possible. 

• Can I swap my placement with another trainee in my cohort?

Under no circumstances can you swap placements with another trainee. 

• What should I do if I have safeguarding concerns on placement?

Follow the school's safeguarding procedures and report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). You also inform your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) immediately. 

• How will my placement be allocated? 

Placement allocation is a complex process that requires time and careful planning. Placements are arranged based on your geographical location and within the expected commute time of up to 90 minutes each way. If we are unable to secure a placement close to your home address, you may be placed in a school that is within easy reach of the University. 

• When will I find out about my placement? 

You will normally receive your placement details around 10 working days before your placement begins, wherever possible. This information will be sent to your University email.

• How can I navigate my route to placement? 

To plan your journey, we recommend using Google Maps or another journey planning app/website to check the best route and travel times. You should also look at local bus and train operators' websites for the most up-to-date information on timetables, routes, and any service updates. Checking your journey in advance will help you feel prepared and ensure you arrive on time for your placement. 

• Can I organise my own placement? 

No. Trainees should not organise placements independently. All placements and school-based experiences must be arranged by the Placement Team, who manage all logistics and administration. In some cases, the Placement Team may contact you to ask whether you have any existing school connections, or they may request that you contact a school, but this will only happen if the team specifically asks you to do so. 

• What if the placement setting withdraws my placement?

If the placement is withdrawn due to the trainee's professionalism or misconduct, the Fitness to Practice procedure will be implemented. If the setting withdraws a placement due to staffing or changes of circumstances, then a new placement will be sourced as early as possible. 

• What is a ITAP (Intensive Training and Practice) placement?

Intensive Training and Practice placements help you learn by combining expert guidance, watching good practice, practising skills and trying things out in the classroom. They focus on key areas such as behaviour management, clear explanations and modelling, adaptive teaching, and assessment. 

• What age phase will I be placed in?

Placement allocations depend on your course requirements and school availability. We always aim to match you with the correct age phase needed for your course. 

• What are my expected placement attendance hours? 

Most schools expect students to arrive by 8.00am and finish between 3.30pm and 4.00pm, depending on the school's timetable, staff meetings, and any additional commitments such as parents' evenings. Your placement school will confirm the exact times. 

• Will work/family commitments outside of University be considered within my placement allocation? 

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider any work/family commitments during our allocation processes. You will be expected to attend your placement for the full day designated by your placement school. 

• I have moved/my travel arrangements have changed, what do I do?

Notify the Placement Team immediately via email (SEPDplacements@hud.ac.uk) so they can update your placement record with this new information. Placements are allocated from this information, and it is very important to keep this up to date. 

• Where can I find the Placement Team?

You can come and see us in the Charles Sykes Building on the University Queensgate Campus, we are based within CS1/06.