Merton School Improvement (MSI) is a highly experienced group of specialist education professionals, who have had successful education al leadership careers in primary, secondary or special schools; some are current inspectors accredited with and deployed by Ofsted. Across the team we offer strengths in curriculum development, building leadership capacity and advising schools on their statutory duties such as safeguarding. We are dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people in partnership with all Merton schools and partner agencies. 

View our school improvement services

The support of a Merton Education Partner with 2 visits per year contributing to analysis of school outcomes, identifying priorities, advising on school improvement and providing comprehensive reports for governors. 

At LA-level, an annual review process identifying school strengths to be shared, trends in performance and schools where standards are declining or pupil groups underperforming; Additional support for schools in challenging or changing circumstances through additional MEP Inspector visits allocated according to the School Improvement Strategy categorisation and providing support and challenge as necessary. MSI will co-ordinate support from Advisers and from other Merton Schools. 

• Briefings and training on the current School Inspection Handbook, guidance on preparation for inspection and on leaders’ use of inspection activities for school improvement. 
• Advice and support immediately before, during and after Ofsted inspection. 
• 2 days per year to support quality assurance for 6th form provision 
• Quality assurance of KS4 alternative provision. 
• Advice, briefings and development of local guidance / model policies on statutory duties, curriculum, statutory assessment and moderation processes, curriculum, governance, SEN. 
• Regular briefings on national policies, professional development forums e.g. secondary Head of Department/curriculum forums; SENCO forum. 
• LA subscription to useful resources e.g., Nexus 
• Perspective Lite and FFT available to school use. 
• Targeted support for schools in challenging circumstances from the allocated Merton Education Partner who will provide support and challenge as necessary, and who will be the main point of contact with MSI, and the advisory team. 
• MSI professional advice and guidance to Governors on the appointment of new head teachers. Representation of the Assistant Director for Education the final interviews. 
• 20% discount on support and guidance for governors in the performance management of the head teacher. 20% discount on briefings and support for Governing Bodies; 
• Telephone / email support and guidance from School Improvement Inspectors and Advisers; 
• Discount on the Merton School Improvement CPD Programme. 

Please note: We would normally expect to have increased our SLA charges in alignment with other LA service teams, which in 2023-24 is 5%. Taking into account of changes to Appropriate Body arrangements from academic year 2023-24 we have calculated a 3.5% increase in our charges while Merton schools are paying both LB Merton and ECTs in their second induction year and Wandle Teaching Hub for the new ECT cohort in academic year 2023-24. 

SLA pricing

Contact

If you require additional information please contact: 

Rachel Bowerman
Head of School Improvement 
Tel: 020 8545 3806 
Email: msi@merton.gov.uk 

Please note reference to “Governing Boards” includes both LA maintained schools and boards of trustees of academies. Likewise references to “Governors”, also refers to trustees, members and directors of academies