Initiative launched to improve district’s education
AN OPEN forum to share best practice is critical, a Calderdale headteacher says, as he is appointed to lead a new programme of strategic school improvement across the district.
Steve Evans, headteacher at Rastrick High School and Sixth Form, is to lead the programme, taking up a nine-month secondment with Calderdale Council.
As assistant director of learning services, he will work alongside the council’s school improvement team, Ofsted and the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) to lead a strategy supporting schools in the area, while challenging them to improve.
“The challenge is to ensure there is a forum for headteachers to discuss improvement with each other, and also to create a way for headteachers to work together and share best practice,” he said. “We need to ensure that, when a school is in need of support, we have got the people and relationships in place to do something about it together.
“The communication of an improvement strategy is absolutely critical,” he added. “I want to bring headteachers together to discuss improvements, look at where improvement is required and to share best practice.”
The initiative, seen in other authorities nationwide, is being brought to Calderdale for the first time. Mr Evans will remain as headteacher at Rastrick High through the programme, while two deputies will step up to the role of associate heads.
“This is a new challenge, but one that we are planning carefully for and one which will ensure that our school moves from strength to strength,” said Mr Evans. “This initiative could work anywhere. Headteachers improve headteachers – and schools. My role will be pulling the people together.”
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services Coun Megan Swift said: “I’m confident that his wealth of experience will see him thrive in this vital role. Steve will bring fresh new ideas to the council and help us to continue to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people in Calderdale.”