Expertise

Want to know if we can do something? We try and answer some of the most common ones.

Are you competing with local authorities to provide services to schools?

We are company that works in partnership with local authorities by providing access to the highest quality consultants in ways which are flexible and cost effective. This means that we add value by providing additional high quality support and challenge to the work of local authorities in improving services to children and young people.

I am the Chief Executive of a NHS Primary Care Trust. Would you be able to undertake a research and development programme to increase the understanding and engagement of schools in delivering a health project we have identified as a priority?

Our consultants include senior people from the health sector, education, business and research backgrounds. We are able to combine these practical and theoretical specialists into teams which are able to undertake a wide range of research and development projects on behalf of clients. We take a great deal of pride in working in partnership with organisation to assist them in designing and delivering effective programmes that can achieve the impact on planned outcomes.

I am the Director of Children’s Services. How can you help my service appoint an interim manager to the headship of a school in difficulty?

Our first step would be to clarify and understand the needs of the LA and the school. This will always be through a face–to-face meeting with our Senior Associate who has in-depth experience of recruiting specialist interim headteachers to such posts. Our search would result in the CVs of potential candidates being offered for consideration. Following successful recruitment a Senior Associate will always be allocated to provide additional, specialist mentoring support throughout the contract. At the end of the contract an evaluation of the quality of the work of the interim headteacher will be shared with you.

I am the Head of School Improvement in my LA. How would you set about creating a partnership to deliver the Single Conversation to the special schools in the LA?

We always seek to work with a local authority by developing a relationship based upon trust. This means that we not only seek to work with the officers of the LA but also in partnership with the headteachers of schools. When the LA and its schools’ headteachers have agreed that they are happy to develop a partnership with us we set about ensuring that there is clarity about the kind of service that both partners want.

Have you ever developed a programme of training for governors?

We have recently run a very successful training programme for governors on the role of School Improvement Partners and the Single Conversation. Case studies used by governors enabled them to explore the issues and the feedback was extremely positive.

How is your approach to research and development different?

What makes us different is our philosophy. We believe that all development must make a difference, be practical and be based upon real issues. Our researchers are not just traditional academics, but have extensive practical experience, which they are able to bring to the everyday challenges faced by people and organisations.

What organisations do you work with?

We are acknowledged as one of the top providers of tailored leadership and management education. We work with local authorities, colleges, development agencies, governing body organisations and schools, delivering tailor-made programmes adapted to each organisation’s issues and challenges. Take a look at our case studies for a sample list.

Can you provide evidence about the impact of your service in delivering the School Improvement Partners programme?

Yes. In Newcastle LA the KS 5+ A*-C results have risen faster than any other LA over the last 3 years, and the Fischer Family Trust Contextual Value Added data places Newcastle in the top 1% of LAs. There are no schools in a category of concern in Newcastle. The quality of the work of our School Improvement Partners has contributed to the secondary schools’ success.