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Providing
Education Management advice and support to Schools and PTEs
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SERVICES FOR PRIVATE TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS Croydon Consulting offers the following specialist Education Management Services to PTEs. These Services can take the form of one-off projects or ongoing assistance and support. Overview of Services for PTEs: (1) Self Assessment Services read more… Self Assessment is now a compulsory part of NZQA's quality assurance requirements, for all Tertiary Education organisations. There has been a shift away from the external Audit model and associated compliance focus, to an internally driven, evidence based process of Self Assessment, that informs planning, and contributes to ongoing improvement. A key focus of PTE Self Assessment should be on how well the organisation's learning programmes match the needs of students and other stakeholders. The self assessment process should encourage a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation. One vital ingredient of any successful self assessment programme is the involvement and support of stakeholders, in particular Staff and Students. PTEs must have inclusive and responsive consultation processes in place. We are able to help PTEs develop consultation processes, consult with staff, and if necessary run workshops, to ensure staff understand and engage effectively in the self assessment process. Croydon can also assist PTEs carryout course evaluations and obtain valid feedback from students. Effective and successful self assessment programmes are dependent on the collection of valid data and reliable evidence, and the analysing and correct interpretation (and presentation) of this information. Croydon Consulting is able to assist with the research, collection and analysing of the relevant data. This information then forms the basis of the self assessment process; it results in evidence based judgements, is used to review performance, inform and improve practice, and guide planning and decision making by the organisation. The self assessment process should be clearly and consistently linked to the organisation's strategic and annual planning Systematic and integrated self assessment enables provider organisations to build their capacity for change, to remain responsive to changes in their operating environment, and to better meet the needs of learners. When implementing an improvement initiative, that is the result of the Self Assessment process, organisation's must ensure that the new programme is appropriately integrated and aligned with existing internal structures, systems and procedures. Croydon is able to support and assist PTEs to plan, implement and review improvement initiatives/programmes, that have resulted from the Self Assessment process. (2) PTE Self Assessment Workshops One specialist service offered by Croydon Consulting
is our Self Assessment Workshop. The purpose of these Workshops
is to assist Private Training Establishments implement good practice
Self Assessment. A Workshop will enable you to:
(3) Customised Self Assessment Model It is important that PTEs develop effective self assessment processes, that are integrated and aligned with their existing business operations; and that not only meet NZQA requirements but are also of genuine 'real value' to the organisation and its stakeholders. Self assessment must be focused, purposeful and evidence driven. Providers are encouraged to develop their own customised approach to self assessment, that is appropriate and meets the needs of their organisation. The Self Assessment process should be used by PTEs to highlight their special character, and to ensure that their distinctive contribution and associated strengths are recognised and valued - both within the PTE itself and by all stakeholders (including NZQA). Croydon Consulting has developed a Customised Self Assessment Model to assist PTEs develop their own customised Self Assessment system, procedures and practice. Our 'Customised Self Assessment Model' is based on the 'Monitoring and Evaluation' (M&E) method used in Professional Evaluation. (4) External Evaluation and Review Services NZQA's new External Evaluation and Review (EER) (which has replaced the 'Quality Audit') focuses on the quality and effectiveness of the organisation's own Self Assessment Process and the resulting judgements, decision making and planning by the PTE. The self assessment process must guide ongoing, sustainable improvement within the organisation. NZQA uses the PTEs self assessment data/information and other evidence to make their own judgements about the PTEs performance and capability. The findings and outcomes of the NZQA External Evaluation are then made public, and used by TEC to make investment/funding decisions. A robust and effective self assessment programme is essential to support a successful External Evaluation and Review by NZQA. All PTEs must have authentic, and systematic Self Assessment processes in place, that are integrated and well embedded into the organisation's management system and strategic planning. The Self Assessment process should be formalised and become a routine part of business. Croydon Consulting is able to assist PTEs prepare for External Evaluation and Review visits by NZQA. This could involve our consultant carrying out a confidential External Review of the PTE 6 to 8 months before the NZQA visit takes place, with a full Review Report, Recommendations and an Improvement Plan (if required). This enables a check to ensure that 'everything is in order' and it also gives the PTE the time (and the confidence) to implement any necessary changes, before the actual NZQA External Evaluation and Review visit takes place. See (16) Packaged Services for details of our PTE External Evaluation Preparation Service. Croydon Consulting is also able to help organisations prepare documentation for the NZQA Evaluation and Review visit, and if required, be involved and support management during the visit. The PTE Development Plan method, has been created by Croydon Consulting and is based on our experience in education, the Enhanced Logic Model for quality planning and ''Action Research' methodology. A Development Plan sets out the future of an organisation; it involves a PTE completing a 'stock-take' of it's current situation and establishing baseline data. Then carrying out a full internal review, including a review of the core aspects of the organisation, such as: it's Mission, Charter, goals, internal structures and policies. Stakeholder groups are consulted and stakeholders needs assessed. Recent organisational results and outcomes are then analysed and evaluated, priorities established, and improvement opportunities and initiatives identified. A development plan is then drawn up including: expected outputs and outcomes, outcome and process indicators, best practice benchmarks and reference points, milestones, monitoring methods, and responsibilities. Monitoring, Review (Self Assessment) and Reporting procedures are then established. Development plans should be living working documents, that are regularly reviewed, responsive to changing circumstances and aligned to stakeholders needs. For many PTEs a Development Plan approach is a cost effective method of initiating and implementing NZQA's new evaluative quality assurance and Self Assessment requirements. Development Plans should be internally driven and facilitated by the organisation's own personnel, with external support and guidance utilised as required. Croydon Consulting is able to provide PTEs with a Development Plan framework, guide the organisation through the process, and assist with the necessary documentation. (6) Policy and QMS Documentation Development Croydon Consulting can carry out Policy and Documentation Reviews to assist PTEs develop the necessary policies and procedures (and other documentation) for compliance with NZQA and TEC requirements, including developing policy and procedures for NZQA's Self Assessment requirements. Croydon can assist PTEs to review and update their existing Quality Management System (QMS) Manuals, and is also able to help new PTEs develop QMS Manuals for NZQA Registration applications. (7) Assessment and Moderation Services Croydon Consulting can provide assistance to PTEs to develop the necessary documentation, and implement good practice Assessment and Moderation systems and processes. We also offer advice on all Assessment and Moderation matters including guidance and training for teacher assessors and the organisation's Assessment and Moderation Co-ordinator. Our consultant is able to carry out a full Review of the organisation's Assessment and Moderation systems and practice, and NZQA compliance. We can provide assistance with Assessment and Moderation problems or issues, such as concerns raised during external moderation or NZQA's External Evaluation and Review. Croydon Consulting also offers a full ongoing Assessment and Moderation Administration and Supervision service. This involves our consultant taking on the responsibility of managing and supervising Assessment and Moderation, within your organisation. The Administration and Supervision service includes our Consultant acting as the organisation's Assessment and Moderation Co-ordinator, managing all NZQA documentation and ensuring all ongoing NZQA requirements, such as Moderation Plans and External Moderation are met. It could also involve the training and mentoring of one of your staff members to eventually take on the role. This service involves our Consultant visiting
your organisation at regular intervals (usually once a month), for
a set agreed fee, and providing ongoing advisory support.
Advice and support is provided on any aspect of Education Management your organisation requires - that is within the scope of the Services offered by Croydon Consulting. This service provides the opportunity for you to discuss your concerns, receive support and guidance, have an independent advisor check your work, and obtain a valuable second opinion. We also offer a full Advisory Service to PTEs and Management. Croydon Consulting can also work with Directors, Management and Tutors to restructure and improve internal organisational aspects by developing documented procedures and implementing good practice integrated management systems and processes. This can be done through a formal Review/Review Report/Recommendations/Improvement Plan approach, or informally through guidance, support and mentoring. Staff Professional Learning and staff training should be part of an integrated and structured programme that addresses identified staff needs, and is closely aligned to the organisation's: Self Assessment programme, Strategic Planning and Staff Appraisal. All teaching staff should have an active professional learning plan in place. Croydon Consulting is able to assist organisations identify staff professional learning needs, then develop and implement staff professional learning programmes, including professional Learning Portfolios. Our consultant is also able to provide mentoring and individual professional support for your staff, on any aspect associated with teaching, learning and assessment. (10) External Reviews, Review Reports and Improvement Plans External Reviews/Evaluations provide a fresh pair of eyes and the opportunity of a new approach to a situation. Our consultant is able to conduct independent, targeted effectiveness Reviews/Evaluations of any programme or any aspect of your institution's structure or operations, that is within the scope of the services offered by Croydon Consulting. Confidential Review Reports are produced with Recommendations and an Improvement Plan to address any deficiencies. The Review Reports highlight strengths and weaknesses, and suggest strategies for good practice. Our Reviews/Evaluations use a range of methodology depending on the purpose, scope, frame of reference and context of the Review, and the needs of clients. Our summative educational Reviews adopt a participatory, evidence-based and utilisation focused approach, with an emphasis on outcomes and key processes. Support and assistance is available during implementation of the improvement strategies, including the provision of any necessary documentation, such as policies and procedural handbooks. Examples of targeted Reviews include:
(11) Teaching and Learning Programmes Croydon Consulting is able to assist PTEs and individual tutors to update their teaching strategies, and improve the quality of learning and teaching within their organisation. For example, this could involve assisting tutors implement teaching strategies, such as:
Training and professional development courses are provided for individuals or groups of tutors, as required to meet specific identified needs. The design and content of PTE learning programmes should be an ongoing process in response to the changing needs of learners, employers and other stakeholders. Learning programmes must be relevant. Croydon Consulting is able to assist PTEs to review, evaluate, and fine-tune existing programmes/courses or develop new innovative programmes, that are relevant and match the needs of learners, while also meeting NZQA requirements. Croydon can also assist PTEs evaluate how effectively
their 'Learning Systems' support high quality teaching and learning
within their organisation. (12) PTE Registration and Accreditation Applications Croydon specialises in setting up new PTEs. Our consultant is able to help PTEs develop the necessary documentation including QMS Manuals and prepare and lodge applications, such as:
Assisting PTEs lodge NZQA Registration applications is one of Croydon Consulting's specialist areas. Croydon Consulting Ltd is able to assist PTEs develop Staff Performance Management and Appraisal Programmes, that link to the organisation's Self Assessment and Staff Professional Learning. We can assist Management with Annual Staff Appraisals including updating staff job descriptions. The following personnel management services are also offered:
(14) Planning, Governance, and Legal Compliance PTE Strategic and Annual Planning should be based
on well analysed performance information and a robust self assessment
programme.
Health and Safety management for education institutions is one of our specialist areas. We carry out full or targeted Health and Safety Audits and develop Health and Safety systems, policies and procedures and manuals. Croydon's legislative compliance reviews provide reassurance to PTEs that they are meeting their legal obligations. Our Consultant can also be a part of your Advisory Board and attend Advisory Board Meetings as an independent Consultant. (15) International Student Programme Services All International Student Programmes must be managed in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, which includes specific Review requirements. Croydon Consulting is able to assist PTEs with the required Self Review of their International Student Programmes. We also carry out independent external Reviews of any problem areas and assist providers improve their International Student Programmes. This includes putting in place Strategies to address Code of Practice issues raised during NZQA Reviews. Croydon also assists PTEs set up new International Student Programmes including: preparation of the necessary Applications and Policy and procedures documentation. (16) Packaged Services - External Evaluation Preparation Service Croydon Consulting has developed a packaged External
Evaluation Preparation Service, specifically to assist Private Training
Establishments to plan and prepare for their External Evaluation
and Review (EER) by NZQA. The EER Preparation Workshop comprises:
Aims of our External Evaluation Service
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