You may already be aware of the School Improvement Partners (SIPs) programme that is being phased in nationally. The role of an SIP will be to support and challenge schools to improve and be able to act as a 'critical professional friend'.

Originally from a variety of educational backgrounds, SIPs include current or former headteachers, school improvement advisers and external consultants with headship experience. All will be accredited to a national standard.

SIPS will be employed and deployed to schools by LAs who will monitor their performance. By September 2006 SIPs will have been assigned to all secondary schools, and the target date for all primary schools is April 2008.

Find out more about SIPs by following the link below. You can also find out further information at the following website address: www.ncsl.org.uk/programmes/sips

Visit the Teachernet site for more information