September 2012

The know zone

  • Field of dreams
    The DfE's Olympic call for more sport in state schools – coinciding with the relaxing of regulations for school sport accommodation – has left the sport lobby up in arms. Richard Bird examines the potential legal impact... More
  • Say a little prayer...
    The government is ploughing ahead with its plans to reform school funding but what exactly will these changes be and how will they affect schools? Sam Ellis explains the many complexities of these proposals and looks at what they will mean for schools. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Henry Brook Adams, Margaret Meade, Victor Hugo and Donald Quinn More
  • Prince of tides
    Anthony Smith is executive head of Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School (HLHS) on the outskirts of Halifax as well as the Fountain Springs Day Nursery and Maltings College which are based in a Grade II listed former brewery in the town. Next summer, he is swimming the Channel for Cancer Research UK. More
  • Learning Aid
    ProTrainings' first aid course helps students understand the fundamental principles of first aid and gives them the confidence to act in an emergency. More
  • Adding value
    Getting the best from your staff More
  • Reformed views
    Are GCSEs in need of reform or are they fit for purpose? The government is planning major reform to GCSEs that could lead to a return to O level-style qualifications and could give a single exam board responsibility for each subject. Here, leaders share their own views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    Advice on Ofsted and Portable CRB checks? More
  • Grade inflation not just hot air
    ASCL's last Council meeting, on 21-22 June, took place well before GCSE results day. However, concerns about the future of exams and accusations of grade inflation were already high on the agenda. More
  • Weather the storm
    This year's English GCSE grading fiasco signals the beginning of a tempest of reform to curriculum and assessment. Brian Lightman sets out what is known so far – and more importantly what is not. More
  • Mr Gove
    The talk in Westminster has been of a re-shuffle and the name Gove has been much to the fore. So what might he do next? Peter Campling explores the possibilities. More
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Adding value

Getting the best from your staff

With a need to focus on value for money, ensuring a maximum return on your biggest investment – your staff – is central to achieving a successful grade in leadership and management in any school.

At BlueSky we have been working with schools for ten years on this agenda. We have developed as a result of listening to the needs of our schools. We know that 'typicality' is a key piece of evidence that schools need to share with Ofsted to show how well they understand their staff.

Our new School Self Evaluation Module enables you to draw together the existing elements of performance management, continuing professional development (CPD), and lesson observations as well as the new elements of work scrutiny, learning walks, and other self-evaluation evidence to provide the strategic management information you need to really show that you understand staff performance.

To find out more about how BlueSky can help you and to have an online demonstration call 01483 880004, email: support@blueskyeducation.co.uk or visit www.blueskyeducation.co.uk

  • BlueSky is an ASCL preferred supplier. Mention your membership of ASCL and your school will qualify for a 10 per cent discount.

One of the benefits of ASCL membership is discounts and special rates on a range of personal and educational products and services. There are healthcare products, online staff well-being systems, financial advice and self-evaluation surveys. Check out the full list at www.ascl.org.uk

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