1. Who should attend the School Improvement Partner (SIP) programme?
The eligibility criteria for all phases are directly related to the experience and expertise set out in the job description and the person specification in the School Improvement Partners' Brief. For special school applicants there are also selection criteria. Please refer to this before completing the application form.
2. Will Fast Track teachers have access to SIPs?
It is unlikely that a Fast Track teacher would meet the eligibility criteria at this stage of their career.
3. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
Applicants should have substantial experience in the phase for which they are applying. It is very likely that they will have Qualified Teacher Status.
4. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?
The chair of the governing body will have to approve your application as you will need to be released from school.
5. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
6. Are there any pre-requisite programmes I must complete before I can do the SIPs programme?
No.
7. Is the SIPs 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?
This is an accreditation programme, not a professional development programme.
9. How ICT literate do I need to be?
You will have to have sufficient ICT skills to be able to apply online and complete an online assessment or self-assessment (special schools).
10. I need more information about eligibility criteria for SIPs. Where can I get this?
You should refer to the School Improvement Partners Brief, DCSF, September 2007.
Application is made through the online application form.
You are strongly advised to have all the relevant information to hand before beginning the application form. The application form has the following areas for completion:
2. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
There is a facility to print your completed form. On completion of your application you are given the option to print it before submission. Currently there is no option to make changes.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
Applications for accreditation as a SIP are accepted through the online application form, although in exceptional circumstances we can arrange for applicants to complete a hard copy.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
Applications are accepted from individuals only.
5. When does the next application round begin?
Please see the availability section for details of primary, secondary and special school application rounds.
6. When is the deadline for submitting applications to the programme?
Please see the availability section for details of primary, secondary and special school application rounds.
7. What happens if I miss the deadline?
You will have to wait until the next application round for your phase.
8. Is the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?
The number of places on two-day development and assessment programmes is limited according to the target number for the phase.
9. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for the SIPs programme prior to application?
There are no briefings or taster sessions.
10. Can I cut and paste within the application form?
Yes, you can, but you will have to use the keyboard shortcuts listed below (or your system equivalent):
11. Can I cut and paste between the online application form and different applications?
Yes, you can if you use the shortcuts listed above. Please note that copying specially formatted characters such as bullet points, numbered points and tables from a word processor may not be supported. This may result in odd characters appearing in your final application form.
No, we do not provide a spell check facility. It is recommended that you draft your response in a word processor and use the spell check facility in that application. Using the shortcuts listed above you can then paste the text into your form.
13. How long should it take me?
This depends on how much detail you put into your answers. As a rough guide we recommend an hour for completion. Applicants are advised to read through the guidelines which provide details of the information required and the appropriate formats.
14. Can I complete my application in more than one session?
Yes, the form can be completed in one or more sessions. You may save the form as you complete a section but, once saved, you will no longer be able to edit that section.
15. Can I complete the application form offline?
No, the form can only be completed online.
16. How do I know my application form has been saved and received?
When you click on the submit button at the end of the application form, you will receive a confirmation message. You will also receive an email to confirm that NCSL has received the information that you have provided. If you do not receive this, please contact sips@ncsl.org.uk.
17. Can I re-access my application form once I have clicked on the submit button?
No, once you have submitted your form no further alterations can be made.
18. What are cookies and how do I enable them?
A cookie is a small piece of information which a web server can store temporarily within your web browser. This helps your browser remember specific information which the web server can later read. Some cookies expire and are deleted from your computer as soon as you close your browser. These are temporary cookies. Our website uses this type of temporary cookie.
Cookies are enabled by default on the vast majority of modern computers. If you are able to access the application form successfully, then your cookie settings are already enabled. However, if you are unable to access the form, it could be that your browser cookie settings are disabled. The must be enabled before you can log in. For help with this, please contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 609 0009 or send an email to enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
19. What is the reference process?
Upon receipt of your application form, references will be automatically requested by email. We will contact your two nominated referees using the email address you provided for them in your application form. It is therefore essential that you have the correct email address for both referees. The nominated referees will receive an email with instructions and a link to the reference form that they need to complete. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the reference process is completed within the required time.
Please note that only applications with two appropriate, supportive references will be considered for eligibility.
20. What happens if one of my referees doesn't receive the reference request?
References will be automatically requested using the email addresses you have provided in your application form. If an email is returned to us because it could not be delivered, we shall forward the details to you, allowing you the opportunity to provide us with a correct email address. It is your responsibility to contact your referee to ensure the email has been received.
21. What do I do if one of my referees doesn't have access to a computer?
Electronic references are preferred using our online reference system. However, if one of your nominated referees does not have access to a computer, please email sips@ncsl.org.uk with your details and your referee's full postal address or fax number. We shall request a hand written reference.
22. What if my referee cannot use the link in the reference request email?
In the email reference request there will also be a web address for the referee to copy and paste into his/her browser. Full details of how to do this will be included in the email.
23. How will my referee know that NCSL has received his/her reference?
Once your referee submits his/her reference he/she will receive an automatic email from NCSL confirming that we have received the submission.
24. What happens to the information provided in my application form and references?
For details concerning the privacy statement and fair processing notice, please visit the Privacy statement page on the website.
1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
Please see the SIPs web pages for the time needed for online assessment or online self-assessment and the two-day programme.
2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
The residential element lasts two days and requires one overnight stay.
3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Yes, this is obligatory.
4. What support is available throughout the programme?
Experienced tutors and assessors are present throughout the two-day residential programme.
5. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
Candidates are required to complete an online assessment/self-assessment successfully and to meet the assessment requirements of the two-day development and assessment programme.
6. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?
None as part of the accreditation programme.
1. How do I access the online communities and materials?
Please see the website for details of how to apply and how to complete the online assessment or the online self assessment.
2. Do I have to use online facilities?
All applicants are required to apply online. All eligible primary and secondary candidates are required to complete the online assessment. Special school applicants are required to complete the online self-assessment.
3. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
If you experience technical difficulties whilst completing the online application form or online assessment/self-assessment, please contact the NCSL helpdesk on 0845 609 0009, or email enquiries@ncsl.org.uk, 8am-9pm Monday to Friday. Please note that the help desk can only provide technical assistance and will not be able to answer questions in relation to the completion of the form. If you have questions that you would like answering before starting to complete the form, these can be sent to sips@ncsl.org.uk.
4. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
No, there is no support apart from the helpdesk.
5. Do I have to pay for materials?
There is no cost for the online assessment or online self-assessment. For the two-day development and assessment programme, accommodation costs for the first night of the programme are covered, as are all meals. Additional accommodation costs, travelling expenses and extras are the candidate's own responsibility.
6. Can I use the materials afterwards in my school setting?
All materials used are confidential and may not be used outside the programme.
1. How much does this programme cost?
There is no cost for the online assessment or online self-assessment. For the two-day development and assessment programme, accommodation costs for the first night of the programme are covered, as are all meals. Additional accommodation costs, travelling expenses and extras are the candidate's own responsibility.
2. Are there any grants available?
Not applicable.
3. Can I claim for the costs of supply cover and travel when I attend the programme?
Additional accommodation costs, travelling expenses and extras are the candidate's own responsibility.
4. What is the policy for charging, supply cover and travel for small schools?
See above.
5. What is the charging policy for independent and overseas schools?
It is the same policy for all candidates.
1. Can the programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
No.
2. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
Candidates who meet the requirements are accredited as school improvement partners in the phase they have applied for.
3. How can I become a facilitator on the programme?
Please contact the SIPs team at sips@ncsl.org.uk, attaching your CV.
4. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?
No.
1. How do I appeal or make a complaint?
If you believe the wrong judgement has been made in the assessment of your eligibility or at the residential programme, you may appeal using the following process:
(40kb, 3 pages)
(45kb, 2 pages)In the event that you wish to make a complaint, NCSL operates a complaints process.
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