1. Who should attend the MATD programme?
The programme is open to professionals from any sector working with children. Teams should include representatives from at least three statutory government agencies, plus one extended school. Voluntary and community sector members can also take part.
2. Will 'Fast-Track' teachers have access to MATD?
Yes, if they're involved in a multi-agency team.
3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
No. This programme is designed for professionals from non-education backgrounds as well as teachers.
4. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for the programme?
No. Each team needs to have a 'sponsor' who can be drawn from a range of posts; a multi-agency team project manager, headteacher of an extended school, local authority children's services leader, or a leader of a multi-agency team within a community.
5. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
Yes, provided you are part of a multi-agency team based in a school or a cluster of schools across a locality.
6. Are there any pre-requisite programmes I must complete before I can do the MATD programme?
No
7. Is the MATD programme a pre-requisite for any other programmes?
No
8. I'm not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
Contact Phil Fisher on phil.fisher@ncsl.org.uk of the NCSL programme team or your local programme providers.
9. How computer literate do we need to be?
A basic level. The application forms which participants must complete are online. There is also an online personality assessment to complete pre-programme and NCSL has a discussion forum for participants to share experiences and knowledge with other professionals.
ApplyingContact your local MATD provider for details. The team's sponsor will initiate the application process.
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
No, the application form is online. This makes the process quicker, simpler, and more friendly to the environment.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
No, the process is all online.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
The programme accepts Multi-agency team's only.
You can apply to any provider, but they cannot deliver or advertise the programme outside of their own regions.
6. When does the next application round begin?
Please contact your local provider for application periods.
7. When is the deadline for submitting applications?
Please contact your local provider for details.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
Please contact your local provider for details.
9. Is the number of places available restricted and if so, is there a waiting list?
There are no restrictions on numbers, but providers will ensure there is appropriate quality facilitation available to each team throughout the programme. Your local provider will be able to tell you when the next availability is.
10. I would like to work with a colleague headteacher, is this possible?
Yes, if you are both part of a multi-agency team.
There will be a check to ensure the team meets the criteria of a multi-agency team, but the providers will have discussed the team with the sponsor before applying, so this should be a formality.
12. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for MATD prior to application?
Yes, providers run taster sessions in most regions. They will have details of dates and venues.
Team sponsors1. Do I need to know who my team sponsor will be before I apply?
Not necessarily, although as the sponsor initiates the application on behalf of the team, chances are you will have heard from them. Teams can nominate a suitable person to sponsor their involvement on the programme.
2. Who should be my sponsor and who decides this?
The sponsor is ideally a senior leader in a local authority or another setting who can engage with and nominate a viable team. The sponsor can be drawn from a range of posts; a multi-agency team project manager, headteacher of an extended school, local authority children's services leader, or a leader of a multi-agency team within a community, for example.
3. What does the role of the sponsor involve?
The role of the sponsor is vital to:
The sponsor can engage fully with the programme, or not. If the sponsor is part of the participating team, then it would make sense for them to be part of the programme.
Programme structure1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
The programme takes place over six months and comprises:
The team works on a real life project in their locality between events and this forms the basis of the programme, so there is an expectation that work will be done away from the events. Consultants are available to help with this though, either online, on the phone, depending on the provider, or even in your workplace, although this carries an additional fee.
2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
Six months in total. One residential and three face to face events.
3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Yes
4. What support is available throughout the programme?
Consultants are assigned to each team by the providers, and they are available throughout the teams involvement via the online community and some providers may offer support by other arrangements. Extra days with the consultants in the teams locality are available at an additional cost to help the team with project work. Please contact your local provider to see what support services they can offer.
5. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
No. Each team works on a real life project in their locality but there is no assessment.
6. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?
For the school leaders amongst you there are NCSL programmes such as Developing Capacity for Sustained Improvement (DCSI) and Working Together For Success (WTFS). There are also a number of resources available that include a number of publications and ECM Leadership Direct.
Materials and online activities1. How do I access the online communities and materials?
You will receive login details when you complete the application and instructions will be sent with these too.
2. Do I have to use the online facilities?
You don't have to use the discussion forum, but a big advantage would be the networking opportunities and the chance to ask fellow professionals questions and share exchange good practice. There are hot seats with leaders who are doing the day job as well as senior leaders from various related professions.
3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials and access?
We have a helpdesk you can contact on 0845 609 0009 or enquiries@ncsl.org.uk
4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
Yes they will.
5. Do I have to pay for materials?
It's all included in the cost of the programme.
6. Can I use the materials afterwards in my school setting?
NCSL own the programme content but some of the exercises and techniques taught in the programme can be transferred to your own setting.
Cost1. How much does this programme cost?
Please contact your local provider for the price of the programme. NCSL does not set the price of the MATD programme
2. Are there any grants available?
Yes there are funding streams for professional development. Part of the team sponsors role is to secure funding for the team's involvement. Your local provider can give you more information.
3. Can I claim for the costs of supply cover and travel when I attend the programme?
Unfortunately not for this programme as there is no funding from NCSL.
Professional development1. Can the MATD programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
No
2. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
All participants completing the programme will receive a certificate confirming their involvement.
3. How can I become a facilitator on this programme?
The MATD facilitators are employed by the providers.
4. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?
You may be interested in the Research Associates Programme, the Leadership Network, Leading Practice seminars and ECM related activities.