SIPS Education Brochure

High quality education services and training, totally tailored to you

All this, just for me?

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Faced with increasing pressure on resources and the challenge of ever changing legislation, more and more schools and educational establishments are turning to the Sandwell Inspired Partnership for additional help, support, training and guidance.

Founded in 2012, we are

an organisation with one

over-riding focus: to improve

outcomes for children and

young people through the

provision of high quality

school support and school

improvement services.

To do so, we have pulled together a

large team of teaching practitioners,

educational professionals and support

staff who are fully committed to sharing

their expertise and best practice

experience. Combined, this represents

a huge body of knowledge covering

all schools, all ages and all disciplines,

both in the classroom and in support

areas such as IT and governance.

We can deliver these as stand-alone

services, or in combination, and either

wholly, or in close partnership with your

colleagues in school. Look on us as an

extension of your teaching staff, and as

an organisation that shares your passion

for teaching and for giving young people

a rewarding learning experience.

In all our work, we strive to deliver

quality and exceed expectations. In all

our services, we aim for versatility and

responsiveness. In all our relationships,

we look to act responsibly and with

integrity. In all our thinking, we aim

for innovation and relevance. A mutual

organisation, we are customer focused

and future facing. We offer you a quality,

sustainable service for your school,

for your staff, and most of all –

for your pupils.

Tracy Pearce – Chief Executive

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Contents

Teaching & Learning (Primary & Secondary) 4

Schools Workforce/Training & Development 6

Broadband Sandwell (ICT & Broadband Services) 8

Schools Management Information Systems (SMIS) 10

Education Business Partnership 12

Governor Services 14

Sandwell Music & Arts Service 16

Schools Library Service 18

Catering Service 20

Health & Safety Support 22

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Teaching & Learning – Primary Satisfactory to good, and good to outstanding

The first steps in education

are vital and we are able to

support your team every

step of the way.

Delivered by an experienced team of

teachers and professionals, our service

covers a full spectrum of needs, from

joint monitoring with subject leaders

through to moderation and provision

for more able students. In all cases,

our focus is on taking satisfactory to

good, and good to outstanding. We do

this by developing expertise, raising

standards and improving the learning

experience for both teachers and pupils.

With significant resources and expertise

at our disposal – including particular

subject expertise in English, Maths,

History, Geography and in Modern

Foreign Languages experience sessions

– we are able to tailor our services to

meet your exact needs.

Our services embrace:

Subject leader support

Here, our experienced teachers work

alongside subject leaders to help raise

standards. We do this by monitoring

provision, identifying gaps and offering

advice and support on strategies and

next steps. Our methodology includes:

• Observations

• Evidence scrutinies

• Learning walks

• Moderation and data analysis

• Assistance with writing improvement

action plans and policies

Generic teaching and

learning support

As well as supporting subject leaders

in driving strategies, we are able to

offer a broad range of services to

improve teaching. These cover both

the development of teaching skills,

as well as the provision of services

for pupils. These services include:

• Success criteria

• Effective feedback on learning

• Learning intentions and objectives

• Learning journeys

• Coaching and modelling

teaching and learning

• Subject leadership

• Developing the learning environment

• Effective use of differentiation

• Effective questioning

• Moderation

• Provision for the more able

• Individual year group action plans

based on the analysis of data

• Provision for EAL learners

• Pupil voice

Brilliant... It’s like having a whole school with amazing teachers all to myself

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Teaching & Learning – Secondary First-hand knowledge and a real understanding of your needs

Our strong and award-winning

secondary team brings you a

wealth of experience in various

roles – from a ‘Teacher Of

The Year’ nominee, through

to Heads of Departments

and Advanced Skills Teachers.

We believe that to be effective, our

consultants need recent and relevant

classroom experience, so their advice

comes from first-hand knowledge and

real understanding. Whether you need

individual support for your teachers

or your pupils, we can create a truly

bespoke package that includes both

teaching and training (inside and outside

school, including our popular twilight

sessions). The following activities give

you an idea of the scale and scope of

our involvement.

Teacher support

We can help you develop a specific area,

support an individual in their first year

of teaching, or enhance the repertoire

of a larger group. Our services cover:

• Advice and guidance at all levels,

from NQT and Graduate Teachers

through to middle leaders and

Teach First practitioners

• Monitoring and evaluation, using

Learning walks, paper trails and audits

• Teaching improvement, through

team teaching, planning and review

• Needs’ audits, for middle leaders,

departments or whole school

initiatives, including literacy

and numeracy

• Intensive training days covering

everything from Assessment for

Learning and Gifted and Talented,

through to Phonics and Primary

School Transition

• Whole staff/departmental training,

including pace, rigour and coaching

• Supporting teachers with

intervention strategies

• Pupil voice

Pupil support

• Teaching, for small-groups or whole

class, inside or outside the school day

• Special events days, including the

hugely popular Reach For The Stars,

GCSE A* Maths, A Level Maths,

A Level/GCSE Geography, Ebacc,

Mechanics, English and History Days

• Sixth form programs, including

TOPPS and personal statements

• Oxbridge presentation to

help prepare high achievers

• Inspiration events such

as the Olympiad

Our expertise covers the full spectrum

of services, and we are able to tailor

our work to meet specific and individual

needs which might not be covered

here. We would be delighted to explore

opportunities with you.

Please call 0121 296 3000 for an informal discussion

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Schools Workforce Development Partnership and a close understanding of your needs

The supply and support of

a well-trained and motivated

workforce is vital for all schools,

and our focus here is on

working closely with you

to ensure it is delivered.

Embracing recruitment and retention,

in service training and development as

well as broader workforce modernisation

and deployment, our services can

support all areas of professional growth.

Partnership and a close understanding

of your needs are key to our philosophy,

and we are committed to building a high

quality, bespoke service around you.

Appropriate Body for

NQT Statutory Induction

Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT)

are the lifeblood of the profession,

and we are committed to supporting

their development through induction,

appraisal and career progression.

Secondary NQT Provision

Option 1 – A handbook for both teacher

and tutor, as well as a newsletter and

regular email updates on developments

and initiatives.

Option 2 – As above, but also a bespoke

induction training session in your

school, plus an annual development

meeting with our Induction Co-ordinator.

Option 3 – As Option 2, but also

includes an ‘end of induction’ session.

For academies the services delivered

will be negotiated through service

level agreements.

A range of training packages are

also available on a bespoke basis

for all schools.

Primary NQT – Training

& Development Package

This comprehensive and well-resourced

package includes induction and

an induction handbook, teachers’

network sessions, joint action planning

workshops and a drop-in surgery,

as well as specialist training in areas

such as child protection and challenging

behaviour, inclusion and SEN. Working

throughout the year, it is designed to

support NQTs at every step of their

development.

Newly Qualified Teachers

Induction – Quality Mark

We award this to schools which

demonstrate an outstanding

commitment to NQT induction.

If you meet the assessment

requirements, you will be able to

use the logo mark for three years –

an invaluable tool for recruitment.

We are able to help you prepare

and plan for the assessment.

Governor Training

Using our significant experience

and expertise, we have developed

a comprehensive governor training

package that allows governors to

take advantage of the training and

development they require in order

to fulfil their statutory duty.

Bespoke training is also available for

whole governing bodies on request.

Bespoke Training

Calling on our breadth of knowledge

and expertise in workforce development,

we are able to offer a comprehensive

range of training programmes for all

schools. These include, but are not

limited to: performance management,

teacher standards, succession planning,

leadership development, well-being

and CPD.





here. We would be delighted to

explore opportunities with you.

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Greater understanding... In 2012-13 we are supporting over 230 NQTs and their tutors to successfully complete induction

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Broadband Sandwell ICT and broadband services for education

ICT plays a vital role in learning,

and is essential in every aspect

of education. Our professional

team of IT support staff will

help ensure you harness its full

potential, reliably and safely.

Our team consists of experienced and

accredited staff with teaching and ICT

backgrounds, our technical specialists

are trained and certified to support

your Microsoft, Apple, RM and wireless

systems. We have the skills and expertise

to help you provide a safe and proactive

learning environment for children, young

people and your staff.

Broadband & Internet Support

We can provide end-to-end fibre-optic

connection giving you reliable and future

proof connectivity, while also meeting

standards set by the government for

entitlement for learners. Our services

include support with:

• Web filtering

• e-mail services including anti-spam

• Videoconferencing and

video streaming

• National Education

Network Services

Technical Support

A comprehensive technical support

service is offered allowing your

organisation to enjoy peace of mind.

We can help you with:

• Back-ups, anti-virus and

network security

• System maintenance including

updates and security patches

• Monitoring your systems

for optimal performance

• Advice and guidance on the

latest technologies including

hardware and software

Other Support Services

• Data and wireless network design

• Procurement and sale of

IT equipment and consumables

• Repairs and maintenance

via our dedicated workshop

• Hire of computer suite with 15

workstations and Internet access

Curriculum Support

We are able to help you maximise

learning promoting best curriculum

practices including:

• Digital literacy

• Advice on all aspects of the

use and application of ICT

• Creative pupil projects,

in school or centre-based

• Support and advice

for individual needs

• Video or photography projects

E-Safety Advice, Support & Training

With accredited CEOP and 360°

safe personnel, we have proven

expertise in safeguarding young

people when using the Internet

and new technologies and can help

you meet OFSTED requirements.

Website Design & Management

We can guide you through web design

to help you to create a personalised

website from initial scope to on-going

support. Support can include uploading

web pages, database integration or

adding extra functionality such as Flash.

Multimedia Creation Support

Our training and consultancy services

can help you with the design and

development of tailored audio,

video and photographic content

for presentation on DVD or web.

Training Courses

We are able to offer training in Microsoft

Office Suite and curriculum software.







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A wealth of knowledge... Providing all forms of technical and curriculum ICT support for schools since 1981


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Schools Management Information Systems Strong credentials and a proven track-record

Accurate information

management is critical

to school efficiency and

effectiveness and can

help drive performance

improvements in all areas –

not least in the classroom.

Accredited by Capita, we are firm

champions of MIS and our expertise is

highly regarded in our field. Right now

we are involved with key projects in all

types of schools and academies across

eight local authorities, so we are able

to call on strong credentials and a

proven track-record.

Our focus is based on Capita SIMS

software, supplemented by applications

from other providers. We are constantly

evolving our support in line with ever

changing requirements, so you can

be sure of relevant and up-to-date

expertise, whatever your needs.

Our aim is to deliver a complete

management solution which helps

schools and academies realise the

full benefits of a powerful MIS system.

We can help you use this to drive

efficiencies and improvements in a

number of priority areas, including:

• Raising standards of

underachieving pupils and groups

• Tracking pupil progress

• Financial management

• Remote data access

• Supporting statutory

requirements

• Using ICT to support

teaching and learning

• Improving pupil attendance

and behaviour

• Rewarding attainment

and achievement

• Curriculum management

• Analysing data

• Consultancy

Dedicated support

Our service is enhanced by a dedicated

SMIS helpdesk offering support by

telephone, email or remote access.

We understand the importance of

face-to-face contact, so all site visits

are included as standard in our Service

Level Agreement (SLA). We also have an

urgent priority response to critical cases

such as complete MIS failure, security

breaches or where penalties may arise.

Remote access

We are able to diagnose problems,

undertake routine housekeeping,

fix data issues and generate reports,

all remotely for speed and convenience.

Training

To help you get the most from your

system, as part of your SLA we offer

a range of specialised courses in our

fully equipped training facility. We also

provide a variety of on-site training

options designed to meet your needs,

either individually or as part of a group.

Our accredited expertise covers the

full spectrum of services and we are

able to tailor our work to meet specific

needs. We would be delighted to


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Appreciating the power of your data... A personal approach to MIS support

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Education Business Partnership Investing in tomorrow’s workforce today

Today’s pupils become

tomorrow’s workforce –

and it is vital to prepare

them thoroughly.

That is why we are so

committed to Work

Related Learning.

Learning in the work place broadens

pupils’ awareness, gives them invaluable

insights, and helps them prepare for

making a positive contribution in their

future careers. Work related learning

uses the context of work to develop skills

and understanding that will be useful

in work, including learning through the

experience of work, learning about work

and working practices and learning

the skills for work. We are aware of

this important link and The Education

Business Partnership exists to benefit

children by bringing school and the

working world closer together.

We have two dedicated teams

focusing on this work.

Work Based Learning

Team – KS4 & KS5

This supports all schools – including

academies, Pupil Referral Units

and special schools with their work

experience and off-site vocational

learning activities, including:

• Off-site learning for vocational subjects

that are not delivered in school

• An alternative ‘away from school’

curriculum for those who find

school challenging

We have a comprehensive directory of

approved off-site learning providers, and

take responsibility for the health, safety

and well-being of all pupils on work-

based learning activities.

Work Related Learning Team –

Primary and Secondary Schools

Here we aim to empower and inspire

young people through a range of high

quality, high impact programmes and

challenges – including workshops and

events – which encourage them to learn

and develop skills for learning, skills for

life, and skills for work.

Reading Volunteer Programme

– Primary Schools

Our trained reading volunteers

help support primary school strategies

to increase literacy and advance learners

beyond their chronological reading age.







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Learning in partnership... Last year we helped 10,000 pupils take part in work related learning with local businesses

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High quality governance is

critical, but we understand the

pressures this can place on

resources and time.

Delivered by an experienced and

professional team we are able to work

with schools and learning settings on an

individual basis in order to promote and

secure high quality governance.

Clerking Service

Our team of accredited clerks can work

with you to manage the business of

the governing body by delivering a

personalised and highly professional

service covering:

• Organisation and co-ordination

of meetings

• Offering advice and support

• Producing timely and

accurate minutes

• Follow up actions

• Fulfil the role of company secretary

Meetings can be planned for the

academic year in advance and the

service tailored to meet the frequency

and complexity of support required.

In addition we are able to accommodate

ad-hoc and additional meetings such as:

• Pupil and staff discipline

• Appeals

• Extraordinary meetings

Advice & Support

With a proven track record of working

with governors we are able to offer high

quality advice, guidance and support on

a range of issues to include:

• Compliance with the latest legislation

• Procedural advice

• Discipline and complaints processes

• Models of governance and

reconstitution

• Governing Body ‘Best Practice’







Governor Services Professional services to support school governance

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Smarter governance... Because organisation is the key to effective working

Governor Services Professional services to support school governance


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Sandwell Music & Arts Service Harnessing the power of creativity and expression

We have been inspiring

self-expression and personal

growth through music and

arts for over 50 years.

We are committed to

supporting schools in these

disciplines, as well as to

integrating creative approaches

within the wider curriculum

wherever we can.

Working to the highest professional

standards, our specialist music, dance,

drama and art staff offer a range of

activities, tuition and support, from

preschool through all key stages –

and to both pupils and staff.

School Music Tuition

Here, our focus is on close support

and continuous monitoring to provide

an enriching experience. Music staff

appointed to schools undertake to

provide a minimum of 30 weeks

instrumental tuition, and a minimum

of 35 weeks curriculum support each

year. In all cases, we create detailed

programmes of work which:

• Identify gifted and talented pupils

• Prepare pupils for examinations,

where appropriate

• Ensure access to centrally

organised ensembles and

other collaborative activities

• Arrange and/or support

ensembles and performances

• Provide external platform

opportunities for children with

visual or hearing impairments

Arts Packages

Working one-to-one or with larger

groups, we look to create tailor-made

packages which enable children

to express themselves and learn

effectively in a creative and supportive

environment. To do this, we bring

together a broad range of specialist

expertise and techniques including:

• Music technology

• Music and drama workshops

• Whole school dance

and/or drama packages

• Thematic and curriculum support

• Family and community arts projects

• Performance and creative

event consultancy and advice

Sandwell Music &

Arts Advisory Service

We can put together bespoke

consultancy or training in any area

of music, at all key stages, including

classroom practice for both the

specialist and non-specialist teacher.







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Inspiring, motivating and changing lives with music and arts... Impacting on over 12,000 pupils on a weekly basis


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Schools Library Service Fostering involvement in reading with a wide range of initiatives

Here, our work is focussed on

sharing our passion for stories

and reading with children.

We love books, and we want

children to love them too

– that is why we are fostering

involvement with a wide

range of initiatives, including

Boys into Books, book

quizzes and reading.

With some 80,000 books, DVDs,

artefacts and other resources, we

have a lot of material you can call on,

and on average we lend over 50,000

resources every year. However, we are

more than just a store. We are also here

to offer support and advice on a range

of initiatives, including developing an

effective school library. In 2011, we also

launched an online catalogue, so you

can search and manage your materials

more easily.

We have two basic packages.

Both include a van collection service

at the beginning and end of each

term, as well as individual support

for the library post-holder. This includes

an annual advisory meeting, together

with a dedicated website, newsletter

and regular mailings.

Package A – A Resource Based

Pre-Selected Package of Services

This allows teachers tailor-made

collections of up to 40 resources

at a time (seven collections for

Secondary schools). While each

is issued for a term, you can

exchange them as often as you

like. The package also includes:

• Reading for pleasure

boxes (three each term to

primary/special schools)

• Annual poetry box

• Book talks, by request

(subject to availability)

• Free access to class sets

and Books for Guided reading

• Subscription to the reader

development magazine ‘TbK’

Package B – A Tailor-Made Package

of Resources and Advisory Work,

individually chosen by the School

Other loan services

Books for Guided Reading

These are collections of 30 Books

– six copies of five titles themed

by author or genre.

Class sets

Here we supply 16 copies of the same

book: one for the teacher, the others

for sharing among the class.

Year 7 Book Boxes

These comprise a 32 book mixture

of fiction, poetry and non-fiction books

which can be exchanged every term.







Resources, all tailored to the national curriculum

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Inspiring young minds... In 2011, we supplied over 50,000 resources to schools, helping encourage a love of reading and learning


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Catering Service A strong and professional catering management team

The pressure to provide and

manage sustainable catering

services with an ever reducing

budget is increasingly difficult.

A strong professional catering

management team supporting a

service delivered by over 300 frontline

staff, with a wealth of experience in

the public catering sector, the team

offers a flexible service focused on

a changing customer driven market.

Lunchtime is an important part of the

school day and can present a host

of challenges. Our bespoke service

offers proactive and workable solutions

– we take the heat out of the complex

and time consuming business of day

to day catering; we employ the staff,

buy the food, and maintain the

equipment – the big three catering

resources. Of course we look after much

more than this, and delivery of the whole

package has built our track record of

reliability, flexibility and professionalism.

We bring our expertise to provide a

comprehensive asset management

service to ensure business continuity

and development, which includes:

• Service of equipment to

industry specific legislation

• Maintenance and

replacement of equipment

• Equipment suitability reviews

for future service requirements

• Energy efficient equipment

and working methods

In partnership with Environmental

Health, we are working towards

achieving a 5* ‘Food Hygiene Rating

Scheme’ in all of our kitchens.

With a sensible approach to nutrition,

and a vision for food and healthy eating

in schools, we balance efficiency with

quality to achieve customer satisfaction

within budget.

Themed lunches, taster sessions and

breakfast services are all part of our

repertoire, along with buffet, civic and

event catering.

Our outcome: research shows that

when children eat better they do

better... that is what we do this for.

Our experience covers the full spectrum



needs which may not be covered here.

We would be delighted to explore

opportunities with you.

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Food for thought... With over 300 front-line staff, we are ready and waiting to serve highly nutritious meals

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Health & Safety Support Supporting safe and effective learning

A safe and supportive

environment is critical

for effective learning.

However, health & safety

is a highly technical area

which demands specialist

and up-to-date knowledge,

as well as in-depth expertise.

Our team’s whole focus is on keeping

your school community safe and in

good health. Designed to help head

teachers, governing bodies and

management boards meet their legal

and moral obligations, our services

provide a complete end-to-end solution.

We can even provide ‘toolbox talks’

which introduce a broad range of

health and safety subjects to a larger

staff audience.

Health & Safety Training

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of

health and safety courses including

practical manual handling, formal visual

electrical equipment testing, stress and

noise awareness, and both general and

COSHH risk assessments.

Education Specific Health and

Safety Functions

Available by ‘phone, email or for

on-site visits, our team will give you

competent and up-to-date advice on

all issues including risk assessment, the

development of policy and procedures,

and the production of plans following

health and safety audits and inspections.

Fire Safety

You can call, email or ask us to make

on site visits. Either way, we will offer

you professional and competent advice

on everything from arson prevention

to emergency evacuation and risk

assessment. We can also provide

training, monitor standards, undertake

workplace inspections and even liaise

with the fire authority on your behalf.

Caretaking Cleaning Support

We offer support to help you create

a safe and productive working

environment. As well as a dedicated

helpline, our services range from

assessments of current provision

and advice on chemicals and

equipment, through to recruitment

and on-the-job training.

Speciality Services

for Secondary Schools

Undertaken by qualified professionals,

our services include checks,

investigations and audits to

ensure safety and compliance.

• Radiation protection and advisory

service, including monitoring visits

• Design and technology inspection,

including assessments of workshops

and machinery

• Science inspection, including

all laboratories, prep rooms

and equipment







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Your safety in mind... In 2011-2012 I helped train over 1500 members of school staff in health & safety

Sandwell Inspired Partnership Services Limited 2nd Floor, Guardian House Cronehills Linkway West Bromwich B70 8SW

Telephone 0121 296 3000

Email [email protected]

Website www.sandwellips.org.uk

Documents

SIPS Education Brochure