Case Study 1 - Director of Children's Services

Role: Director of Children's Services

Key tasks: to lead and manage orderly transition to a Children's Services structure within the LA

Basis: 8 months full time 

We were approached by Central England LA who were in need of an Interim Director as their current Director had retired and they were having difficulties in finding a replacement.  They need a strong individual to lead transition to a Children's Services structure within the LA.

We were able to identify an ex Director of Education on our Excellence Chain and he was appointed against 2 other candidates because of his outstanding vision and proven track record for delivery. Within 2 weeks from the request we had agreed the terms of reference and entered into the LAs preferred style of contract.

The assignment went well although on arrival the secondary schools in the authority expressed significant dis-satisfaction with the services previously offered by the LA and Ofsted notified the authority of an imminent inspection. The Interim Manager managed to clear the inspection hurdle and now has recovered the trust of schools. Following the re-structuring of the LA the individual was offered the permanent post of Director of Children's Services, to which he was appointed.

We were able to further support this LA and Interim Manger by providing a former Head of School Improvement on a 2 day a week basis to coach and assist the newly appointed Head of School Improvement to plan and make fundamental changes to their service.

The LA were extremely pleased with the service they received and they provided the following accolade:

"Cocentra listened carefully to our needs and provided an individual with the right skills and experience to fulfil the role of Interim Director of Children's Services. We have been extremely pleased with their service."

Case Study 2 - Associate Headteacher

Role: Associate Headteacher

Key tasks: to support a school in challenging circumstances to plan and implement a step change in performance

Basis: Originally 1 term - extend for 2 years 

A London LA contacted us in the summer of 2004 enquiring into support required for one of their Roman Catholic schools.  After discussions between the LA, current Headteacher and ourselves, it was agreed they were in need of an Associate Headteacher for 2.5 days a week support. 

We able to supply a recently retired Headteacher at short notice who met the requirements and was acceptable to all parties, a one term contract was agreed.  A scoping document was drawn up and milestones to be met.  At the end of the agreed contract the school were so impressed with the work carried out to date they asked to extend the contract.  This was drawn up for the Spring and Summer terms 2005, and infact, ended up continuing until the end of the Summer term 2006.

By the end of the assignment the school had appointed a new full time headteacher and our Interim Manager had worked with the new headteacher. Everyone involved were delighted with the service and support that had been provided and the school is now able to move forward under the new head alone.

Case Study 3 - Associate Headteacher

Role: PRU Consultant Headteacher

Key tasks: to lead the PRU which was in special measures until new full time head was appointed

Basis: 2 terms 

We received a call from a Northern LA in need of some help with their Pupil Referral Unit which had recently gone into Special Measures.  This was a small secondary Key Stage 3 PRU for approx 9-12 pupils.

We searched our Excellence ChainTM and after speaking with various candidates we found a perfect match with an ex Headteacher of an EBD school who also had previous experience in the Council with Behaviour Support Services.

Meetings and discussions were held and our candidate was selected to provide Interim Support as a Consultant Headteacher for 3 days a week.  This commenced in the Spring Term 2005 and continued until the end of the Summer Term 2005.

Both the school and LA were very pleased with the work carried out and our candidate had positive feedback from the Link Adviser and other people involved in the project, aswell as compliments and good comments from the HMI inspector when she visited.

Whilst our candidate was supporting the PRU a new headteacher was appointed and shortly thereafter the school then came out of Special Measures.