Ross has provided a comprehensive, up-to-date professional service, for Sedgley Park Community Primary School, for over eight years,

During this time, Ross designed a personalised, subject leadership programme for our school, working very closely with individual subject coordinators. As a result of Ross’s mentoring, curriculum leaders, now play a key role in monitoring and supporting the delivery of a high quality, challenging and engaging curriculum. “Leadership have been successful, in empowering curriculum leaders, who in turn, focussing successfully on developing people in addition to advancing their curriculum subjects. The impact of this CPD has been profound.” Bury LA School Improvement Partner.

The effectiveness of the subject leadership programme was also highlighted in our most recent Ofsted report – “Subject leaders, have clarified the expectations for each year group in the revised curriculum. They check that these improvements are having a positive impact on pupils’ progress and attainment”  

Ross has also created a bespoke training package for the school Governors, working alongside the Head Teacher, to ensure that the Governors understand and perform their function effectively. The key elements of this support, were aimed at developing their roles, responsibilities, skills and knowledge, to help define the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction. His Governor, induction and mentorship programmes, alongside the implementation of new practices, has had a significant impact on raising standards – “The SLT and the Governors have created a culture of high expectations, in which pupils achieve the highest achievement possible.”  Bury LA School Improvement Partner.

Ross has, assisted our Governors with regard to the Head Teacher Performance Management process, setting targets in-line with the school’s priorities and also those specific to the Head teacher’s role and interests. He has also provided valuable Ofsted planning and preparation training for the Governors.

He has supported the Head Teacher and SLT, to consider and challenge, the priorities outlined in the school’s improvement planning and providing detailed self-evaluation summaries, for the Governors and LA.  “The rigour and accuracy of self-evaluation has led to action planning that secures continual improvement and more and more staff, are involved in this process.” Bury LA School Improvement Partner.

Ross’s expertise, knowledge and understanding of the current educational climate,  alongside his wealth of experience, gained from being the Head Teacher of several schools and working with Head Teacher’s from a number of local authorities, has been  crucial in improving the quality of education, provided by our school.

He has played a substantial role in supporting the SLT, Governors, staff, parents and pupils, on our educational journey.  This was acknowledged in our most recent Ofsted report -“Governors, parents and carers, pupils and the local authority adviser agree that the school has continued to improve.” 

 I can wholeheartedly recommend ‘Head 2 Head’ support to any school. Thank you Ross!

John Gregory, Headteacher.

Ross has supported our school through providing a Head to Head Improvement package for a number of years.

The package has included a bespoke programme to support my responsibilities as a Head Teacher, monitoring teaching and learning through learning walks and observations and focus on a clear and challenging School Improvement Plan and Self Evaluation Summary.

He has been instrumental in supporting me as a relatively new Head Teacher through the COVID-19 pandemic and Ofsted planning and preparation. I really value the advice that Ross offers and feel he has increased my confidence as a leader with his positive, reassuring approach.

Ross has a rich knowledge of best practice and a current understanding of the education landscape. He provides challenge to teachers and leaders in school and can identify core priorities. Ross offers hands on practical support for teaching and learning, monitoring, evaluation and reviewing priority areas of the school.

He has worked alongside our Governors to support the Head Teacher Performance Management process, setting targets which again support the development of the Head Teacher’s role within the school. Ross always has a clear focus on driving standards in teaching and learning and is familiar with what works for our particular school. Ross has also provided valuable training for the Governors and supported the school through an Ofsted inspection in October 2019 in which we maintained our Outstanding status.

Rachel O’Neil, Head Teacher

Ross first provided support for Hollin in 2014, and he has been part of our journey ever since.

He has provided a unique programme of support which has included:

· Lesson observations.

· Monitoring of pupils books and work.

· Gathering views of pupils.

· Performing interviews with subject leaders.

· Training for subject leaders.

· Support and advice for senior leaders.

· Support for Governors with the Headteacher Performance Management process.

Ross’ support, and advice, has been instrumental in supporting the school and helping to improve it further.

Ross brings a wealth of experience, is professional, and has an up-to-date understanding of the challenges that schools face.

We look forward to our continued work with Ross.

Mr David Fenton

Headteacher

Hollin Primary School