Outline of Requirements

Context

• Devon County Council is seeking to identify appropriately qualified and experienced alternative providers of school improvement services able to work throughout Devon to meet the needs of schools and other settings. The service should be focussed on improving teaching and learning within Devon schools in the context of Every Child Matters in order that all young people are able to enjoy and achieve.

Staffing and Organisation

• School improvement professionals able to demonstrate appropriate and up to date knowledge, experience and expertise in school improvement, demonstrated through individual CVs and organisational track record. Staff profile:
  • Experience as headteacher, consultant, senior school leader or through appropriate LA work
  • Ability to work with senior staff and practitioners
  • Able to comply with current national standards and guidance for school improvement professionals (NSSIPS)
• Comprehensive curriculum coverage, incorporating all national curriculum core and foundation subjects plus Religious Education.
• Able to complement the work of:
  • Standards Funded national strategy consultants managed through Devon CYPS
  • School Improvement Partners managed through Devon CYPS
  • Devon’s Raising Achievement Plan
  • Schools causing concern processes
• Able to meet the professional development needs of the whole school workforce including teaching assistants, support staff, teachers, including NQTs, SENCOs, middle managers and senior leaders.
• Able to meet the school improvement needs of all Devon schools, settings and educational establishments: primary schools including the Foundation Stage, secondary schools, maintained nurseries, special schools and PRUs, including those in challenging circumstances and those causing concern.
• Support to schools and other settings to include:
  • Curriculum planning
  • Self evaluation
  • Appointments and induction, including headship appointment and induction
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • Specialist subject advice and support
  • Performance data and analysis
  • Inspection preparation and follow up
  • Work with Governing Bodies
• Transparent charging policy
• Charges based on whole day, half-day and part-day
• Uniform charging policy across all schools, settings and other educational establishments
• Available throughout the school year

Quality Assurance

• Praise and complaints policy and procedures
• Appropriate evaluation strategies for engagement with schools and settings
• Performance management arrangements for all staff
• SIP Accredited Primary (as accreditation process is completed) and Secondary Advisers / Consultants
• Compliance with current national standards and guidance for school improvement professionals (NSSIPS)
• Impact analysis for school improvement work
• Financially secure
• CRB checked staff
• Customer care standards
• Health, safety and well being policy
• Equal opportunities policy

Additional criteria

• Value for money
• Organisational accreditation through recognised national standards e.g. Charter Mark, IIP or ISO 9000.
• Information accessible to potential clients through website and other forms of communication
• Freedom of access by the LA to data arising from the delivery of associated programmes of work