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Frequently asked questions

Questions

The closure of Developing the Capacity for Sustained Improvement (DCSI)

  1. What is happening to DCSI?
  2. Which programmes are closing?
  3. When are they closing?
  4. Will NCSL have any new provision for team development?
  5. Where do I get more information about the closure of DCSI?

Programme structure

  1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
  2. When does the programme have to be completed by?
  3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
  4. What support is available throughout the programme?
  5. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
  6. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?

Materials and online activities

  1. How do I access the online communities and materials?
  2. Do I have to use online facilities?
  3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
  4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
  5. Do I have to pay for materials?
  6. Can I use the materials afterwards in my school setting?

Cost

  1. How much does this programme cost?
  2. Are there any grants available?

Professional development

  1. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
  2. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?

If you have any queries that are not answered here, please contact your regional provider.

Answers

The closure of Developing the Capacity for Sustained Improvement (DCSI)

1. What is happening to DCSI?

The decision has been taken to close Developing Capacity for Sustained Improvement and Working Together for Success, and the final programmes will run from now until March 2010.

Despite the programmes' significant impact on school leadership, the rapidly changing and complex context for senior leaders with new models of leadership and the need for great flexibility means that a new approach to team development is required. For senior leaders in secondary schools a new programme, Developing Senior Leadership Teams (DSLT), will be available from September 2009. NCSL is working with the profession to identify levels of demand and the most appropriate way of meeting the needs of senior leadership teams in primary schools.

2. Which programmes are closing?

Working Together for Success and Developing the Capacity for Sustained Improvement.

3. When are they closing?

The application rounds for both programmes closed on 31 May 2009. It is, therefore, no longer possible to apply for either programme.

4. Will NCSL have any new provision for team development?

A new programme is being developed for those in the secondary sector. It is called Developing Senior Leadership Teams (DSLT). The aim of the programme is to deliver a high quality and fit for purpose team programme for senior leaders in secondary schools – especially those in challenging circumstances.

NCSL is currently reviewing its primary provision as part of its recently expanded remit. More information will be provided in due course.

5. Where do I get more information about the closure of DCSI?

If you need more information, you can either email dcsi@ncsl.org.uk or bookmark this page, as any updates will be published here.

Programme structure

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

The programme is structured over 12 months and has three stages. See the programme structure page for more information.

2. When does the programme have to be completed by?

3. Do I have to attend all sessions?

Yes, to maximise the learning benefits you need to attend all the sessions. However, these dates are flexible. Please contact your local provider for further details.

4. What support is available throughout the programme?

There will be ongoing support from the provider and facilitators/consultants.

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

No, but participants are encouraged to keep a learning journal throughout the programme.

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

The Working Together for Success programme may also be of interest to you.

Materials and online activities

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

There is support through the online community TeamsWork, but participants are not required to have specific ICT skills. This is primarily a face-to-face programme.

2. Do I have to use online facilities?

You will be required to access TeamsWork for updated information and resources.

3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?

You can contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 609 0009 or send an email to enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.

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

There is online support through TeamsWork, but participants are not required to have specific ICT skills. This is primarily a face-to-face programme.

5. Do I have to pay for materials?

Access to TeamsWork is part of the overall cost of the programme.

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

Working within NCSL's guidance on IPR, participating schools can use the materials in-house.

Cost

1. How much does this programme cost?

The cost of the programme is determined by your local provider. Please contact your provider for further details.

2. Are there any grants available?

Grants are not available from NCSL. You will need to contact your local authority or diocesan officer.

Professional development

1. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?

Participating teams who successfully complete the stage 3 review event will receive a certificate confirming their involvement in the programme.

2. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?

The Working Together for Success programme may also be of interest to you.