2. Key principles underpinning school improvement in Gloucestershire
The key principles are:
i. In line with the Council Strategy 2019-2022 which states that we want every Gloucestershire child to have a high quality education, suited to their needs, that equips them with the skills and attributes they need to make a positive contribution to their community and succeed in life.
ii. Every child and young person should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and have a positive school experience.
iii. Every school in Gloucestershire should make effective provision for children and young people.
iv. There is a collective responsibility for the outcomes for young people.
v. In a school-led system, responsibility for improvement lies primarily with the schools. The LA has a statutory duty to challenge and where necessary intervene in schools in order to raise standards.
vi. Trust and partnership are at the heart of a self-improving system. The LA will share with schools the criteria by which they are judged. LA officers will work with governors and headteachers to determine the level of challenge and intervention from the local authority to ensure rapid and sustainable improvement, brokering appropriate support where necessary.
vii. Where the LA has concerns about academy performance, it will raise them with the academy and if necessary with the Secretary of State via the Regional Schools Commissioner and through Ofsted.
viii. Strong leadership and governance are essential. The role of governors is to hold school leaders to account. The role of the LA is to evaluate and quality assure the effectiveness of governing bodies.
ix. School-to-school improvement networks that are built on autonomy and strong professional relationships are vital to ensure e ective support is available to all schools.
x. Teaching School Alliances support schools working in partnership to improve the quality of educational provision.
xi. Schools Forum ensures that resources are deployed to improve standards using best value principles.