Intensifying Support Programme (ISP): Milton Keynes – Multi-agency meetings in ISP schools

Date of issue: Jun. 2006
Theme: Evaluation of the impact of ISP

Context

In Milton Keynes, 11 schools are currently supported through the Intensifying Support Programme (ISP). Regular, focused meetings with representatives from a wide range of LA agencies have been established to ensure an effective, coherent and consistent approach to the support and challenge provided to ISP schools.

Purposes of multi-agency meetings

• To improve the understanding of the key instruments and priorities of the ISP in order to raise standards and accelerate progress.
• To develop communication procedures and a more coherent approach to school support from the range of LA agencies.
• To ensure that all LA agencies are kept informed about ISP and developments to support school improvement.
• To ensure that ISP consultants are kept informed about developments within other LA agencies.
• To develop materials such as interviews with children that reflect the priorities of all teams and therefore promote Quality First teaching.

Organisation of multi-agency meetings

• One meeting occurs each half-term.
• The meetings are attended by one delegate from each of the LA agencies; this is the same delegate for each meeting.
• Meetings are always timetabled for a Friday morning, planned for the whole academic year and are published in July.
• Meetings take place at the offices of the different teams, in order to build greater contextual understanding of the various working environments.
• ISP consultants are responsible for writing and publishing the agenda and minutes of each meeting.
• All delegates contribute to the meeting and collectively decide upon items for the next agenda (see appendix 1).
• There is an agreed expectation that delegates will disseminate the information to their own teams.

Impact

• A closer, effective working relationship has been developed between the LA agencies supporting the ISP schools.
• An understanding has been developed between the LA agencies of their own perspectives and priorities and how they link to whole-school improvement.
• More detailed information is available on each of the ISP schools.
• Improved monitoring of school engagement with the LA is recorded, for example which ISP schools have attended courses offered by the different LA agencies (see appendix 2).
• A forum exists to develop and monitor Quality First teaching processes and resources such as materials for interviews with children.
• The profile and understanding of the ISP programme has been raised across all LA agencies.
• There has been an increased attendance at raising attainment plan (RAP) reviews by all agencies leading to a more focused understanding of success criteria, monitoring and evaluation of actions.
• ISP schools recognise the benefits of a focused, coherent approach to support by the LA.
• There is a more balanced approach to the support in ISP schools – due to the overview that records which schools are being supported and when (see appendix 3).