Term Talk Summer 2016

In February 2016 I was asked if I would
consider Bradley Hinch from STS as a
candidate for a work experience position
at my home improvements company in
Lincoln. I must say I was a little cautious
at first due to not truly understanding the
benefits it would have for my business
and for the candidate. Having agreed to
a weekly placement Bradley joined us and
has continued his placement.
POLICY
POWWOW
Mapping the new schools’ paradigm:
Educational excellence everywhere
In addition, Bradley has worked outside
of his agreed contract to assist us during
busy times. I hope that the experience has
had a positive impact for Bradley’s future,
giving him an understanding of being
self-employed and the work involved in
becoming successful. Bradley has gained
multi trade skills and excellent customer
service experience. Bradley has shown
willingness in all areas and in addition to
his decision to continue with a full time
Joinery Diploma he will continue to work
with us part time as a paid operative”.
Mark Brown, Mark Brown Property Services
When Bradley first arrived at STS he was
very opinionated and prickly. He knew all current
affairs and had an opinion on all of them and
would tell you what that opinion was whether you
wanted to know or not! He just wanted to earn
his own way and in his words, “Stop taking money
out of my Mum’s purse and start paying my own
way like a proper man”, he was 15 at the time. He
is trying for his GCSE English and he will be taking
his Level 2 functional skills Maths. Since working for
Mark, he has grown considerably in confidence at
his own worth and he no longer has the belief that
exam passes count for nothing. He quotes Mark
all the time, “Mark says this, Mark says that”. He
has genuine respect for Mark. Bradley says “I have
no worries working for Mark, I know at all times
if Mark is having a go at me for doing something
stupid he only wants for me to get it right”. It was
the best day for all concerned when I picked the
phone up for work experience for Bradley and got
Mark Brown.”
Jacqui Gay, STS
Bradley Hinch ‘on the job’
“The government is committed to ensuring
every child has an excellent education which
allows them to achieve their full potential”.
So says the press release announcing
next steps to implement its white paper.
There are seven main elements to the
paper, which give a clear indication of the
direction government will take:
GREAT TEACHERS
– EVERYWHERE THEY’RE NEEDED
This is a focus on recruitment and professional development:
initial teacher training; teacher accreditation; National Teaching
Service; improved CPD; better responses to challenges facing
teachers such as workload.
GREAT LEADERS RUNNING OUR SCHOOLS
Despite the ‘personality cult’ language, this is a focus on
infrastructure to support effective leadership: new National
Professional Qualifications; incentives to attract strong leadership
qualities to where they’re needed – encouraging the best rising
‘leaders’ to move to more challenging areas; Excellence in
Leadership Fund.
A SCHOOL-LED SYSTEM WITH EVERY SCHOOL
AN ACADEMY
We know there has been a U-turn on this, but it now has a focus
on coasting and underperforming schools: more Free Schools and
UTCs; greater opportunities for parental involvement (e.g. Parent
Portal); clarified role for local authorities; clearer methods to deal
with complaints and take parents’ views into account.
PREVENTING UNDERPERFORMANCE, HELPING
SCHOOLS GO FROM GOOD TO GREAT
School improvement will be the responsibility of school leaders:
better methods to broker school improvement support; more
‘great’ sponsors; emphasis on the most challenging areas.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND A WORLD-LEADING
CURRICULUM FOR ALL
The EBP’s Policy Advisor
Karen Ponulak
This includes ‘completing the introduction’ of the revised national
curriculum; a period of stability to improve primary assessments
and embed the EBacc; focus on building character and resilience,
as exemplified by the NCS programme; improving PSHE.
ACCOUNTABILITY, AMBITIOUS FOR EVERY CHILD
This embeds measures already announced, based on progress and
destination measures. Inspection will focus on underperformance,
with increased accountability to parents and governors and
performance tables for Multi Academy Trusts.
The EBP is urging businesses across Lincolnshire and
Rutland to provide work experience opportunities.
To pledge a placement, contact Eilidh Stewart at
eilidh.stewart@the-ebp.co.uk or 01522 574156
RIGHT RESOURCES IN THE RIGHT PLACE, FUNDING
SPENT WHERE IT CAN DO THE MOST GOOD
A new national funding formula is designed to improve
effectiveness of the pupil premium. Better support will help
schools deliver value for money, maintaining the school estate
to a high standard.
The EBP newsletter, summer 2016 www.the-ebp.co.uk
05