The role of the Quality Development Mentor (QDM) is to support clubs through the Aiming High process. The following information explains more about what they are and how they work.

4Children recommends that all clubs taking on Aiming High seek the services of a Quality Development Mentor. It is not a requirement of the scheme however and clubs with staff experienced and trained in NVQ may find that they need little or no support in producing their portfolio.

Costs relating to the services of a QDM are not dictated by 4Children, but are decided instead between the club and mentor. There is a guideline however that during training, mentors should charge approximately £10 per hour.

A list of QDMs in your area can be obtained by contacting the Aiming Higher co-ordinator at mailto:aiming.higher@4Children.org.uk. Alternatively, many local authorities have staff trained as mentors who will provide their services as part of their usual support network.

Quality Development Mentors are usually Development Officers who are employed by local authorities and actively involved with quality development as part of their role. Mentors can instead be independent trainers with a good grounding in quality standards and practices or suitable playworkers/co-ordinators.


Training to be a Quality Development Mentor

Applications to attend QDM training must be made in advance of any courses being held. Applications will be read by the course trainer, who will decide on the suitability of each candidate to training.

4Children currently carries out Quality Development Mentor training in two different ways:

• Workshops

These are normally two-day training courses. Delegates can be from a variety of local authorities or organisations and the cost of attending is £420 + VAT. This price includes the Aiming Higher resource folder. 

• Bespoke training

On request, a trainer will visit a venue of your choosing and deliver a two-day training course. The cost of this training is £2,000 + VAT for up to 6 participants. Additional participants are charged at £400 + VAT per head.