Primary Strategy Learning Networks

This is the second letter sent to schools since January 2005 about a new initiative focussed on the development of Primary Strategy Learning Networks. It provides you with some of the basic national information you will need to instigate a primary network linked to the school improvement priorities of Children's Services in Norfolk. More detailed information can located in the four appendices enclosed and also on the DfES website:

http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/wholeschool/learning_networks/

Norfolk has £506,000 to support 28 networks between April 2005 and July 2006. We are looking to add a further ten networks to the eighteen networks identified in the spring term 2005. Seven of these 10 additional networks may request an additional sum for expertise in mathematics, irrespective of whether mathematics is the main focus of the network.

The Context
The Primary National Strategy has launched a programme to support Learning Networks in primary schools, with the intention that, by 2008, the vast majority of primary schools will be part of an effective network that supports good teaching. Long term the aim is that every primary school is part of an effective Learning Network. In addition, this national development fits very well with the local priorities for raising standards in English and mathematics.

The aim of the Learning Networks is to:

• Raise standards in literacy and mathematics; and
• Increase the capacity of schools to deliver a rich, broad curriculum.

To support these aims the focus of the networks should be on strengthening effective teaching to support pupil learning and implementing appropriate continuous professional development programmes. Opportunities for staff might focus on improving teachers' classroom practice, enriching curriculum provision and raising the attainment of particular groups of pupils. The expected outcomes are that better teaching and learning driven by the network activity will lead to improvements in English and mathematics. There is no blueprint for an effective network.

Next steps and funding

There are three stages to becoming a Learning Network. The first stage is completed in the summer term 2005, the second stage over the autumn term 2005 and once endorsed, the Learning Network becomes fully functional from the spring term of 2006.

Stage 1- Preliminary
The group of schools wishing to become a Learning Network completes a short statement of intent. Once the Local Authority (LA) endorses this statement, the LA pays the sum of £5,000 to the school identified as the fundholder for the network.

NB A school can only be directly involved in ONE PSLN at a time. Schools already involved in one of the 18 PSLN from the spring term 2005 are advised not to apply in this round.

In this second round, schools are advised to elect to become part of just one of the next ten PSLN. Schools who were unsuccessful in the first round can re-apply.

Please see Appendix 3 for Norfolk criteria for selection.

Stage 2 - Planning
After the Statement of Intent has been endorsed planning materials are provided for each school that form the Learning Network. The network produces a timetable for the planning process (a maximum of a school term) and identifies a focus for pupil learning and determines new opportunities for adult learning. The leadership, management and organisational arrangements must also be submitted. The network submits its action plan ON-LINE. The network then has to be accepted by the LA and Primary National Strategy.

Stage 3 - Action
The network receives £12,000 (plus £2,000 for those developing mathematical expertise) from the LA. Staff in the network engage in collaborative, cross school adult learning related to the focus of the network.

Small Schools in Norfolk
We are particularly keen to give small schools in Norfolk the opportunities to develop Learning Networks, as they will help to strengthen collaboration between schools with a focus on supporting good teaching and learning strategies. Small schools may also want to link with larger establishments including high schools although the network funding is only available for primary schools.

Recruiting PSLN across the county
The first round in the spring term produced a lot if interest from schools across the county. In this second round we are keen to encourage schools in areas such as Kings Lynn, Thetford and Great Yarmouth to use a Primary Strategy Learning Network to address a particular challenge in raising standards.

Further guidance
Headteachers interested in becoming a PSLN are asked to read the additional information in the four appendices enclosed with this MI letter.

Appendix 1 Principles and Priorties for Learning Networks in Norfolk

Appendix 2 DFES Guidance

Appendix 3 Criteria for selecting a Primary Strategy Learning Network in Norfolk

Appendix 4 Education Systems Areas and Indicative Clusters (draft)

A reminder too that the website below also contains further guidance, including the proforma for the initial Statement of Intent, which has to be submitted on-line via this DfES website and NOT directly to the LA:

http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/wholeschool/learning_networks/

NB Statements of Intent have to be submitted on-line to the DfES by Monday July 4th 2005. We intend to respond to your initial statements by letter before September 5th 2005.

LEA contacts- Tel 01603 433276
Heather Tyrrell, adviser (general enquiries)
Chris Snudden, Primary Strategy Manager (general enquiries)
John Harris, adviser (small schools network contact)