FAQs
My school has little need for generic courses. We have identified specific areas where we need help, but are struggling to find an organisation which can meet our needs. How can you help?
As experienced school leaders, we understand that each school and learning environment has its own ‘flavour’ and similarly a set of unique needs. We have a history of very positive relationships with schools and local authorities, and a reputation for our ability to listen and help school leaders to identify paths for development. As a private sector organisation, schools and organisations value the fact that we are supportive, non-threatening, objective, and professional.
Bespoke consultancy services we have recently provided to schools include:
- Moving from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’
- Subject leadership and accountability
- Meaningful lesson observations in context
- Performance Management: establishing the new framework
We often look for courses for staff to attend but can’t find the right one. What areas do you cover?
By listening to professionals and colleagues at all levels, we have devised courses, with realistic objectives, in response to their needs, and in accordance with our expertise. Click on one of the links to find out more about the courses we currently offer:
- Classroom Practice
- Early Years Provision
- Beyond the classroom
- Leadership, Management and Governance
- Locality leadership
The NPQH is useful, but I want more! What courses do you offer for school leadership?
We recognise that school leaders require a good deal more than a qualification, and we have, as a team of experienced individuals, inspired many potential leaders to fulfil their ambitions. Most importantly, they embark on a self-perpetuating process of continuous self improvement. You may well find what you need in a course we offer (see above) or you may prefer to discuss your specific needs with us, and we will guide you accordingly. Perhaps mentoring or coaching is more appropriate for you?
How can I know you provide a quality service? How do I know I’ll get value for money?
A very valid question! Everyone will assure you of the best quality service, but we have a proven track record and QA systems in place which are designed to protect and build on our excellent reputation. The following points illustrate our position and quality of provision in this field:
- EM Direct celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2007; our portfolio provides evidence of the company’s growth and credibility in school and local authorities
- Although we do not have charitable status, our profits are reinvested in the company, enabling us to broaden the services we can offer to professionals working in education
- Consultants are chosen very carefully, from both in-house and freelance professionals, and rigorous QA systems ensure that we are proud for them to represent EM Direct
- Our pricing structure is designed to give you maximum value for money, with an understanding of schools’ budgets, and suggestions for potential savings (e.g. packages, working with other schools with a similar need) are made wherever possible
- See feedback from clients
We want to establish a coaching model as part of our professional development policy. Can you provide us with the strategies to put this in place and make it work?
We believe coaching can play a vital role in the professional development of each individual. We can provide one-to-one or small group coaching, but we would rather train key members of staff to be coaches, to ensure that your school has the skills in-house to coach or train others. Schools we have helped in this field have experienced a sense of real progress, enthusiasm and commitment from their staff: the coaching model enables professionals to have an active and self-reflective approach to their own development.
We have made considerable improvements since the last inspection. The next one is looming on the horizon – do you do pre-inspection ‘health checks’? We want a real outsider’s viewpoint.
Yes, we have a number of Ofsted trained inspectors on our team, and pride ourselves in offering an objective but personable service to schools approaching inspection. We recommend a review well in advance of the inspection in order to help the school to address areas in need of development.
Can you help with embedding the new performance management framework?
Performance Management plays a vital role in CPD, and we are encouraged by the new P.M. framework for Autumn 2007. Staff learning needs to have a clear focus, and we help schools to set up systems which embed such learning in the appraisal process. Feedback shows a new understanding, on the part of the staff, of the purpose of monitoring and of the creative potential of meaningful target setting.
We’re a fairly small primary so our CPD budget is limited. How can we get the most out of our money?
Networks and clusters of small schools are the best way to get value for money for training events. If you are not in such a group, or if your needs do not match those of others in the group, we can invite you to join a relevant CPD event we are leading elsewhere. Our priority is to support staff learning in schools – alert us to your needs, and we will work hard to help you to find a solution.
I am an independent consultant. Can I join your team?
We do work with independent consultants, and they are members of our Confederation of Consultants. This acts as an umbrella organisation within EM Direct which manages the range of consultancy activities, and also offers support and quality assurance for consultants. If you would like to find out more, contact us.