Frequently asked questions for the NLE/NSS programme

Questions

Answers

1. What models of deployment does the National College envisage?

Much will depend on context and circumstances, but one or more of the following scenarios could happen:

National leader of education (NLE) as full-time acting or executive headteacher in a client school, which has a vacancy for the headship, with significant involvement of staff from the national support school (NSS)
NLE supporting an acting or executive headteacher (who may be a deputy or a leader from another school) for three days a week, providing advice and extensive support from staff in the NSS
NLE providing consultancy support, with staff from the NSS, for 1–2 days a week as an external source of support
NLE/NSS sponsoring an underperforming school to convert to academy status

2. How long am I an NLE for?

NLEs commit to remain in headship for a minimum of two years following their designation, and must remain as a serving head in order to retain the designation. Many NLEs have been performing the role since the programme began in 2006, and there is no time limit on designation, so long as the NLE and NSS continue to meet the designation criteria, continue to be deployed in providing school-to-school support, and do not meet any of the NLE/NSS review of designation criteria. The College keeps under regular review the status of the NLE/NSS and may remove designation at any time, if it is found that the NLE or NSS no longer meet the criteria.

3. Can I apply for the programme if I am an executive headteacher?

Yes, as long as you meet the NLE criteria and are responsible for a school that meets the NSS criteria

4. Can local authorities use NLEs with schools that are not in need of significant support?

We want to give priority to NLEs working with schools in need of support – that is what they applied to do, and that has to be the highest priority. In particular, we would be very concerned if there were schools in need of support who were denied this when there was a suitable NLE close to hand deployed in a school NOT in urgent need of support. That said, we recognise that there may be circumstances where another deployment may be appropriate. These circumstances are likely to include most of the following:

school is identified by the local authority as in its highest category of concern – for example, likely to be in need of significant support if inspected
strong local authority support for an alternative arrangement
no school in need of significant support in reasonable geographical range
school is unlikely to achieve floor targets
school may be in transition towards closure, amalgamation, federation or academy status

5. Can the supported school object to the proposed deployment of a particular NSS?

There may be reasons why the deployment of a particular NLE/NSS is inappropriate to local circumstances. The final decision on deployment rests with the commissioning body, which will take account of all views expressed to ensure the rapid resolution of the supported school’s difficulties.

6. What if things don’t work out well in a supported school?

All parties need to recognise that circumstances, contexts and situations differ enormously, and there will be occasions when a leader who is very successful in one place at one time is less so in another. We will make every endeavour to assist the NLE and relevant commissioning body in moving the situation forward to enable the client school to progress.

7. Does Ofsted know about the programme?

Ofsted has been involved in contributing to the development of the programme and are being kept informed, with particular reference to ensuring that appropriate account is taken in monitoring visits. In addition to this, NLE and NSS support is often referenced in Ofsted Inspection reports for the client school.

If you or a client school with whom you are working with receives an inspection, we encourage you to highlight the work that you are doing to promote the impact of the programme.

8. What happens when an NLE leaves their school?

In this circumstance, each situation will be considered individually. If the NLE is taking up another headship, the NLE ‘status’ will be placed on hold, at least for a period of time, unless the new school is already an NSS. However, the NSS that has been left may continue to be an NSS, at least until the completion of any current work.

9. What if the media approach the NLE, NSS or supported school?

Our press office will actively support the NLE (preparing a written or telephone briefing) if it is decided to do an interview. The press office will also ensure that the NLE’s local authority press office is kept informed when press enquiries are received. If you are approached by the media please contact us at nle.enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk.

10. What funding is available to NLEs and NSS?

A National College bursary is currently paid to each NSS to enable the NLE to have sufficient resource to negotiate NLE deployments; pay for travel and expenses in the course of NLE/NSS work and to provide support and training for NSS staff. Once an NLE is deployed, funding should be provided by the relevant commissioning body.

11. I wish to become a teaching school, do I need to be an NLE/NSS already? Should I apply, and would becoming an NLE/NSS give me a better chance of succeeding?

You do not need to be an NLE/NSS already, and there is no requirement for you to have achieved NLE/NSS designation before applying to become, or prior to being designated as a teaching school.

However, school-to-school support is a large part of the teaching school role, and therefore the experience you will gain through working as an NLE/NSS will provide you with additional evidence for your teaching schools application.

12. If I am unsuccessful in my application for teaching school designation, will you consider my application for NLE/NSS status if I meet those criteria?

This year we are offering the option for schools to apply for both the NLE/NSS and teaching schools programme using one application form. If you apply through this route we will assess your eligibility for both programmes. If you only apply for teaching schools and are unsuccessful, you will have to apply for NLE designation separately.

13. Who can we contact with further questions or issues?

If you have any questions related to this programme, please telephone the National College on 0845 609 0009 or email nle.enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk.