School Improvement

School Improvement is at the heart of what we do at Synergy MAT. Our Trust is committed to inclusive practice and the development of collaborative and active learning. Each school follows the Trust’s strategic approach to improvement, using self-evaluation processes and development plans, reflecting the Trust’s aims, policies, and priorities. These are informed by a rigorous monitoring cycle to assure the quality of teaching and learning. This vital role is overseen by our Professional Development Lead and our two Deputy CEOs, who work closely with school leaders.

The Trust supports schools in their improvement by providing:

• development of shared resources related to a pedagogical model, intended to disseminate good practice and a detailed committed approach to active learning and engagement of pupils

• a consistent framework for assessment in Maths and English and its use to inform planning to raise achievement, with a clear focus on managing staff workload and well-being;

• working as a Primary Hub in North Norfolk in partnership with the PTI

• support and challenges around safeguarding; making sure training for all staff and governors is completed and systems are in place that ensure all stakeholders are safe.

• a programme of Continuing Professional Development to improve teaching and learning, informed by research, and including Trust INSET days, which draws all schools together to deliver key messages and high-quality CPD;

• processes to prepare staff for career development at all levels, including training for future leaders and access for them to experience beyond the schools in which they are based, this is included in CPD opportunities and opportunities to access NPQs from local quality providers;

• an annual programme of Trust reviews to assist strategic planning to ensure schools continue to achieve excellent outcomes;

• an annual programme of external audits across our schools including safeguarding and SEND.

The School Improvement Team supports schools by:

• visits (focused on moving forward the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and management), the frequency of which will depend on the performance and circumstances of the School;

• support all schools in embedding our collaborative and ambitious vision, ensuring that the vision and provision are effective in supporting our pupils’ ability to flourish

• providing an evaluation of the curriculum and its impact;

• accelerating the development of senior and middle leaders through support and challenge.