Advisory and Support Services

These services provide advice, guidance and quality assurance to leadership and management teams and the wider workforce.

Continuing Professional Development

The county council offers continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for the workforce in schools and early years settings. This includes centrally delivered, bespoke and accredited learning packages. Programmes include leadership development (including governors) a range of teaching and learning packages, support and development of NQTs and a range of professional learning opportunities focused on the early years foundation stage. Wider workforce development includes some externally accredited learning and training around safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.

For further information and to view our current course programme booklet, schools can visit our pages on Edulink (External Website).

Early Years Foundation Stage

Our early years specialists provide support in all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile. This includes support and guidance with learning and development, enabling environments and positive relationships, as well as supporting schools and settings with the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS) an internationally recognised evidence based quality improvement tool.

Learning For Sustainability

Worcestershire County Council offers support to schools in embedding learning for sustainability and other key strategies as they work towards becoming Sustainable Schools. Our major focus is supporting schools with the international Eco Schools Award scheme, which encourages pupils and other key stakeholders to take an active role in responding to themes such as energy, food, water, waste etc. through:

Their curriculum
On their school sites
With their local community
Within the wider global dimension.

View or download the latest Learning for Sustainability Service Offer for Schools (PDF 3 MB) or the latest Learning for Sustainability Service Offer for academies (PDF 3 MB).

View or download the Learning for Sustainability 2012 - 2013 Service Offer for this service (PDF 3 MB)

Schools Library Service

Worcestershire County Council's Schools' Library Service provides advice in the management, organisation and use of school libraries and resources. The experienced team offers training and resources in information literacy to support all school staff and governors in educational establishments for all ages and actively promotes reading for enjoyment.

View or download the Schools Library Service Service Offer (Link to Edulink) for this service.

School Improvement Service

Worcestershire County Council's School Improvement Service provide support and challenge focussed on the raising of educational achievement in schools. We also provide a range of services including quality assurance, pre and post Ofsted inspection support, advice and support on curriculum, learning and teaching, development of school policies and procedures and Headteacher recruitment. The service also contributes to the Children's Services CPD Programme for schools including provision for leadership development and governors.

For further information, schools can visit our pages on Edulink (External Website).

Worcestershire Arts and Music

Worcestershire Arts and Music team works with schools and parents to provide high quality teaching and tuition in music, visual arts, dance and drama. We also offer teachers continuing professional development in all aspects of arts education, a rich variety of arts projects and activities for children and young people, as well as support, advice and guidance in all aspects of arts and music education.

Worcestershire Association of Governors

The county council's Governor Services team offer a range of functions to support schools including managing governor recruitment and appointments, advice and support for governors, and advice and support for schools in matters relating to school governance. We also offer a network of support for governors including regular communications channels and governor training.