1. Leading for the Future National Middle Schools Conference October 2006
Malcolm Newsam
Director of Children’s Services
Bedfordshire County Council

2. Strengths of Middle schools
Limited age range
Gradual transition
Specialist staff and facilities
Outstanding pastoral care
Driving enjoyment as well as achievement
Loved by parents and pupils.

3. Challenges Declining numbers across the country
Recruitment and training
Continuity and progression
Accountability
Standards at Key Stage 2.

4. Meeting the challenges
Strategic view of the whole system
Personalisation and ICT
3 to 19 agenda
Co-operation within pyramids
Professional development
Moving staff between tiers
Free flow of information.

5. Leading for the Future Middle schools…
Driving innovation and creativity
Being an exemplar for cooperation
Leading on the needs of vulnerable children
Delivering the five outcomes
Building an education system for the 21st century.

6. A vision for the future
High ambition for our children and young people
A fabric of integrated services from early years to 19
A skilled and knowledgeable workforce
Embracing personalisation and ICT
Confident and challenging leadership
Children and young people actively engaged.