ADVERTISEMENT Mark knew that the challenge of taking a school from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ was potentially even more of a challenge, as he explains: “There are no easy wins here and the improvements need to be systemic. Failing to do so can jeopardise future gradings, especially if one or more of the senior team move on.” He soon also realised that although teaching and learning was good at the school, it was pedestrian in many respects and ambitions were not high enough for his liking. Although classroom behaviour was good, he felt that many students were too dependent on their teachers and a new culture of independent learning was required. After his initial belief that a software system would not be needed, he soon began to question that assumption. Although he had been using a software system previously, he had some reservations about its usability and the extent to which it effectively integrated the various aspects of self-evaluation, improvement planning and performance management, including CPD. After seeing the SchooliP system at a SSAT conference, he decided to take a free trial and was immediately impressed by its ease of use and particularly the power of the Performance Management module. Mark recently trained as an Ofsted Inspector so could see the benefits of purchasing the system straight away. Mark and the SLT took the decision to purchase the system a term before it would be rolled out to all staff. They decided to use the ASCL self-evaluation form as they felt it was comprehensive, yet provided enough flexibility.
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The SLT and school governors had already reviewed the faculties’ performance and had been working on a short-term vision for the school, which they had called their ‘colour wheel’. By highlighting just 10 achievable priorities, it was felt that the goals would more likely be achieved. The objectives of the senior and middle leaders were input into the system and all of them found it intuitive and rewarding. The school is now in the process of adding data and objectives for all teachers and lesson observations will be carried out with the new framework, uploaded directly in real time.The school is expecting an Ofsted inspection this year and is relishing the continuing challenge. The system will also be invaluable in providing evidence for the new performance-related pay requirements. Rod Boswell,Vice Principal with responsibility for CPD, said: “Particularly with such a large school, all staff objectives need to fit in with those of the faculty and in turn the whole school and rather than being seen as a chore and a ‘tick box’ exercise, the vision should be shared by all. SchooliP will allow me to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. As a result, the school, should function more like a beehive and less like a wasp’s nest.” You can find out more information by going to the SchooliP website at www.schoolip.co.uk or you can follow them on Twitter @SchooliP.
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