School Improvement Offer

Member schools, in return for an annual subscription fee, have access to a core offer of high-quality school improvement support designed in consultation with Headteachers.

Our Core Offer

Challenge and Support

THE Partnership offers challenge and support to all schools, regardless of where they are in their improvement journey. For each school this includes:

• A desktop analysis and review of a school’s data
• A comprehensive school risk assessment
• A Leadership Consultant for 1.5 days per year (one half-day visit per term)
• An Executive Coach for Headteachers – 3 x 1.5hr sessions between September 2020 – March 2021
• Regular Keep in Touch (KiT) bulletins
• An online professional learning offer including Think Tanks; virtual coffee mornings; collaborative round table events and online learning directory

Data Analysis in 2020-21

We understand the importance of robust and accurate data analysis to support you in identifying school improvement priorities for the coming year. THE Partnership will provide member schools with:

• Data headlines for all secondary (by the end of August) member schools to include:
  • An executive summary
  • Interactive packs that support collaboration and school improvement

Peer Review 2020-21

We believe that schools thrive when they learn from and with each other in a spirit of trust and collaboration. Peer review is the cornerstone of effective collaboration and is complementary to other components of the core service offer:

• All member schools are strongly encouraged to play an active role in a Peer Review process
• It is based on THE Partnership model that was developed with, and for, schools
• THE Partnership will continue to support schools through administration and quality assurance, but with the aim of achieving a fully school-led improvement model

Given the challenges of lockdown in Spring/Summer 2020 many schools were unable to complete their peer review rotation. We remain committed to embedding and developing a robust peer review model in Tower Hamlets and we will meet with the Peer Review Steering Group in September 2020 with a view to relaunching the programme in January 2021. More information to follow.

Executive Coaching

At THEP we believe in the transformational impact of coaching. Given the significant challenges and pressures that Headteachers have been under in 2020, we will be providing the following support as part of our core offer in 2020-21:

• All Headteachers will be allocated a Leadership Coach. This entitlement is to 3 x 1.5hr coaching sessions in the next academic year (September 2020 – February 2021), conducted online or face to face
• New Headteachers or those in their second year of headship in Tower Hamlets will be entitled to an additional 3 x 1.5hr of leadership coaching in the 2020-21 academic year, conducted online or face to face

Networks

We can leverage the support of our wider network to share good practice, build expertise and keep up to date with the latest developments in curriculum areas.  Leadership networks provide the space for colleagues to challenge and support each other.  All network meetings provide excellent CPD and information sharing opportunities and attendance is FREE for member schools (the fee for non-member schools is £110 per meeting).

More information can be found on our Networks page.

• All phases covered: EYFSCo, primary and secondary
• Current primary networks: English, Maths, Science, MFL, RE
• Current secondary networks: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, MFL
• Current cross-phase networks: Humanities
• Leadership networks: Post-16 Forum, Primary Deputy Headteachers & Assistant Headteachers, Secondary Deputy Headteacher, Executive Heads Forum, Heads of School Forum, Professional Learning Network

Knowledge Exchange

We are committed to promoting collaboration and joint practice development between schools especially where they may be working on similar projects or tackling common challenges. As a result of our Covid-19 response we are currently collating case studies from each of our schools to capture the learning from lockdown. Going forward, we will work with Headteachers of member schools to produce a Knowledge Exchange Directory which will aim to capture the areas of strength and help to connect schools with each other.

Ofsted Inspection Support

We continue to provide bespoke support to our schools, sharing our extensive knowledge and experience of how the education inspection framework is being applied in practice. Our support includes:

• Ofsted Briefings and support, particularly for those schools anticipating an inspection
• Support for schools notified of inspection including:
  • Initial telephone support when the inspection is announced
  • Meeting with the Lead Inspector
  • Attendance at the feedback meeting

In light of Covid-19, we have also designed and delivered a support package for schools who may be subject to an Ofsted visit during the suspension of routine inspections.

Governor Development

In addition to delivering a workshop at the annual Governors’ Conference, we work closely with Tower Hamlets Governor Services to offer professional learning for Governors. In 2019-20 this was focused on the theme of ‘Asking the Right Questions’. As a result of the excellent feedback we received, we will offer a similar programme in 2020-21. The programme is offered FREE to member schools.

Brokering School-to-School Support

We believe that a school-led system is the best way to improve outcomes for all young people in Tower Hamlets. We continue to use our knowledge of our member schools to broker school-to-school support, providing schools with a partner school that best meets their needs.

Telephone Support, Advice and Guidance

We understand the importance of being able to pick up the phone and seek advice on a range of issues. Our team will provide the support, advice and guidance you require or will signpost you to the right agencies or people to help support and guide you if they believe that is in your best interests.

Integrated Early Years’ Service Offer

For member schools with early years’ provision, we will provide:

• EYFSP moderation in 25% of schools and childcare settings
• One day’s free consultancy following an inspection, if required
• EYFSCo briefings to provide national policy updates, research information and the opportunity to hear about and share exciting early years innovations
• IEYS advice for schools wishing to admit eligible 2 year olds

Additional Service Offer

Primary Bronze Support Package

The Bronze package is only available to member schools and entitles you to:

• 4 days of tailored/bespoke school improvement support
• Access to Primary Education and Partnerships Team materials to support assessment, teaching and learning
• SATs information, updates and preparation for Year 2 and 6
• Moderation advice for all year groups
• Access to reduced NQT training costs

Primary Silver Support Package

The Silver package is only available to member schools and entitles you to:

• 10 days of tailored/bespoke school improvement support
• Access to Primary Education and Partnerships Team materials to support assessment and teaching and learning
• SATs information, updates and preparation for Year 2 and 6
• Moderation advice for all year groups
• Access to reduced NQT training costs

Primary Gold Support Package

The Gold package is only available to member schools and entitles you to:

• 20 days of tailored/bespoke school improvement support
• Access to Primary Education and Partnerships Team materials to support assessment and teaching and learning
• SATs information, updates and preparation for Year 2 and 6
• Moderation advice for all year groups
• Access to reduced NQT training costs

Nursery Support Package

This package is only available to member schools and entitles you to:

• 4 days of tailored/bespoke school improvement support
• Access to Primary Education and Partnerships Team materials to support assessment, and teaching and learning
• Telephone support, advice, guidance and signposting

Chartered College of Teaching (CCT)

We have negotiated for all teaching staff in our member schools to receive a 20% discount in the annual CCT membership fee. Details of how to access this benefit will be provided to member schools.

Additional Leadership Consultant Visits

Member schools are provided with the services of a Leadership Consultant but can purchase additional Leadership Consultant support to address specific issues identified by you such as Ofsted readiness, mentoring, coaching, data evaluation or support with recruitment of key posts.

Focussed School/Subject/Themed Reviews

These reviews are bespoke and driven by specific needs identified by the school. Examples may be an area of the Ofsted framework where you would benefit from external validation or a theme identified through your own self-evaluation, recent feedback or data. The review will include verbal feedback and a written summary including agreed actions for further improvement.