Advanced Skills Teachers Science Education Doncaster Education City (DEC)In seeking both to raise standards and to improve the quality of learning and personal development of our primary age pupils, schools in Doncaster use a wide range of strategies. A number of these strategies can be effectively supported through the School Improvement Service by a range of advisers, consultants and other professional colleagues.
The common feature that underpins success of the most effective schools is highly skilled, clear and determined leadership. The unswerving leadership provided by the headteacher is central, but success in dynamic schools includes most of the following attributes:
Dispersed Leadership and empowered delegation
Leadership training across the school
A shared focus on outcomes as well as process
An appropriate interrelationship of initiatives
Budget focus on core purpose
Articulation of a clear vision and the practical implications that emerge
Effective and consistent use of change teams and strategies
Understanding the processes of evaluation
A creative approach to problem solving
A considered and agreed approach to work/life balance
Professional learning perceived as fundamental, and where school leaders: "are committed to using it as a key driver for school improvement" (OfSTED Report July 2006, HMI 2369)
The tables attached show a range of strategies and services to assist schools in tackling the continuing challenge of school improvement. It is based on an acceptance that there is no single answer to this quest. The response that is chosen depends on a thorough analysis of each individual school situation and perhaps an ensuing discussion with the school's pyramid link adviser or School Improvement Partner (SIP).
The strategies and approaches set out in the tables are by no means exclusive, but represent a range of structured support that has a proven track record in actively strengthening school change and development. You are invited to make contact with the LA adviser/consultant identified in the tables for an initial discussion and around the scope of the strategy in which you are interested and its relevance in your particular context.
The schools shown in the final column would welcome your enquiries about how they have used the indicated strategy to good effect in their particular circumstances.
