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Solving problems and staying sane. Two teaching schools working in partnership. Brief history. In 2011 approached by colleague in Training School to see if we would consider becoming a Teaching school Initially had three of us around the table
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Solving problems and staying sane Two teaching schools working in partnership
Brief history • In 2011 approached by colleague in Training School to see if we would consider becoming a Teaching school • Initially had three of us around the table • Was asked by the LA to open it up to all outstanding schools • First application failed but we were given a green light in all areas • Second application succeeded in February 2012 • One Teaching Schools Alliance – two Teaching Schools • Always have more than one TS in your Alliance – just in case!
Funding • You only get one set of funding per Alliance, even if you have two or more TS in your Alliance • Decide beforehand how you will allocate the core funding (£60K, £50k, £40k and £40k) • We have allocated the core to back office support (Administrator £25k) and other core costs such as facility hire and website design. • We appointed a Director of the TS and two other colleagues working on specific projects – Primary Schools Direct and School to School support. • The time allocated by the Headteachers is significant and is not economically viable. • Be prepared for a great deal of unpaid work by the school leader to make the project work
The great divide • The world of primary and secondary education can seem a million miles apart • Very few of us have knowledge of post-16 provision and the 14-19 agenda and, at the same time, understand early year provision and phonics • We still specialise in our different age ranges and our work, in virtually all projects, is still age specific • This may change • Some primary and secondary colleagues are offering fantastic courses to skill Headteachers/Principals in the age range they are not familiar with
Structure 1a Manor Robert Wilkinson Executive Board 8 members 6 meetings per year Some executive board members were asking what is in it for them! What can you give others is a truer reflection of what we are about. Find committed, visionary, executive board members Everyone had an opinion. Very few wanted to do any work! Sub-committees became a talking shop. Strategic Partners 20 members 4 sub-committees
Structure 2a Teaching School Company Executive Board members have to sign Alliance Agreement Executive Board Up to 8 members 8 shorter meetings per year Partners are those doing things with us and need to sign a MoU WG 1 WG2 WG3 WG4 Working Groups meet when necessary and report to EB – doing stuff and not just talking
Commitment levels Strategic Partners(high level) Member of Executive Board; Provide high levels of provision for S2S support (NLE/LLE/SLE); Support recruitment processes (e.g., SLEs/School Direct); Host School Direct trainees; Host apprenticeship opportunities and provide mentor support for Aspiring Leaders; Lead workshops; Speak at conferences; Exchange best practice; Provide practical support (e.g., conference/meeting venues); As a minimum, attend initial development conferences and updates; Keep abreast of ETSA activity via our website. Teaching School Partners(medium level) Host School Direct trainees; Host apprenticeship opportunities and provide mentor support for Aspiring Leaders; Lead workshops; Speak at conferences; Exchange best practice; Provide practical support (e.g., conference/meeting venues); As a minimum, attend initial development conferences and updates; Keep abreast of ETSA activity via our website. Friends of the Alliance (associate level) Keep abreast of ETSA activity via our website.
What is the stuff we are doing? • ITT • Schools Direct first cohort:10 Secondary14 Primary • Working with York St John University • 50:50 funding • Developing Leaders • EAL programme • Doulos – Aspiring Leaders in Church Schools • School to School Support • Recruited 25 SLEs • Wide range of NLEs, LLEs and NLGs Underpinned by R&D
Overcoming difficulties? • ITT • Not enough secondary Maths or Science • Funding still very tight even with £33k • Buy in from local schools • Developing Leaders • How to recruit the right types of emerging leaders • Leadership in church schools • Sustainable models • School to School Support • NO work for SLEs at the present time • Reduced funding • Underpinned by R&D • What really makes a difference?
Tips for surviving • ITT • Recruit more than 25 students • Becomes financially sustainable the larger the cohort • Developing Leaders • Get buy in from diocese, however don’t let them design the courses • You are expert school leaders • School to School Support • Get commitment from partners and LAs to use your services • Don’t build your financial model on S2S • Underpinned by R&D • Find a HE partner with a credible record for R&D