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Frequently asked questions
Background to the BSF Capital Investment Programme

Frequently asked questions

Questions

Eligibility

1. Who should attend the BSF Programme?
2. Will Fast Track teachers have access to the programme?
3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
4. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?
5. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
6. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria. Will you still consider my application?
7. Are there any pre-requisite programmes that I must complete before I can do the programme?
8. Is the BSF Programme a pre-requisite for any other programmes?
9. I'm not quite sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
10. How ICT literate do I need to be?
11. I need more information about eligibility for the programme. Where can I get this?

Applying

1. How do I apply?
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
5. Can I apply for any of the listed national programmes or am I restricted to the venues that are supplied by the delivery provider for my area?
6. When does the next application round begin?
7. When is the deadline for submitting applications to the programme?
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
9. Is the number of places restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?
10. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher. Is this possible?
11. I have just completed the online registration for the programme. Does this application mean I am registered or will I have to undergo further assessment?
12. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for the programme prior to applying?

Coaches

This is not applicable to the BSF Programme.

Answers

Eligibility

1. Who should attend the BSF Leadership Programme?

The programme is intended for senior management teams involved in strategic decision making. Those attending the Programme will be tasked with considering what their school might look like in the future and the challenges that key agendas such as personalisation, the 14-19 agenda and Every Child Matters offer for learning environments.

School leaders will be joined by a maximum of three representatives from their local authority, who should be familiar with the BSF process and the needs of learners when developing new learning environments. More information on eligibility.

2. Will "Fast Track teachers have access to the BSF Leadership Programme?

The BSF Leadership Programme is open to senior management teams involved in strategic decision making. If a Fast Track teacher is part of this team that are involved with the BSF process then yes they can have access to the programme.

3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?

Applicants do not have to have Qualified Teacher Status, we do advise however that applicants do have an interest or active involvement in the BSF process.

4. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?

The support of the headteacher is encouraged, a formal recommendation is not required.

5. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?

Please contact the BSF team directly to discuss this at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

6. I do not quite meet 100% of the eligibility criteria - will you still consider my application?

Please contact the BSF team directly to discuss this at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

7. Are there any pre-requisite programmes I must complete before I can do the BSF Leadership Programme?

There are no pre-requisite programmes.

8. Is the BSF Leadership Programme a pre-requisite for any other programmes?

The BSF Leadership Programme is not a pre-requisite for any other programmes.

9. I'm not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?

Please contact the BSF team directly to discuss this at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

10. How computer literate do we need to be?

There is a component of blended learning, but basic computer knowledge is sufficient, ie email and internet.

11. I need more information about eligibility for The BSF Leadership Programme, where can I get this?

To find out more about who is eligible for the Programme, please visit the eligibility page, or contact the BSF Team directly to discuss this at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

Applying

1. How do I apply?

To find out more about who is can apply for the Programme, please visit the cost and how to apply page, or contact the BSF Team directly to discuss this at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?

Please contact the BSF team directly at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?

Please contact the BSF team directly at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?

The BSF Leadership Programme is designed for senior management teams involved in strategic decision making. School teams will be joined by a maximum of three representatives from their local authority. More information on eligibility.

5. Can I apply for any of the listed national programmes, or am I restricted to the venues that are supplied by the delivery provider for my area?

You can only apply for a programme that has been allocated to your local authority.

6. When does the next application round begin?

Applications for the 2009 intake of the BSF Leadership Programme will be shortly be available online.

7. When is the deadline for submitting applications to the BSF Leadership Programme?

Details of application deadlines for the 2009 intake of the BSF Leadership Programme will shortly be available online.

8. What happens if I miss the deadline?

Applications made after the application deadline will not be eligible. For more information please contact the BSF team at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

9. Is the number of places available restricted and if so, is there a waiting list?

There are 36 places available to local authorities involved in the BSF Leadership Programme, 33 places for school teams and 3 places for local authority representatives. If your local authority would like to send additional local authority representatives in place of a school team or you have additional places to fill please contact a member of the BSF team at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk or telephone 0845 609 0009.

10. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher, is this possible?

Throughout the programme there is the opportunity to network with other colleagues within your local authority.

11. I have just completed the online registration for the BSF Leadership Programme. Does this application mean I am registered or will I have to undergo any further assessment?

If the eligibility requirements are met and places are available you will be registered. If there is a problem with your application the BSF team will contact you as soon as possible.

12. Will there be briefings or taster sessions for the BSF Leadership Programme prior to application?

Please contact the BSF team directly to discuss this at bsfteam@ncsl.org.uk.

Coaches

This is not applicable for the BSF Programme.

Programme structure

1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?

This blended learning programme spans two academic terms and includes five facilitated days of training.

2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?

The BSF Leadership Programme is split into three phases which includes a two day residential, one day face to face session, and a two day conference. For information please visit our programme structure page.

3. Do I have to attend all sessions?

Participants are encouraged to attend all phases of the programme to continue developing their schools visions.

4. What support is available throughout the programme?

Throughout the programme support will be available from NCSL facilitation teams.

5. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?

6. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?

Please visit the programmes pages for further information about other programmes run by NCSL.

Materials and online activities

1. How do I access the online communities and materials?

Application for the programme includes registration into an online community and access to online materials and publications. Details on how to access these tools will be discussed during your first face to face session.

2. Do I have to use the online facilities?

Participants are encouraged to use the online facilities to continue interaction with colleagues and receive support from trainers.

3. What is the technical support for problems with online materials/access?

Please call the helpdesk on 0845 609 0009.

4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?

The facilitators will be available for online support.

5. Do I have to pay for materials?

Materials are included as part of the programme fees.

6. Can I use the materials afterwards in my school setting?