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Frequently asked questions

Q. How will it be ensured that serving-head SIPs offer the same level of challenge as the present LA school effectiveness advisers (SEAs)?

A. All SIPs, irrespective of background, must pass through the same process to achieve the same national qualification.  The LA Area SIPs will also have a responsibility to ensure consistency through their line management of the SIPs in the area.

Q. Are SIPs replacing the external adviser currently involved with the performance management of the headteacher?

A. Yes, this function is part of the SIP's role.

Q. Will schools also retain their link adviser?

A. No, not in the sense of a specific school link, but the Area SIP will have a co-ordinating role for the geographical area in which the school is situated.  Area SIPs and other LA advisers and consultants would still be available to support specific activities, training or projects (such as co-observation of lessons and interviewing for senior staff) on a traded basis.  SEAs will continue to be involved in headteacher appointments.

Q.How many schools will the Area SIP cover?

A. It is envisaged that typically, a given Area SIP might have overview of two areas with about eight schools in each.  He/she would be the SIP for some of the schools in the area, but not all of them.

Q. What if a school decides to ask the SIP to give additional support?

A. There is a protocol to cover this – a SIP cannot "tout for business" at a personal level.  All SIPs will be aware of the sources of support that are available within the county structures.  SIP support is about helping schools to find solutions, not about delivering the solutions personally.

Q. Will there be a sufficient number of SIPs in the county?

A. At the moment, we are confident that it will be possible to appoint a SIP to each school who has passed the qualification and been assessed by county officers (through application and interview) as being of a good standard.

Q. Does a school have to use all five days?

A. Several headteachers have already indicated their wish for a "light touch" arrangement.  The Hertfordshire plan is to accommodate this where school performance data confirms that it would be sensible to do so.

Q. Could there be "pyramid SIPs" in areas where the county has middle schools?

A. This is an interesting idea which can be taken forward to DfES regional organisers.  Such a person would have to be qualified both as a primary and as a secondary SIP, and it is not clear at the moment whether the qualifications are identical.

Q. Is the SIP's report copied to the chair of governors?

A. Yes.

Q. How can chairs of governors find out more?

A. Peter Matthews (Senior Secondary SEA) will be speaking to a meeting of chairs of governors on 21 March.