Proposals for the future of BIP
DCSF guidance has recently guaranteed that schools in receipt of BIP funding will receive “at the least the same cash amount per pupil” from April 2008 until March 2011. Therefore, a key part of the proposals for the future of BIP is an ongoing role for the Central Team in monitoring the progress of schools towards BIP Outcomes and their use of funding. DCSF views have previously stressed the importance of BIP in raising standards and the need for Local Authorities to have a central team of staff to work with schools:
- “BIP is one of the central elements of the government’s strategy to improve behaviour and attendance in schools. It is an integral part of the drive to raise standards of teaching and learning.”
- “BIP has the most impact where delivery is reinforced by robust local monitoring and assessment arrangements, analysing the impact and discussing ways forward.”
- “Each BIP programme needs some central capacity, supported by administrative resources, with clear reporting lines, accountability, decision-making authority and LA support.”
Proposals for the future of BIP from 2008 to 2011 suggest how the Central Team could work in partnership with schools and colleagues, but extending beyond the current BIP ‘boundaries’, for enhancing inclusive practice in Rotherham. There are 4 main proposals for the future of BIP that could be combined or adopted separately alongside the team’s existing work:
1. Offer intervention in proportion to the needs of current BIP Schools
In agreement with schools and Local Authority colleagues, identify a number of BIP schools for additional targeted support from Central BIP , whilst other schools would receive ‘light touch’ support. (This would not affect the guaranteed BIP funding of schools.) Previously, all BIP schools were offered similar levels of support but with 4 years of data available on exclusions, attendance and attainment it is now possible to be far more targeted in our work with schools.
2. Share good practice from BIP Schools more widely within Rotherham
In agreement with schools and Local Authority colleagues, identify a number of BIP schools with established good practice for inclusion and the capacity to support other schools within Rotherham . The Central BIP Team would offer support in co-ordinating a programme of sharing good practice and establishing appropriate networks.
3. Use the Central BIP Team to develop the Learning Mentors and LSU strands in Rotherham
Small changes to the existing work patterns of Central BIP could release time to provide strategic input and training for staff originally employed in schools through the Learning Mentor and LSU (Learning Support Unit) strands. This could include working with staff in the 2 Primary Learning Centres and with the Link Learning Mentors for Primary and SecondarySchools.
4. Invite non - BIP schools to participate in the programme’s training and development activities
Central BIP provides an annual programme of LBP (Lead Behaviour Professional) training and cluster meetings to keep schools informed about new legislation, guidance and good practice for inclusion. Invites could be opened up to all schools or they could be approached for an expression of interest. (After consultation with schools and LA colleagues as well as considering exclusion and attendance data.)
5. Continue most of the Central BIP Team’s existing work
For all BIP schools there would be continued support and challenge from Central BIP through school reviews, providing information on inclusion data, cluster meetings, promoting multi-agency approaches and the use of SEAL materials.
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Please contact John Bocking, Rotherham BIP Manager, for further details:
john.bocking@rotherham.gov.uk or 01709 440434