ACE Quality - How to design and influence an effective quality improvement process
The ACE Quality Managers/Curriculum Leaders programme was delivered by HOLEX and commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation on behalf of the Department for Education.
This exciting series of sessions supported leaders to design and implement effective quality improvement processes. The presentation element of each session was recorded and all recordings are now accessible below with links through to the ETF YouTube channel.
Viewing all sessions will give you a sound understanding of how the component parts of the quality assurance and improvement process fit together.
You will understand the importance of the links between strategy, planning, and quality improvement. This will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to respond to regional and organisational priorities.
It will also enable you to influence the design and implementation of a successful curriculum and enhance the quality of the learner experience.
The programme also touches on how the process of establishing effective quality assurance processes will ensure that you are always inspection ready.
ACE Quality Module 1 - Determining a quality management system
This module will enable delegates to understand the concept of a quality cycle and the component parts within it. It will emphasise the importance of accountability links – the role of learners, staff, managers, and governors within the quality cycle. It will explore how you need to establish effective feedback loops and review processes. Finally, it will help you plot a suitable quality cycle and timeline that works for your organisation.
Access the recording here.
Access the slides here.
ACE Quality Module 2 - Building strategy on local plans
This module will explore how the local/regional skills landscape influences the design of your curriculum. It will identify how key stakeholders should influence your strategy and planning. You will recognise the link between funding sources and development priorities. It will demonstrate how these influences help you devise a suitable curriculum that meets the needs both of the funders and the learners. Finally, it will briefly explore the links between strategic priorities and workforce planning.
Access the recording here.
Access the slides here.
ACE Quality Module 3 - Writing a self-assessment report
This module will explore how to design and use a self-assessment report (SAR) as a force for improvement. It will consider how to make self-assessment more than just a document on the shelf. It will emphasise the importance of shared ownership of quality processes. It will also explore different options for critiquing the evolving SAR, and how the review links to the next stage of the process – the improvement and action planning.
Access the recording here.
Access the slides here.
ACE Quality Module 4 - Drawing up an effective improvement/action plan
cThis module will explore the different improvement models, what elements you might consider including in your plan, and the benefits each part brings. It will touch on how to build ownership and accountability into action plans, and how to measure success against your actions. It will introduce the idea of the ‘Pareto principle’ – how to maximise the impact of your improvement initiatives. Finally, it will touch on how your action planning should influence staff development priorities and possible capital investment.
Access the recording here.
Access the slides here.
ACE Quality Module 5 - Using RARPA to improve quality
This module will explore how you establish the aims of a learning programme, particularly when it does not carry a qualification. It will highlight the importance of effective initial assessment to establish learners’ starting points. It will then explore how teachers can set clear and measurable objectives. It will highlight the importance of tracking, monitoring and recording progress. It will briefly explore the difference between the concept of assessment ‘for’ learning vs assessment ‘of’ learning. Finally, it will enable you to appreciate how to recognise and demonstrate learner progress.
Access the recording here.
Access the slides here.
ACE Quality Module 6 - Inspection, and the role of the Nominee
The final module will explore how you should use the information in modules 1 to 5 to help ensure you are inspection ready at all times. It will cover what to expect when Ofsted contacts you to advise that your inspection is due. It will provide a basic overview of the inspection process and how to work with inspectors during the inspection. It will emphasise the importance of how managers should engage with staff within your organisation over the course of the inspection. It will explore the role of the nominee as part of that inspection team. It will enable you to identify the best-placed manager to act as nominee. As a result, it will enable you to help ensure you show off your organisation in the best possible light.
Access the recording here.
Access the slides here.