A Framework for Learning
Dear Colleague,
I am pleased to introduce this section to give senior leaders in schools a taste of the resources, support and guidance for school improvement available from the National Strategies.
Since joining the National Strategies in January 2008 from a lengthy period of headship in three very different
schools, I have become increasingly aware of how much is available to support schools directly – support that
is not necessarily obvious to headteachers and senior leaders who are busy with the complex business of
running their schools. The thread that runs through this booklet shows how you, as the leader of learning in
your school, can ensure that these resources and materials are used to directly benefit your pupils and
professionally develop your staff.
Renewed Secondary Frameworks – Planning for progression and appropriate intervention underpin our work and the universal offer available to schools is built around the renewed Secondary Frameworks that went live in May 2008. They can be found at
www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/secondary/frameworks The Frameworks include planning for progression in relation to the revised programmes of study; guidance and resources for how that planning becomes a reality in the classroom; and how assessment for learning (AfL) through use of the Assessing Pupils’ Progress (APP) materials can be used to drive improvements for each pupil.
CPD – The National Strategies offer an extensive national CPD programme of universal and targeted specific
aspects of school improvement. This is structured around support for effective pedagogy: the craft of the
classroom. This programme includes specific training materials and support for work with underperforming
groups including Gifted and Talented (G&T), Black and Ethnic Minority and Gypsy and Roma pupils as well as
new arrivals. We also provide support and guidance for Behaviour and Attendance (B&A) and the developing
secondary Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning programme (SEAL). With partners we are engaged in the
developing 14–19 agenda through our training and support programme for Functional Skills.
It is our belief that for these resources to be used properly, headteachers and their senior leadership teams need to know about them and how they can support school improvement planning. School Improvement Partners (SIPs) also need this knowledge since their work is a key element in helping schools meet the challenges ahead.
Our Regional Advisers, Senior Advisers and programme and regional teams are dedicated to ensuring this happens through our targeted and intensive programmes. However, these resources are also available to schools universally and we hope that you as headteachers will encourage all your staff to access them.
We are here to support your work and always appreciate feedback. For comments on these pages or any of our programmes, pilots and projects, or if you would simply like to know more, please contact secondary@nationalstrategies.co.uk
Clive Bush
National Director, Secondary