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Learning Improvement Service

learning improvement service

Bromley Common

Who and what is the Learning Improvement Service? The Learning Improvement Service was set up by Phil Hatton (read about Phil here), an ex-Ofsted HMI and National Adviser. Through his extensive experience in leading inspections, surveys, good practice, advisory work and improvement consultancy, Phil has a unique and wide understanding of best practice in the Further Education sector, particularly in colleges and in work-based learning. He is utilising his knowledge to help colleges and other providers of training improve the learning experience they give to their learners. The LIS only wants to work with those who have a real will to improve their provision, by establishing where you are now and where you would like to be in the future. We do not intend to just help to ‘patch you up’ to get you through an inspection, but to help you make sustainable improvements. We use only the best people, who know what they are doing, because they have done it themselves. Below is a brief summary of the main ways that we can support you (however, please contact us if you require something else not listed below): Consultancy support to improve key aspects of your provision - consultancy support to cover key aspects of quality improvement systems such as self-assessment reporting, position statements, improvement planning, observation of teaching, learning and assessment, sharing of good practice, course reviews and evaluation, the user voice and being prepared for short or full Ofsted Inspections. Phil can also help you to improve English and maths and ensure that your safeguarding is exemplary. Providing a ‘critical friend’ service to check and validate self-assessment, observations of teaching and other key quality processes such as course reviews – confirmation that you are moving in the right direction – we’ll work with you to confirm you are doing the right things in the right way, responding specifically to your needs, keeping you on target to improve your provision. This is one of the key areas of our work particularly from September through to February. Phil will also provide you with support by email or phone if needed prior to and during inspections. Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values Reviews – Phil has developed real expertise in what the best practice of the sector is and can work with you over two days to check out every aspect and leave you with a position statement of where you are and what you can do to be outstanding. Phil can also provide bespoke training and materials to raise awareness of staff, governors and learners Apprenticeships and subcontracting – Phil knows all there is to know about these two areas and has helped transform some of the biggest college and worst performing providers in terms of their success rates. The ideal scenario is a five day visit to check and sample how you do things, suggest improvements and provide you with the resources needed, finishing with a half-day staff development that is bespoke to your improvement needs. Please contact Phil as long in advance as possible to get time allocated for this Internal inspection or review of areas requiring improvement - a tried and tested way to improve an area is to first gain an informed view of exactly where that area is in terms of strengths and weaknesses, using an expert with extensive inspection experience. Unlike an Ofsted inspection, all feedback to staff and managers observed in an area is given constructively to help improve practice for the benefit of learners (while also giving you robust evidence for your OTLA system, SAR and QIP). An internal review could be for an area of learning or for a cross-college aspect such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, or course reviews. All consultants undertaking this work are personally known to Phil Hatton as to their ability to do so. The LIS will only conduct such work when they have the right person to do it (often Phil himself). You will receive a report that focusses on ways of improving the area reviewed, based on the best practice of the sector that is proven to work (not just telling you what has been seen, which is the usual practice of most consultancy companies). Helping individual institutions in the sector achieve good or outstanding teaching, learning and assessment through establishing robust observation of teaching, learning and assessment (OTLA) systems – depending on where your system is we can its validate current robustness by conducting observations (joint ones are best value as they train your staff) and scrutinising the gradings and paperwork historically awarded. If more work is required, we’ll equip you with the tools (training, paperwork and systems) to establish an OTLA system that delivers accurate and well recorded findings by your observers. Your observation system will help keep a focus on promoting improvement, identifying and promoting the sharing and adaptation of good practice by teachers (a reoccurring weakness in Ofsted inspections in the past year). We will provide you with the training, paperwork and systems to move your staff forward, encouraging their collaboration in the development and sharing of resources, so your staff will deliver learning in true teams. We will support you with either graded or ungraded systems. An approach of conducting joint ‘learning walkthroughs’ of 20 to 25 minutes duration is providing many institutions with an overview of their provision and enables the judgements of college observers to be tested out for their accuracy and breadth. Sharing exemplary practice and systems in self-assessment with you, leading to quality improvement planning that moves you forward – we’ll support you in developing your capacity to self-assess all of your work honestly and robustly so that your staff ‘own’ the resultant self-assessment reports and improvement plans, understanding their part in moving you forward. Few are really good at self-assessment, we can make sure that you are and that self-assessment moves you forward. Several colleges and providers have received very positive feedback about their SARs in 2016 following support and the use of LIS templates, particularly the use of a two page Executive Summary SAR that helps focus improvement actions. If you have a 50 page SAR it will not be an effective improvement tool. Helping you to produce position statements – if you think you are likely to be inspected it is important to be able to say where you are ‘now’ as self-assessment looks back on the past year - we’ll support you in writing effective position statements for key areas that tell you and others exactly where you are for that area. They are a great way to demonstrate to inspectors that you know your provision and have helped a number of LIS clients move from a grade 4 inadequate to a grade 2 good. Phil has also helped a number of colleges achieve grade 1s for their leadership and management. An exemplar position statement can be seen here but is not as good as what you will finish up with (samples can be shared)!! Conducting a confidential ‘health check’ of your organisation by one or more of the top and most experienced recent HMIs (and previously lead inspectors with the FEFC, TSC and ALI) – if it is sometime since your last inspection or there have been significant changes in management or what you offer, a ‘health check’ could be invaluable. We’ll examine your leadership, management, performance and quality improvement against and beyond the requirements of the September 2015 Common Inspection Framework in a way that can only be achieved by being carried out by the right people. Depending on institutional size and complexity, this totally confidential and focused ‘health check’ will ensure you know your provision inside out and have no surprises should you be inspected. It will help you to decide and prioritise how to move your provision on.

Dunwalkin' Driving School Edinburgh www.dunwalkin.com

dunwalkin' driving school edinburgh www.dunwalkin.com

As your instructor I will provide: A friendly and relaxed atmosphere Structured driving lesson plans where we can monitor your progress Driving lessons are one to one and where you will get my full attention Collect and drop off facility at your Edinburgh home address, or an other location within Edinburgh that is convenient to you A non-smoking environment (legislation requires the vehicle, being a workplace, enforce a non-smoking policy) My aim is to teach you “safe driving for life” and not just get you through your driving test. Testimonials Leslie was great. I started to learn with a different school and found the lessons stressful and really not enjoyable, but Leslie helped me to relax and was calm and patient with his explanations. I ended up passing first time and would definitely recommend him as a teacher. Nina Nicholl – 1 May 2017 I would not have passed, if it were not for Leslie’s exceptional patience and determination to ensure that I felt 100% confident going into my test. He was always able to get me the time slots that I asked without a fuss! Would highly recommend. Thank you Leslie! Ellie Robertson – 14 February 2017 Leslie @ Dunwalkin what can I say from the most anxious, unconfident person you will probably come across! You are the most patient and nicest person I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and learn from. You worked around my working hours, you taught me how to drive rather than just how to pass my test. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and the result a pass with 2 minors! I look forward to our next adventure – motorway driving. To all the students who are like me, I can not recommend Leslie enough. He is an absolute diamond. Caroline McDonald – 18 January 2017 I passed my test first time! Leslie was a great instructor who was very clear and concise when explaining things to me. He was patient with me and was very calm and supportive. I would highly recommend Leslie! Thanks again for all your help. Lewis Ajodani – 5 January 2917 After two attempts at passing a test with another instructor, I approached Leslie as his reviews were excellent. They did not lie! He has a really relaxed but clear approach to teaching and made me feel really at ease in the car. He is really logical about driving, and makes you prepare for the road and not just the test. Having just passed yesterday (something I was starting to think would never be possible!) I feel great. Highly recommend! Olivia Ainsworth – 25 November 2016 Dunwalkin’ Driving School is great! I already had a license from another county, and unlike other driving schools I have contacted before, Dunwalkin’ Driving School did not try to sell me more lessons than I needed. Leslie Muldoon was patient, good at explaining, fair and fun to be around. He made an assessment of my driving, estimated how many classes I will need, and I finally passed straight away on my first try. Excellent. Connor Ki – 23 November 2016 Amazing driving lessons great price and a professional service from start to finish could have not done it without his help and commitment to me thanks again and will miss the Tuesday chats. Steven Munro – 29 September 2016 Having originally started driving with another instructor before I moved to Edinburgh, I found Leslie’s approach to be much more thorough and patient. He took the time to answer any questions and talk through alternative scenarios to those that were encountered during lessons, as well as emailing additional resources to help my understanding. All of this came together to give me the confidence to pass my test and become an independent driver Nina Jeffrey – 26 July 2016 Leslie was a fantastic instructor. Organising lessons was a doddle and he was very good at changing lesson times if something came up. He was always patient, understanding and helpful behind the wheel and I don’t think I would have passed first time without him. Highly recommend. Stuart McGachan – 23 July 2016 I found Leslie at Dunwalkin to be a very calm, helpful and engaging instructor. He always made me feel at ease behind the wheel and helped my learn to drive in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. I would fully recommend Dunwalkin to anyone wishing to learn to drive the right way. Harry Smith – 7 June 2016 I would highly recommend Dunwalkin Driving School for anyone learning to drive. Leslie was a great instructor who made my lessons as helpful and stress-free as possible. Definitely wouldn’t have been able to pass my test without his help. 10/10. Scott Burrell – 18 March 2016 Having had a number of lessons with Dunwalkin’ Driving School and subsequently passed my test I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Muldoon. The lessons were quick and easy to arrange, and Mr Muldoon offered great flexibility, allowing me to book a lesson at a time and date that was convenient. Further, the actual experience itself was excellent, as Mr Muldoon was not only very informative and a fantastic instructor, but he did so in a relaxed manner, which allowed me as a learner at the time to feel more relaxed and confident about my driving, something which I think is very important. All of the essential areas were covered extensively with Mr Muldoon, but he was equally happy to spend some time on a specific area if I felt it needed attention. Overall I am very pleased I used Dunwalkin’ Driving and I would highly recommend them. Jamie Crerar – 25 February 2016 At the beginning I was a fairly nervous and hesitant driver, but Leslie’s calm, supportive approach to teaching put me at ease every lesson. I took just over 25 hours with Leslie between my first lesson and my successful first driving test, and I can confidently say that he made every hour worthwhile and always left me feeling like I was making significant progress. Lessons took place in and around the routes commonly taken during driving tests at my test center, so when the test came I was fully prepared. His step-by-step techniques for carrying out potentially tricky reversing maneuvers makes them seem easy in no time at all. Leslie’s relaxing, approachable in-car atmosphere and excellent tuition has developed me into a confident, safe driver, and I am glad I chose him as my instructor; I would recommend him to anyone else looking to learn. Calum Hill – 31 December 2015 Leslie provided an excellent level of driving tuition that prepared me not only for all aspects that are covered in the practical driving test (which I passed first time) but for likely situations that could arise in my driving beyond that. He was an extremely patient instructor who always had a calming influence in spite of my nervous driving and sometimes inexplicable mistakes! The atmosphere in the car was always friendly, with good natured banter to lighten the mood. He was also very accommodating and flexible to fit driving lessons around my work and social life, including on his supposed days off…! Could not recommend him highly enough! Elliot Reid – 8 October 2014 I hadn’t driven since passing my test several years ago and was a bit nervous about taking a car out on my own. Having a few lessons really helped to bost my confidence and helped with the areas where I was lacking a bit of experience – driving on motorways, complex junctions and parking. >Leslie was really patient with me and helped me get to a stage where I can happily take a car out on my own. I’ve finally got my freedom back! Ashley Campbell – 15 August 2014 He has been my instructor since last September and today, I have finally passed! If it were not for Leslie’s relentless patience and understanding as well as his reliability – I never would have gotten through it! Not only is Leslie an amazing instructor, he adapts his learning style to suit you and helped me to understand not only how to be a safe and knowledgeable driver but also Leslie helped me understand myself and how I learn much better. It has been a long journey (no pun intended) and although I am partially sad that it has come to an end, I know that I have the confidence and ability to be a great (and safe) driver. I would highly recommend Leslie (and have done already) to my friends and family. I cannot thank Leslie enough for everything he has taught me. Thanks and with best wishes, Anna Sacco – 2 July 2014 Leslie is a fantastic driving instructor. From the first lesson you feel relaxed and comfortable as he talks you slowing and carefully through what you will be doing and how to properly complete the task. Leslie is extremely patient and calm at all times which rubs off on you!! The atmosphere in the car is always friendly so you keep calm and really enjoy your lessons! Leslie not only prepares you to pass your test, but takes the time to make sure you are capable of coping with all manner of driving conditions and scenarios, which makes you are more confident driver. L Cameron – 4 March 2014 I set myself a goal of learning to drive by a certain point and Leslie helped me achieve that goal. His approach to teaching is second to none. Not only does he teach you the skills to drive, but he also prepares you for the theory and practical tests by asking you questions and making you aware of potential hazards. And, he teaches you how to become one of the better drivers on the road. He picks up on your body language and your mind-set, and explains why you are making mistakes; and he breaks down the more complicated situations, step by step, to help you overcome any issues with your driving. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. E Crossan – 12 Dec 2013 Excellent service for money! Very thorough and every single thing is explained well. Got me to pass on my first attempt! Would recommend to anyone looking for a driving instructor. Ben Davidson – 12 Dec 2013 I got in contact with Dunwalkin’ when I had two disappointments with other driving schools. When I started with Leslie he put me at ease straight away. After my first lesson with him he knew exactly what my weak points were and he built on them week by week to the point that I passed my test on 14/08/13. When you have leslie as a driving instructor you know that you have the right instructor, he is friendly and a very patient person, I should know when he had to put up with me and my mirrors, well should I say, the lack of using them!! All that said thanks again Leslie for getting me up to standard. Colin Bruce – 15 Aug 2013 The instructor was excellent, calm and supported me despite being very nervous at times. Easy to organise a lesson and prices very good. If anybody was going to get me though my test it was Dunwalkin’! Lewis Henderson – 17 June 2013 I started my driving lessons in October 2012 with Leslie and within the first lesson he was successful in teaching me the functions of the car and how do drive properly and not like in a video which I thought it was like at the time! He was able to do this through a mixture of it has to be said extreme patience, enthusiasm and the ability to put up with my constant questioning and answer them in such an effective way that it made me instantly more confident in my ability to drive. Leslie was a great teacher and it was thanks to him that I passed my practical test first time with only four minor faults! He was also extremely accommodating with the times of when the driving lessons took place and was flexible to my timings. I would very happily recommend him to anyone and hope that you are wise enough to make the choice of Leslie as your instructor! Alain Archibald I started my driving lessons at a comparatively old age with Dunwalkin. Throughout my learning journey, Leslie has offered a very professional, patient and enjoyable learning experience. He was particularly patient with my recurring mistakes and gave excellent practical pointers on how to avoid making them (especially on roundabouts!). He is very adept at removing stress and anxiety in new learners, especially those past their teens, and knows how to identify the root cause of learners’ errors and correct them. Coupled with excellent value for money, I would certainly recommend Dunwalkin to anyone looking to learn from scratch and reach a very high and safe standard of driving. Very grateful for all the training! Dan Blagojevic Leslie is a fantastic driving instructor. He is calm, patient, encouraging with his driving lessons and great at getting you past all your driving anxieties. During the driving lessons he simplified things where I complicated them, he clarified where I when I was confused and continually made me aware of my progress. As learner, I used to dread getting into the drivers seat but leslie ‘s positive teaching has given me such confidence in my driving and not only that, I enjoy it too! Vikki R Leslie was a great instructor. He allowed me to take things at my own pace but was not afraid to push me when he knew I was capable. As Leslie was very approachable I felt at ease speaking with him If I ever had any concerns over my driving. Learning with Dunwalkin suited me very well as Leslie was always very flexible in our timetable as my work hours would change week to week. I would highly recommend the Dunwalkin driving school as you are being taught skills to make you a good and conscientious driver for life and not just to pass a test. Sophia M Leslie is a fantastic driving instructor. From the first lesson Leslie helped me feel calm, relaxed and safe in the car, not an easy task with a very nervous learner. Leslie was always friendly, approachable, happy to answer any questions and flexible if lessons needed to be changed. His sense of humour, patience (of a saint!!!) and calmness made each lesson an enjoyable experience and helped me develop my confidence. Leslie’s approach is very much to teach safe driving for life, not just to get you through the test. His ‘coaching’ style enabled me to learn safe driving skills at a deeper level than surface learning which could be quickly forgotten. I feel confident that I now have the skills to drive safely on my own. I passed my test first time with 2 minor faults. I’ve already signed up for Pass Plus with Dunwalkin. My son has Asperger’s Syndrome and I’ve asked Leslie to teach him to drive as I believe he has the patience, understanding and skill to help him to become a confident and safe driver. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for driving lessons in a positive learning environment. Thank you so much Leslie you are a star. Jane M I found Leslie to be a calm, controlled presence in the car and had a firm grasp of all aspects required to pass the “practical driving test”. In addition, Leslie was approachable and honest, providing an accurate assessment of my skills. He accurately identified what I needed to improve in order to pass the test and also to become a good overall driver. Peter H I was a ‘late’ learner. Into my thirties before I plucked up the courage to learn to drive. And a pretty nervous individual into the bargain! But thanks to Leslie’s tuition and approach I quickly overcame my fears. He didn’t just teach me to drive, he gave me the confidence to drive (and not let mistakes get me down). And I passed first time! Colin M I passed my driving test first time with the help of a friendly and supportive instructor. I would fully recommend ‘Dunwalkin Driving School’ to anyone ready to hit the roads! Emma P You gave Alasdair the understanding of handling a car and driving with confidence and an awareness of other drivers. You made him aware of his limitations and keen to build up his driving skills. You encouraged him to undertake Pass Plus after passing his driving test (first time!) to make him safe as possible on the roads. You gave me the courage to take him out to practice driving.