Spiral Associate School Programme

Making the decision to become part of a multi academy trust is a big step. The anxiety of not knowing exactly what will and won’t change, and what benefits it may, or may not have for children and staff plays a significant part in why many schools choose to remain maintained schools. It is often the fear of losing autonomy over their own school that stops school leaders exploring the advantages that joining a MAT offers.

The “Associate School Programme” at Spiral gives maintained schools the opportunity to experience being part of a multi academy trust before making that final decision. It is, quite simply, a “try before you buy” option which provides a low risk experience of working within a MAT, giving access to a wide range of our services and allowing schools to enjoy the strong, collaborative ethos in which our Trust  Head Teachers and Governors strive to continuously improve our schools.

This programme aims to be immersive, giving associate school leaders a real sense of being part of the Spiral team on a day to day basis. It can be tailored to the bespoke needs of your school and if services are needed which incur a cost, this is charged without any profit made by the Trust ensuring excellent value for money. The associate school works closely with the CEO to decide which services are required and pays only for what is used.

Being an Associate Member of the Trust has enabled our school to experience many aspects of the Trust. We have benefitted from full access to the expert knowledge of the Executive Heads and their specific skills, as well as developing strong relationships with our fellow schools regarding curriculum, leadership and SEND.  All staff have been able to work with colleagues in similar year groups or subject leadership areas, and continue to develop practice. As a Headteacher, there has been generous support on a range of issues, whilst also encouraging us to investigate what we can offer from our unique perspective. The Associate Programme gave us a full opportunity to investigate being part of the Trust, ensuring that our values and practices were shared by all.

Anne Clark

Head, Colney Heath Primary School

The programme is limited to two terms, at which point we believe schools will be in a better position to decide whether to become part of Spiral Partnership Trust permanently or to remain as a Local Authority maintained school. 

Leadership support and school improvement

• Attendance at Spiral senior leadership team (SSLT) meetings:
  • sharing good practice, expertise and educational research
  • remaining current with DfE/OFSTED requirements, thinking and initiatives
  • sharing workload e.g. policies, curriculum, research and information sharing
  • acknowledging the importance of staff well-being and actively supporting Head Teachers with their own.
• Bespoke mentoring for senior leaders (CEO and Exec Head Team)
• School improvement cycle of activities including robust moderation
• Senior education consultant advice and guidance (external)
• School to School support (all areas of school development including SLT, teachers, SBM, office, support staff, premises, governance)
• Governance mentoring e.g. chair to chair, or support from a member of the Board of Directors, or observing another Local School Committee meeting

Safeguarding and behaviour

• External safeguarding expert advice and support including annual audit
• Practical advice support from Executive Head (safeguarding) at all times
• Trauma and attachment specialist support
• Solution focused approach to behaviour, including ‘Spiral Around the Child’ discussions
• Advice and support around suspensions and exclusions
• Working alongside nationally recognised specialists in this field

SEND

• Support from Trust SENCo: best practice systems and processes, EHCP writing etc.
• Collaborative work with SENCo cluster group
• Access to Trust Educational Psychologist service

HR services

• Contracts
• Performance support
• Recruitment processes
• Ensuring legal compliance

Financial services

• Advice for budgeting, forecasting and purchasing (including economies of scale)
• Financial returns

CPD programme

• A wide range of in house CPD opportunities for staff working in all roles, including but not limited to, for example:
  • Subject leader training and cluster groups
  • Effective confrontation
  • Safeguarding (staff and governance)
  • Using CPOMS
  • Understanding Trauma and Attachment
  • Ofsted preparation
  • Effective use of the IDSR and ASP
  • Supporting PPG pupils
  • Legionella training
  • Compliance training
• Supportive networks of Trust colleagues working towards NPQ qualifications (NPQEL, NPQH, NPQSL, NPQB&C, NPQLL, NPQEY, NPQLTD)

IT support

• Support with strategic planning and development

Premises and estate management

• Bespoke support and advice from experienced Trust Premises Manager
• Support with project planning
• Access to risk assessment advice and documents
• CPD for own site staff (from Premises Manger)
• Fire safety assessments and compliance
• Asbestos assessments and protocols

Why work with us at Spiral?

Not all multi-academy trusts are the same. Each has its own distinct character, ethos and values and for any school thinking about joining a MAT, it is essential that this is explored thoroughly, understood fully and that values are shared with any school looking to join.

Spiral is built on high aspirations, kindness, collaboration, inclusivity and strong professional relationships. This gives a sense of direction and purpose to all we do to improve outcomes for children. We are an outward-looking MAT, working closely with the Local Authority and beyond, engaging external professionals who we respect and trust to support us in our development. As a MAT which is exclusively dedicated to the Primary phase, we pride ourselves on our research based EYFS, KS1 and KS2 expertise. 

For more details or for an informal chat to find out more, please contact admin@spiral.herts.sch.uk or complete the 'Contact Us' form.