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Providing
Education Management advice and support to Schools and PTEs
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SERVICES FOR SCHOOLS Croydon Consulting offers the following specialist education management services to Secondary Schools and Primary Schools. These Services can take the form of either one-off projects or ongoing assistance and support. Overview of Services for Schools: (1) Policy and Documentation Services read
more… (1) Policy and Documentation Services BOTs and Management must ensure that their institution's policies continue to be relevant, workable and effective documents, that successfully guide the governance and management of the School. Croydon Consulting can assist education institutions review existing policies and procedures, write, develop and support the implementation of new policies and guidelines. Our policies are written in plain language (not legalese), practical, user friendly and compliant. The aim of our documentation and policy writing service is to produce quality documentation which:
(2) External Reviews and Organisational Evaluations 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 an independent targeted Review of any aspect of your organisation's operations, that is within the scope of services offered by Croydon Consulting. A confidential Review Report is produced with Recommendations and an Improvement Plan to address the issues. Our Reviews/Evaluations use a range of methodology depending on the purpose, scope, terms of reference and the context of the Review, and the needs of clients. Our educational Reviews adopt a participatory, utilisation focused and evidence-based approach, with an emphasis on outcomes and key processes. Support and assistance is available to implement the required improvements, including any necessary documentation, such as policies and procedures. The following targeted Reviews are carried out for Schools by Croydon Consulting:
Croydon Consulting is also able to carry out school wide Organisational Evaluations based on the Baldrige framework/criteria and methodology. The Baldrige model for organisational excellence is an internationally recognised and respected best practice framework, that is widely used in the business world. The model has been successfully developed as an evaluation tool by Croydon Consulting, for use in NZ schools. It enables schools to identify and evaluate their key strengths, prioritise improvement opportunities and develop good practice within their organisation. The key areas evaluated are: Leadership, Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Self Review, Faculty and Staff Focus, Process Management and Organisational Performance Results. By building their capacity in Self Review Schools are able to better understand their own performance, their strengths and weaknesses, and the action required for change and sustainable improvement to occur. School Self Review must be purposeful, planned and systematic, and be of genuine 'real value' to the organisation and its stakeholders. Focused Self Review enables education institutions to prioritise their use of limited resources and better meet the needs of learners. Schools must have authentic and manageable Self Review processes in place, that are integrated and embedded into the organisation's management system and planning, and clearly linked to the strategic intent of the school. Croydon Consulting is able to assist Schools develop and improve their Self Review systems, procedures and practice. (4) Assessment and Moderation Services We are able to carry out subject or School-wide Reviews of Secondary School NZQA Assessment and Moderation systems and processes, assessment practice and NZQA compliance. Reviews can be targeted to address specific issues raised during NZQA External Moderation, or involve confidential School-wide Reviews (and Improvement Plan) completed 6 to 8 months prior to a NZQA MNA external audit - enabling improvements to be implemented before the actual NZQA external audit takes place. An updated version of the highly successful 'Keith NQF (NCEA) Assessment Management System' Manual (for Secondary Schools) is available for purchase, and can be 'cherry picked' by Schools to strengthen and improve their own NZQF Assessment Management Systems. See Resources for details. Our consultant can also provide Assessment Systems support, including assistance and training for Principal's Nominees. We also offer general advice to Schools on how their NZQA Assessment and Moderation systems and processes can be improved and developed. (5) Health and Safety Management Health and Safety Management of education institutions is one of Croydon's specialist areas. Our service includes: developing Health and Safety policies and procedures, Health and Safety Management System Manuals and associated documentation, and assisting Schools develop good practice. We carry out Reviews and Audits of Health and Safety Management systems within education institutions, which includes a confidential Review Report. Our Consultant is then available to supervise and support the implementation of the required improvements. The following Health & Safety areas can be reviewed:
(6) Education Review Office (ERO) Services External support for BOTs and Management before and during ERO visits, by an independent advisor, can help ensure that a school receives a 'fair hearing', and a 'balanced' ERO Report. Our consultant is able to help Schools prepare for ERO visits, including assistance with Self Audit Checklists, act as a 'Friend of the School' and support the BOT / Management team during the ERO visit. We carry out pre ERO visit Compliance Reviews, Reviews of ERO focus areas and Reviews of problem areas within the school. Problem area Reviews completed 6-8 months before the ERO visit, enable BOTs and Management to take a positive proactive approach; and put in place strategies to address any issues and implement the necessary improvements, prior to the ERO visit taking place. We also assist with ERO Report follow up improvement plans to address the issues identified in the ERO report, and provide advice and guidance to Schools during the implementation of the required improvements. Croydon Consulting offers a range of services to School Board of Trustees including support and guidance with:
Consultation with Staff and the School community must be timely and appropriate. Croydon can assist Schools develop inclusive and responsive Consultation processes, that support change and continuous improvement within the school. We are also able to conduct community and stakeholder consultations, on behalf of the School. Our legislative compliance audits enable Schools to check that they are meeting their legal obligations and Ministry of Education requirements. This includes obligations imposed under the: Education Act 1989, Privacy Act 1993, Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (and Amendments 2003), State Services Act 1988 and Human Rights Act 1993. (9) Good Practice Management Systems Croydon Consulting can assist Schools develop sustainable Good Practice Management Systems and documented procedures that are compliant, and meet the needs of stakeholders. Our Consultant has written and developed a number of good practice Management Systems and Resource packages which Secondary Schools are able to adapt and 'cherry pick' to improve their own systems, processes and practice. These management systems/resource packages have proven to be very effective and successful. (10) Staff Professional Learning, Training and Mentoring Staff professional learning and staff training should be targeted and linked to the organisation's: Self Review programme, Annual Planning and Staff Appraisal. All teaching staff should have an active professional learning plan in place. Croydon Consulting is able to assist institutions to identify staff needs, plan, develop and deliver professional learning and development programmes for staff. Our consultant is also able to provide independent, confidential coaching and mentoring for individual teaching staff who are in need of professional guidance or support in performing some aspect of their job. Croydon Consulting is able to assist education institutions develop and implement relevant and effective Staff Performance Management and Staff Appraisal Programmes. Other personnel management services offered by Croydon Consulting include Schools with:
(12) 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 Schools with the required Self Review of their International Student Programmes. We also carry out independent external Reviews of problem areas and assist schools develop and improve their Programmes. |