Partner Advisers
For some time, an "Associate Programme" has existed in Lincolnshire. This enables the School Improvement Service to work in partnership with those outside the service with expertise and acknowledged reputations in their recognised field.
We have always been keen to work collaboratively with colleagues to help deliver such high-quality services. We believe though that the process could be even more effective and allow colleagues based in schools to contribute to school improvement in Lincolnshire whilst also extending their own experiences. We are thus planning to establish a team of Partner Advisers.
Many senior managers and teachers are already involved in school improvement activity beyond their own school such as through the consultant headteacher or the advanced skills teacher programme. We are convinced, however, that there are a large number of colleagues who have expertise and who may want to enrich their jobs through short or longer-term activity with the School Improvement Service.
Such activity could be very varied. For example, there may be a wish to become involved with:
filling a vacancy in a school through a secondment and, in particular,
- as an acting headteacher;
- mentoring or coaching;
- helping run a training event;
- consultancy;
- subject-based support;
- facilitating or helping run a network or group;
- serving on a task or working group.
We want the system to be flexible enough so as to adapt to individuals wishes and capacity. It could mean at one end of the spectrum involvement with the School Improvement Service for a one-off event such as one meeting or running one course and at the other end a long-term acting role in the school.
Enclosed with this letter are three copies of a booklet outlining the scheme providing details including how to apply, training, quality assurance and remuneration. You might wish to give a copy to anyone who might be interested or suitable. I should be pleased to send further copies if required.
The aim is to match colleagues to activities through the use of this database and not to look for consultancy outside the "Partner Advisers" unless the service cannot be delivered effectively from those on the list. Obviously a fixed amount of work cannot be guaranteed. We would, of course, recompense schools for the involvement of Partner Advisers. In most cases, for specific, activities we would cover the supply costs plus some extra for the inconvenience to the school. The current rate is £220 per day. However, there is some flexibility and rates are likely to be higher for taking on acting headships and other senior roles.
We have long been convinced that partnership between schools and the School Improvement Service has proved tremendously effective and beneficial. Hopefully, this development will enable an even-more productive relationship to develop.
(To submit items for this Newsflash contact:
Hazel Chesworth, Senior Support Officer, CfBT, The Vicarage, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YQ telephone: 01522 552829)
