Protocol National’s Improve service is delivered by an expert team of trained inspectors with skills in diagnosis, coaching, training, change management and best practice in leading continuous improvement. Its purpose is to support Principals and others responsible for the quality of a provider’s provision in honestly taking stock of the issues and enabling rapid and sustainable improvement.
In a supportive relationship, we can deliver the necessary tough judgements and then provide the expert support to ensure that quality improvement will follow quickly.
We know what inspectors and other external assessors will be looking out for and we can help you to make sure that curriculum areas and other aspects of provision do themselves justice.
Flexible and inspiring consultancy support to strengthen self-assessment, continuous improvement and self-regulation:
Critical friend support for senior and middle managers
A senior consultant will undertake a detailed review and analysis of the impact of key strategies and continuous improvement processes. Critical friend support can provide an honest external assessment of the effectiveness of key systems and functions, including:
- Self-assessment and improvement planning
- Responsiveness to learners and employers
- 14 – 19 curriculum development and delivery
- Support, business and marketing services
- Promotion of equality and diversity
- Response to ECM outcomes
- Effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements
- Value for money and impact measurement
- Pre and post inspection support
- Lesson observation process and its link with improvement planning, appraisal and performance management.
SAR Surgeries
Using inspection, coaching and mentoring methodologies, our senior consultancy team of trained Ofsted inspectors will work with your curriculum heads and course leaders across a range of subject sector areas to ensure curriculum SRAs and course reviews are:
- Responsive to CIF, FfE, ECM safeguarding and E&D agendas
- Aligned to key organisational strategic priorities
- Judgement rich
- Supported by appropriate evidence
- Focused on priority areas
- Standardised
To ensure outstanding continuous improvement, we can also work with you to produce Quality Improvement Action Plans (QIPs) which:
- Lead to meaningful and outcome-focused action plans
- Provide clear impact measures
Consultants will deliver a series of one hour surgeries with Heads of Departments and/or Course Leaders. Each consultant will review up to five SARs, course reviews or related QIPs per day.
Curriculum review and/or inspection preparation
Targeted observation, assessment and practical quality support for a potential failing curriculum area (or other aspect of provision) or for an area which is failing to reach potential. Up to three subject specialist inspector/advisors will carry out lesson observations and provide coaching, advice and guidance for staff and managers. Support will include review of the impact of self-assessment, performance management and improvement planning in the area. Reports will include recommendations relating to continuous improvement processes and leading and managing change.
Flexible and innovative consultancy support to enhance your organisation’s ability to develop and maintain excellence in teaching and learning.
Teaching and Learning “Change Agent” Support
Ongoing coaching support for teaching teams to improve standards of teaching and learning. Change agent support is tailored to meet your needs, but can focus on helping teachers to use active learning and formative assessment strategies; improve differentiation to meet all learners’ needs; incorporate Outcomes for Learners, E&D and Safeguarding in teaching and learning appropriately.
External Lesson Observation Services
Providing external validation of internal observation grades and processes, this service offers both subject specialist observers and generic senior observers as follows:
Paired developmental observations with the provider’s internal observers
One to five days of paired observations with a senior consultant
- Paired observations on curriculum sessions identified by the provider and associated feedback by internal observers to lecturers
- Written observation records provided for each lecturer observed
- Verbal feedback and advice provided for each internal observer on the accuracy of judgements, quality of feedback and recommendations for improvement made
- Written observation records provided for each internal observer observed
- A report summarising strengths, satisfactory aspects and weaknesses of the provider’s internal observation process and team with recommendations for sustainable improvement and best practice transfer.
Maximum of 4 paired observations per day.
Developmental observations for curriculum, “Skills for Life” and tutorial teaching staff
One to five days of observations with a subject specialist consultant
- Observations of curriculum and / or tutorial sessions identified by the provider and associated developmental coaching and feedback to lecturers
- Written observation records provided for each lecturer observed, including SMART recommendations for improvement and best practice transfer
- A report summarising strengths, satisfactory aspects and weaknesses of teaching and learning in the curriculum/work based area with recommendations for sustainable improvement and best practice transfer.
Maximum of 5 observations per day
To find out more, please contact Nicola Bacon on tel: 0115 911 1113 or email: nbacon@protocol-national.co.uk
