The No to Failure Stakeholder Day
We held our No to Failure Stakeholder Day at Glaziers Hall, London Bridge on 21st January 2009.
This was a well attended day for key representatives who have participated in the project within the three regions. It was a great opportunity to gather together, share good practice, share opinions and update each other on plans for the future.
Speakers included Dr Chris Singleton, independent evaluator of the NTF project and Rosie Wood, Consultant SpLD Specialist who has played a pivotal role in the ‘No to Failure’ project since its very beginning. Lively presentations from Calderdale, Cornwall and London Borough of Southwark stimulated much interest among attendees and gave everybody present a valuable insight into the striking difference in terms of challenges and advantages of each demographic; as well as striking a chord in terms of key issues in common for pupils that seem to crop up, wherever they happen to go to school!
The day finished with tea and cakes while everybody watched a short DVD compilation which showed staff, parents and pupils saying in their own words, what the project had done for them and what difference the specialist teacher support and training had made to them. You will soon be able to watch the DVD on-line – please check back during the week commencing 16th February.
In the meantime, evaluation forms are still coming in, but here are some of the comments received so far:
Q: what was good about the day and why?
A: “Each of us played a part in the project. Today brought it all together and showed what a worthwhile exercise it has been. It was loud and clear that it is the child that everyone is rooting for”
Q: What could have been done differently to improve the day?
A: “More Secondary support for issues arising in this sector”
Q: What has been the best thing about your involvement in NTF?
A: “Being at the chalk face and helping each child to advance and find their feet a bit more”
A: “Increased awareness of dyslexia within school and evaluation of current practice”
A: “It has been great being involved. The NTF tutors have made a very positive contribution to students and staff in our department”
A: “Computer software support and enthusiasm of contributors”
A: “I was able to take my skills to other schools and pupils and expand my experience of other schools and testing procedures”
Q: How will you use the NTF experience to influence your future support for pupils?
A: “IDP/Quality Mark whole school development. Dyslexia training for LSA’s and teachers, continued specialist provision”
A: “Commitment to training/increasing expertise. Improving our provision. Greater networking and showing good practice.”
A: “It has changed the testing that we use in the school and I have introduced longer sessions for pupils where appropriate. Rejuvenated my planning skills!”
Q: As a result of your NTF experience what future developments are you planning for your school?
A: “Training of teachers on AMBDA course and of LSA on shorter courses. The introduction of confidence indicators – IDP and Quality Mark plus the evaluation of practice/improvement – more robust screening”
A: “Currently have a teacher and TA attending SpLD courses that will give a fantastic cross section of skills in the school”
