Leading Aspect Award News

NCSL & THE LEADING ASPECT AWARD

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:36:29 UTC

“Helen Miles from the Agency recently met with NCSL to look at how the agency could work more closely with NCSL. Look out for information to National and Local leaders in Education in their forthcoming news”

'How can you use leading practice to support improvements in education?'

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:53:22 UTC

The purpose of the case study is to give a snapshot which helps you as the reader to:
- Navigate easily through the leading practice example
- Gain ideas which might challenge you in developing your own practice
- Provide a start point to entice you to want to read on, find out more or even contact the provider
- Make simple judgements about where your own practice might be

For Example
The Headteacher of a school used a case study as a start point with two members of the schools leadership team asked to develop a whole school response to an aspect requiring further development from the school’s recent Ofsted. They found ‘Why is this leading practice’ statement particularly helpful as a start point for comparing their own school’s practice and encouraging and engaging subject leaders to contribute to the next stages Of development in their own school.

The Governing Body of a school used a Parental Engagement case study to challenge their own practice and as a starting point for part of an evaluation being undertaken by a small group of governors and a member of staff from the school leadership team. They found the key strategies section particularly helpful in raising some questions for the review and when they contacted the provider were able to get a copy of the questions the provider had used as a part of their own evaluation.

Herons Moor is a good example that leaves you wanting to find out more (Working in Partnership to achieve outstanding inclusive practice).

Calling Local Authorities!

Fri, 21 May 2010 11:51:49 UTC

Are you a Local Authority who is using the Leading Aspect Award to support your schools and as a vehicle to share practice and for further improvement? The Agency can provide you with support in briefings and the application process.

If this is something that you are interested in then please contact the Agency.

0121 464 1237 or email kate_taylor@leadingaspectaward.org.uk

Good Schools to Great or Outstanding

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:23:12 UTC

Stop press. As a Local Authority how are you supporting your schools and settings in school improvement? Walsall, Worcestershire, Birmingham and Oxfordshire have committed to part fund applications in advance for schools in their areas as part of their strategies for moving schools from good schools to great or outstanding.

The Leading Aspect Award

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:44:11 UTC

From the Verifier Training held 26 /27 April 2010

Learn together
Enjoy exploring your strengths
Access opportunities for team work
Determine ways to improve
Inform all stakeholders
New initiatives and projects
Give attention

                                                                    Ask your own questions
                                                                    State your existing good practice
                                                                    Provide a range of evidence
                                                                    Engage in reflection
                                                                   Celebrate your journey
                                                                   Tell your community about your success

'Good to Great' and Professor Tim Brighouse

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:49:53 UTC

Tim Brighouse recently spoke at Oxfordshire Headteacher’s Conference in Stratford upon Avon and advocated the Leading Aspect Award as a way to recognise and celebrate success in our schools.

Oxfordshire Raising Achievement Service has agreed to part fund the first 15 applications that comes through as part of their ‘Good to Great’ Strategy.

The Children's University and the Leading Aspect Award

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:28:50 UTC

The Children's University(tm) (CU) aims to promote social mobility by providing high quality out-of- school-hours activities to children aged 7-14. At the heart of its work is the ambition to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning, so that young people can make the most of their abilities and interests, regardless of the
background into which they were born. The CU aims particularly to reach children and young people facing socio-economic disadvantage through the targeting of grants to, and the promotion of activities in, areas of deprivation. It is here, we believe, that the benefits of high quality provision will be felt most.

An important principle of the Children's University(tm) is that participation is voluntary. It is intentionally something other than school - with a different feel, different activities and often a different location, staff and peer group. So the ultimate testament to the effectiveness of CU is that young people give up their time to attend. The significant increase in numbers over the past year shows they do indeed attend, and the comments and recommendations of parents,
teachers and the children themselves show they are engaged and inspired too. http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/

TRAINING FOR VERIFIERS - Adults and Young People

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:58:40 UTC

Training to become a verifier takes place on 26th / 27th April 2010. It is a 2 day course at a Walton Hall Hotel in Warwickshire.

All details plus application are to be found on the Verifier Page on this website.

Are you in the process of applying?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:59:21 UTC

Please submit your application via the website. We can complete the process, if required, within 6 - 8 weeks.

Management Board Opportunity

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:45:41 UTC

The Management Board is looking to refresh its membership. We would like direct involvement from at least three Local Authorities. The commitment would be to attend approximately four meetings per year, currently held in the West Midlands. Travel expenses are paid. This is an opportunity for you to to contribute directly to the developments of the Agency.

The photograph alongside shows the lead officers representing Sue Trotman, Sandwell and Steve Jones, Worcester who are at present on the Management Board.

Please send an expression of interest to Kate Taylor. Email: kate.taylor@leadingaspectaward.org.uk