A colourful dot on a dreary economic canvas: Building capacity for innovation in schools through the Coach Consult Programme

Abstract

Aim:This paper demonstrates that Educational Psychologists (EPs) are well placed to support the objectives of local authority Education/Childrens’ Services in bringing about sustainable, embedded and cost effective systemic change in schools.Method:An innovative method to promoting self-sufficient systemic change owned by school staff is the Coach Consult Programme, described by Balchin et al. (2006). This approach has been used by a Scottish local authority Educational Psychology Service (EPS) since 2002 to train teachers as Project Managers (PMs) to design, deliver, evaluate and disseminate their own tailor-made school projects.Findings:Early results indicated that the Coach Consult Programme was effective in delivering change and had a positive impact on pupils, staff and at the whole school level. Long-term data demonstrated that it is highly effective as a method of professional development and that project management skills developed throughout the training were transferable to other problem areas within the school. There is also evidence that the impact of the projects was sustained in many schools. This demonstrates value for money as a method of continuing professional development, and also effective use of EPs’ time.Limitations:The model has adapted and evolved in response to changing priorities with the drive to improve continually in response to feedback. The original evaluation framework was modified, and the process altered depending on the sector taking part, and also the EPs delivering the course. The evaluation was carried out by participants themselves and therefore may be subject to confirmation bias.Conclusions:The impact, value and cost effectiveness of the Programme has been realised by Education/Childrens’ Service Managers and EPSs. This model of project management training is now taking root in other local authorities in Scotland and England.