EnPro - Enhanced Provisions in Essex - Enhanced Provisions working together
Executive summary
Throughout Essex there are a group of schools with an Enhanced Provision meeting the specific needs of learners. Should these schools work collaboratively we can ensure the needs of these pupils are provided with the best possible education. This will be accomplished through the evaluation of current practice, quality assuring provision, support frameworks and creation of a well skilled sustainable workforce.
Background
Enhanced provision within Essex is not a wholly known or understood concept. The specialism and core skills required within enhanced provision are often unique to the type of provision but there can also be crossover, such as the speech and language aspect required to support Hearing Impaired pupils. Currently Enhanced Provisions act independently of each other with skill sets rarely shared. This is improving. With the changing landscape of SEND provision it is important schools with Enhanced Provisions evaluate their skill sets, share good practice and meet the needs of all learners.
Identification of needs & opportunity
Pupils in Essex should receive the best possible education and as such those involved in shaping their education should ensure it is world class. Currently the needs of children with SEND are met through varying levels of success. Ofsted are unsure how to evaluate impact of enhanced provisions and areas of outstanding practice are not shared or celebrated. The recruitment of specialist teachers to lead Enhanced provisions is extremely difficult with calibre of applicants often poor. Data sharing and moderation across provisions would benefit pupils and staff alike.
Proposed strategy
Formation of a collaborative group which encapsulates outstanding practice within Essex, ensuring every provision is high performing. The aim is to commence with analysis of development needs building to Quality Assurance and targeted support.
A strategic plan will be put in place to grow the support and opportunity to deliver CPD. This will need to be measured and evaluated over a sustained period in order to ensure success.
Initially it is important to form the foundations of the initiative and set agreements and protocols. This will be achieved through the formation of a core group of practitioners and a designated lead. All Enhanced Provisions will be invited to join, however there is not an expectation to.
A Quality Assurance model where schools can chose the appropriate package for their needs could be established in the future. The model will vary according to school needs and may take the form of an Enhanced Provision review or will focus on a specific development need such as the effective use of support staff when delivering speech and language programmes. Key aspects will be:
- Review teams – constitute at least a Head teacher, an Enhanced Provision lead and specialist staff. This will ensure all three leadership levels have a first hand experience of practice.
- Review frameworks and report systems – agreed protocols which enforce clear evaluation noting strengths and development areas.
- Data sharing – compilation of pupil data to evaluate achievement. This data will also be grouped by pupil need.
- Policy and procedure evaluation – ensuring consistency of approach and best practice
Support can also be offered to those schools in challenging circumstances or need a supportive voice within meetings. This voice can then be used to send a shared message to Essex.
Benefits
- Support for all SEND learners greatly enhanced
- Collaboration of learning strategies
- Sharing of excellence
- Professional development of staff
- Specialist teacher/support staff training
- Resource sharing
- Consistency of approach
- World class education for those pupils with SEND
Cost
Cost will involve release for the designated working party to plan and implement systems, set up costs for the working party and designated lead. All specific figures will be provided at scheduled meetings. We currently have £20,000 to develop the collaborative work but will be seeking further funding to support attendance and professional support.
Timescale
- Agreement to the proposal by 11th December 2015
- Proposed plan for collaborative working: 22nd January 2016
- Initial meeting of focus group: First week of February
Summary
It is the role of those leading education to ensure that children have the best opportunities and that all individual needs are met, removing all barriers. Through collaborative working between Schools with Enhanced Provisions can truly accomplish this and set the foundations that ensure that SEND provision is world class and that Essex leads the way in innovation and collaboration with all providers of education for SEND pupils acting as one.