Leading the programme next year

1. Leading the programme next year A discussion paper for Accelerator schools being invited to step up

2. Schools leading the system The Schools White Paper 2010 sets out a commitment to “school-led school improvement replacing top-down initiatives” Challenge the Gap demonstrates that schools can be “more effectively self-improving” The programme: • is school led • centres on schools learning from one another • provides access to evidence on best practice and high-quality materials  Challenge the Gap demonstrates the power and potential of schools leading the system

3. It is already delivering a powerful impact…. “The programme has had some quite extraordinary outcomes …” Olevi evaluator • Progress by last year’s target cohorts in one year* • 2+ sublevels (4 points): 74% English, 72% Maths • 3+ sublevels (6 points): 38% English, 34% Maths • Improvements in attitude 88% and behaviour 88% “… a massive improvement in attendance, behaviour and attitude” “Progress has been amazing across the board… really big improvements” Note: *Data from leaders; validated data from the University of Manchester expected in November

4. … and effective staff development “The programme models leadership of the future” Olevievaluator Leaders: “professional growth and a serious learning curve” Teachers: “I have once again developed enthusiasm about trialling new ideas through reading and sharing” “Great focus on pedagogy…” Para-professionals: “Much more confident and competent” “empowered in my ability to make a positive difference”

5. Next year, all clusters will grow to three Trios Optional slide for new clusters (delete if not relevant) Facilitation School Year 3 Cluster • Facilitation Schools continue to provide cluster leadership and deliver the workshops • They can choose to continue in the role of Lead school as well • Accelerator schools can be invited to step up to become Lead schools • New schools can join the programme as Lead schools • All Lead schools need to • meet the criteria for Lead schools • recruit two Accelerator schools Facilitation School Lead School Year 2 Trio Accelerator school Accelerator school Accelerator school Accelerator school Lead School Accelerator school Accelerator school Lead School New Lead school Accelerator school Accelerator school

6. Our aim is to lead practice in this field and deliver lasting benefits for pupil premium children regionally To do this, we are looking to create a consistent team Facilitation School Lead School Lead School Lead School • A centre of excellence in closing the gap • Deliver an impact for even more children Your school is invited to be one of our Trio Lead schools

7. Benefits of being a Challenge the Gap Trio Lead school • Establish a core competence in closing the gap • Embed and cascade your current programme • Increase your organisational knowledge of what works • Continually improve classroom practice and effective interventions • Professional development for further members of staff • Build a critical mass of staff and stable internal team • Embed a research based approach and common ways of thinking • Deepen relationships with schools in the cluster • Greater professional learning and increased benefits of collaboration • Deliver an impact for even more children A centre of excellence for practice in closing the attainment gap

8. To become a Trio Lead, schools need to demonstrate • Effective delivery: Experience of the programme as an Accelerator or Lead school during which they met the “Programme expectations of schools” • Credibility: Track record of raising the attainment of children in the target cohort and from low income families • Leadership: Commitment to the integrity and advancement of the programme, its structures, tools and principles • Capacity and sustainability: Capacity to commit staff from the current Challenge the Gap team (in-school or workshop) to the programme* • Viability: Ability to secure two Accelerator schools for their Trio * Lead schools will be expected to retain the same leader, but to change the teachers and para-professionals attending workshops. Any staff that are or have been involved in the programme, should be available to support the Trio

9. Next steps • Sign a Memorandum of Understanding • Recruit your Trio • Criteria for Accelerator schools are: • Is closing the gap important to them / part of their core purpose? • Do you want to work with them? Will they make a good partner? • Accelerator schools need to pay the programme fee • This is £4,975 for primary schools and £8,500 for secondary schools • Schools can secure a place by paying a deposit of £1,000 • Supporting materials • Challenge the Gap prospectus, ppt discussion packs • Do you have schools in mind that you would like to work with? Working together we can lead practice in uplifting outcomes for all children

10. AppendixTrio delivery options Possible Trio structures Secondary Trio Cross phase Trio Primary Trio Secondary Secondary Primary Secondary Secondary Primary Primary Primary Primary • Six workshops • Each school • 1 Leader • 3 Teachers • 2 Paraprofessionals • Six workshops • Secondary school • 1 Leader • 2 Teachers • 2 Paraprofessionals • Primary schools • 1 Leader • 1 Teacher • 1 Para-professional • Four workshops • Each school • 1 Leader • 1 Teacher • 1 Para-professional • Four in-school visits by the Lead school Clusters may be a mixture of these different Trios

11. AppendixTrio Lead school team Lead school team Leader • Responsible for ensuring that the Accelerator schools meet the deliverables of the programme (see the Handbook for detail) • Cover for this role is funded if leaders have one year experience of the programme (6 days at £200/day) • Primary Lead schools on the Primary programme are funded to make four half day visits to each of their Accelerator schools (£1,600) Teachers and para-professionals • Can keep the same team or bring in new members • Same team: Opportunity to develop peer to peer working skills e.g. in preparation for SLE designation • New team: Opportunity for in-school trios • New in-school trios are formed, extending the reach of the programme