September 2011

The know zone

  • On the level
    However unpopular or culpable an employee seems to be, any dismissal process against them has to be just and impartial, says Richard Bird, even one instigated by the secretary of state. More
  • Nobody's fool
    Now you've budgeted for your staff, make sure you get value for money in whatever you ask them to do, says Sam Ellis. There's no easy way to do this, but an online tool may help. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Albert Einstein, Socrates, Bill Cosby and Confuscious More
  • The guv'nor
    Philip Capper was named school governor of the year at last year's UK Teaching Awards. He is chair of governors at Ysgol Bryn Elian in Old Colwyn, Wales. He recently retired from his full-time job in the offshore fishing industry. More
  • b-live to work
    The b-live Foundation was set up six years ago to help and inspire young people to make informed career choices through partnerships with schools, employers and other organisations. More than 230,000 students are currently being supported. More
  • Adding value
    Getting the best from staff More
  • Examination thoughts
    From September 2012, external exams for GCSE will be done at the end of the course so there will be no modular exams part-way through. Is this a good move? And if changes are to be made to GCSE, are there others that would be more effective in improving them? School leader s share their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    Commanding performance, Don't know much about biology... More
  • Ever-shifting pension debate
    Held just two weeks before the teacher unions' one-day strike on pensions, the June Council meeting was dominated by this topic and debate over how ASCL should proceed. More
  • Answering the right questions
    The shocking events in England's cities – and the involvement of young people in them – underline the need for the profession to seize the debate about the purpose of education, says Brian Lightman. More
  • Stick to the plan
    Nigel Poole presents his 20 top tips to becoming a valued, respected, hard-working, cheerful, credible, versatile and all-round impressive leader. More
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Adding value

Getting the best from staff

As school and college budgets are squeezed, training and development can be one of the first things to go. But in today's climate it is more important than ever that leaders understand, analyse and respond to the performance of staff.

BlueSky provides a simple and versatile online solution to help deliver excellence in performance management and CPD. BlueSky reduces the administration burden and provides live strategic information on staff performance, highlighting areas for improvement.

As schools increasingly work in partnership to make professional development budgets go further, BlueSky has enhanced further its Partnership Module. Schools can share training needs and plan professional development activities across schools.

The Partnership Module removes the administrative burden that usually leaves mountains of paper information that is rarely transformed into useful knowledge. By working collaboratively, schools can deliver cost-effective, high quality professional development for their staff.

BlueSky is an ASCL Preferred Supplier and ASCL members receive a 10 per cent discount. Call to arrange an online demonstration on 01483 880 004, email support@blueskyeducation.co.uk or visit www.blueskyeducation.co.uk

One of the benefits of ASCL membership is discounts and special rates on a range of personal and educational products and services. There are healthcare products, online staff well-being systems financial advice and self-evaluation surveys. Check out the full list at www.ascl.org.uk

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