September 2010

The know zone

  • Legal tender?
    Schools and colleges should ensure they are prepared for the potential cost of legal action brought about by the ‘no-win, no-fee’ legions of lawyers, says Richard Bird. More
  • Academy checklist
    Your legal questions answered by the ASCL member support team. More
  • Making a meal of it?
    Introducing a pupil premium will be neither quick nor simple, as Sam Ellis explains. More
  • Mission control
    ASCL member, Clare Darley was one of the inaug ural participants in Teach First, the scheme bringing top graduates to work in challenging secondary schools. She is currently assistant pr incipal for teaching and learning at Paddington Academy in west London. Away from school, she recently ran her second marathon and plays club-level hockey. Interview by John Holt. More
  • Focus on WWF
    Taking inspiration from 1960s rock stars, school leaders are being invited to leave their classrooms behind and get their heads together in the country. More
  • Getting the best from staff
    As school budgets are squeezed, training and development can be one of the first things to go. More
  • Rolling up for academy rewards?
    The coalition government has invited all outstanding schools to become academies. Is it an opportunity to innovate for the good of all students? Or will it drain money from the system and leave other schools isolated? We asked ASCL members for their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery...
    The antidote to common leadership conundrums... More
  • An ever-changing landscape
    ASCL general secretary, Brian Lightman reflects on the changed world in which he will be operating and what it means for the association and its members. More
  • Captivating lessons
    More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from John Lennon, Alexandra Stoddard, Bernard-Paul Heroux and Anita Roddick. More
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Getting the best from staff

As school budgets are squeezed, training and development can be one of the first things to go. However, in times of change it is even more important that school leaders are able to understand, analyse and respond to the performance of staff.

Savvy schools are working in partnership to make their professional development budgets go further and, to make collaboration easier, BlueSky has created a brand new Federation/ Cluster module. At the touch of a button schools can share training needs, coordinate expertise and plan professional development activities that can be shared across schools in the network.

BlueSky provides a simple yet versatile online solution to help schools deliver excellence in performance management and CPD. BlueSky is an ASCL Preferred Supplier. Mention that you are an ASCL member and the school will receive a 10 per cent discount.


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.

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